Trying to catch up!

As things stand now, I'm trying to get caught up on my posting. Stay tuned for more photos, graphs and charts that I haven't scanned or downloaded yet. I also need to update my reference materials, since I have been reading library books pretty much all summer.

Interpreting Data!

I have been compiling data from my data loggers for a few weeks now. I have been trying to get a feel as to where to place them, and what variables are coming into play that is affecting the results. What I found was the direct sun was giving me abnormally high readings. The data loggers are black and so absorb the heat, as does the corrugated tubes. SO the tubes were covered and some insulation place around them. SInce I have taken these measures, my readings have been more consistant. I have named my logging locations as the inlet, the outlet and the ambiant air temperature. The ambiant air temperature will become the interior of the cabin temperature as I want to record the effect on temps from the tubes. but for now, that logger is inside the framing, in the shade. I have also taken the temperature of the bottom of the tube system, which remained relativelly constant, fluctuating slightly between 16 degrees and 18 degrees. Here is that graph taken on AUgust 6th and 7th. I have been collecting my data every few weeks in order to stay on top of things and make sure I am eliminating some of the factors in order to maintain  accurate data. If you want  to look at the graphs and photos more closelly, simply double click on the image.

Progress and Data Results Thus far!

Things have been moving along so far this summer.I still have not been posting as often as I would like. I'm in the process of putting the roof on the cabin, Sheathing next week. My Data collection has shown a lot of promise. When it has been hot, my temperature differential has been about 13 degrees celcius. At night, the air in my system has been as much as 8 degrees warmer. The temperature near the bottom of the tubes has maintained a 16-18 degree temperature throughout the day. My goal is to have the cabin at the lockup stage next week so I can measure the temperature inside the cabin. Here is an example of one of my data graphs.

Changing the name and purpose of my blog.

So now that my blog assignment is done, I have only been using it for my research. I will continue doing that, but since I like writing, I want to use it more as a vessel for my thoughts and ideas on a variety of topics. When I was in my twenties, I read a book called Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. I am shamelessly stealing that title for this blog. I have been thinking about alot of things lately, some thoughts on big topics and small alike. That is what I'm going to do with this blog. I don't think many people from my program are looking at the blogs anymore, so What the hell?

A little thought about the Cabin.

I have been building the cabin for a little while now, trying to make time whenever I can. It's been tough, with working graveyards (good name for the night shift since I feel like death at the end of my work week), doing my LEED course and trying to fulfil my family obligations. I also do not have any power on site, and decided against a generator, since my budget is very limited. I could probably save alot of time with one, but I am finding it neat doing things old school. Here are some photos of my progress.

I have been examining some of my data. Good results so far.

My data loggers are on and collecting a temperature reading every half hour. I have been looking at some of the results and am pleased with my system thus far. I have observed an 8 degree difference between the intake and the outlet. I still need to perfect my data collection in order to eliminate anything that could lead to a wonky temperature reading, such as the tubes (the exposed parts) getting too hot in the sun. Also I don't have a fan system as of yet, I am still looking at options, but the system seem to be drawing air without it.

Good news and bad news!!

Well here we are already into the Month of August. I guess that could be bad news as the summer is coming to an end. The good news is that I have finished my LEED green associate course and will sign up for the exam as soon as I get my confirmation number. The course was very interesting and I would highly recommend it. We learned alot of the concepts in our various courses. Anyways, the bad news is that I lost a months worth of Data on my data loggers. I should have put in new batteries before going to New Brunswick, but I didn't. And so I have no data to show for the month of July. I will have to continue collecting data through September, so hopefully it will be hot. The cabin is comming along, but I am way over budget. I will end up with a small writers cabin out of the deal so I don't mind. On a side note, I met Paul Fletcher from Riverside Energy. They did the solar system on the Dream home. Very interesting guy, I priced out a small system for my cabin, which hopefully, I'll be able to get later in the year.