Mini Splits

John Mercier · 11-02-2022, 06:05 PM

Since mini splits pump BTUs... would a passive solar shed increase the efficiency in the winter?

I wonder because at least one of our exterior compressors at the store are on the south facing side of the building under the porch overhang.

I could enclose it to prevent heat loss, and use a collector to the south facing side.

ITD · 11-02-2022, 06:12 PM

I think the volume would be too small to be useful compared to the amount of heat the outside unit would need to remove from the air. IOW, the shed would end up colder than the ambient outside air rather quickly and it would become less efficient than just being outside.

I like the way you are thinking though.

John Mercier · 11-03-2022, 07:06 AM

That makes sense.
Even if I was able to superheat the air for a short period of time, without the natural convection of the ambient... I think we would be short BTUs and lose efficiency.

The economy isn't slowing down... so I'm just looking for any efficiency projects that we can get done.

11-02-2022, 06:05 PM	#1
John Mercier Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Posts: 3,369 Thanks: 3 Thanked 594 Times in 490 Posts	Mini Splits Since mini splits pump BTUs... would a passive solar shed increase the efficiency in the winter? I wonder because at least one of our exterior compressors at the store are on the south facing side of the building under the porch overhang. I could enclose it to prevent heat loss, and use a collector to the south facing side.

11-02-2022, 06:12 PM	#2
ITD Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonboro, NH Posts: 2,925 Thanks: 476 Thanked 691 Times in 387 Posts	I think the volume would be too small to be useful compared to the amount of heat the outside unit would need to remove from the air. IOW, the shed would end up colder than the ambient outside air rather quickly and it would become less efficient than just being outside. I like the way you are thinking though.

11-03-2022, 07:06 AM	#3
John Mercier Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Posts: 3,369 Thanks: 3 Thanked 594 Times in 490 Posts	That makes sense. Even if I was able to superheat the air for a short period of time, without the natural convection of the ambient... I think we would be short BTUs and lose efficiency. The economy isn't slowing down... so I'm just looking for any efficiency projects that we can get done.