Ammonia solar ice maker. Options

[cypster]

I guess after 2 years, you guys just sort of disappear....Sorry for being just a little late...

[randyf1965]

Anyone make one of these yet????

[frosthazard]

I've been working on my own variation of the STEVEN design. I came across the article a few years ago and ended up sorting it on the top of my pile of alternative resource designs. I'm still trying to work out some of the kinks and find the right variant design that will sustain ice production throughout the day.

by Justin Frost

www.myspace.com/frosthazard

This post has been edited by frosthazard: Jun 25 2009, 08:38 PM

[-soapy-]

For the giant ice maker thing, you can easily make a large Mylar mirror. Take a 55 gallon drum, cut it to whatever depth is suitable and weld a base onto it. Add an air-tight port such as an air valve off a tyre. Now stretch the mylar over the top and seal it on. Best way to do this is unknown, but I'd try getting a clean flat surface, laying out the mylar, putting silicone sealant around the edge of the drum (which must be smooth!) and place it carefully on the mylar sheet. Leave it to cure.

Once sorted, turn it over and reduce the internal pressure to get a concave mirror to your requirements.

Obviously you could use anything you like as long as it is round.

The Mylar won't melt due to the heat of the sun, as it cools so fast as it is a very thin sheet. Plus, the real heat isn't at the sheet, its at the focal point.

[jungle woman]

Hi
I and my partner recently left wet and dreary England to live in the jungles of belize where we are working towards fodd and power self sufficiency. We plan to build the solar ice maker next year and as neither of us has a scientific/engineering background I was really glad to come across this forum. Reducing the size of the reflector and extending the system to serve as a cooling room for vegetables and dairy products are of prime interest for us. I would appreciate any ideas on 'how to' or shared experiences of the practicalities and effects of any modifications to the original STEVEN's model.