Topic: Solar Shield Materials

[cawalke3]

I have not been able to find an answer to this question, so I hope someone can settle this for me:
Is there a disadvantage to using metal plates (probably aluminum) in the construction of a solar shield? Most that I have seen use a plastic of some kind. I have just wondered if UV concerns could be reduced by getting away from plastics. Maybe the thermal conductivity of the metal causes too much trouble?

[Bushman]

Plastic bowls are cheaper and do not conduct the heat as badly as alu.  But painted as suggested they would be fine.  You can usually find plastic bowls in the dollar store for dirt cheap.

[DoctorKnow]

I would suggest that you look for larger bowls rather than small ones, as the small ones don't allow for the air to mix in enough. Even some large platter type plastic plates turned over and spaced closely can work. I used some large plastic "popcorn cartons" I got at the dollar store, and they really do the job also. Plenty of room for sheltering your sensor.

https://www.google.com/search?q=plastic+popcorn+cartons&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=AuMzVf-gF4SqgwS3s4CYBQ&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAg&biw=1600&bih=748

[Greg_M]

You may wish to review this idea
http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=16722.0

[Bushman]

Or something like this:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-of-6-WHITE-Plastic-Bowls-21oz-FREE-SHIPPING-/191560377267  I got six for 4 bucks at the dollar store of similar ones.

[nincehelser]

I have not been able to find an answer to this question, so I hope someone can settle this for me:
Is there a disadvantage to using metal plates (probably aluminum) in the construction of a solar shield? Most that I have seen use a plastic of some kind. I have just wondered if UV concerns could be reduced by getting away from plastics. Maybe the thermal conductivity of the metal causes too much trouble?

There's nothing necessarily wrong with metal as long as the interior is adequately ventilated.  However, metal could be a problem if you're communicating wirelessly with your sensor.

[vreihen]

FWIW, some dollar stores have bargains on stainless steel bowls.  I have a friend who bought a package of 12 small stainless finger food dipping bowls for a few bucks to use in a DIY hydrogen generator.  They may be a bit too small for a solar shield, but they did have other sizes on the shelf.....

[aweatherguy]

I don't know how important thermal conductivity is in this application, but here are the thermal conductivities of aluminum versus stainless steel, in watts per meter per degreee Kelvin (see Wikipedia linked below for example):

Aluminum:        205
Stainless steel: 16

If lower is better then stainless is a 13:1 winner.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_thermal_conductivities

[mcrossley]

If you use stainless steel it must still be painted white.