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Forum Index : Solar : Heat Conductor

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Art_

Newbie

Joined: 22/10/2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 30
Posted: 12:51am 08 Dec 2007
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Hi Guys,
I've asked this on technology (electronics) forums as well... but here goes...

I have to assume that ordinary silicone sealant doesn't have the same
heat conducting property as the silicone grease used on CPU heatsinks,
otherwise there would be no reason to spend the extra on a tiny tube of silicone grease.

I'm looking to fill a small area between the back of a panel,
and it's aluminium backing that I have added to support a centre fitted stalk/mast.
Last time i used Bostik foam filler that comes
in a spray can an expands prior to setting,
but that is a heat insulator, not conductor.

Any ideas of something that could be pumped through a hole,
or added to the mix with the foam?
Or is silicone sealant a good conductor as well?
Cheers, Art.
If not actually, then potentially.
 
Gill

Senior Member

Joined: 11/11/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 669
Posted: 03:45am 08 Dec 2007
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G'day Art_,
Thermal conduction is worst with gas, better with liquids, and best with solids. Of the solids, metals are best with copper being excellent and economical. Of the solids wood and glass are poor. Rubber including silicon types are poor unless they have been specifically manufactured for thermal conduction. Such rubber is very expensive so is not made for gap filling.

My suggestion is to fill the gap with a plate of aluminium. Cut-outs can be made where necessary to fit over screw heads if these are a problem. A template of cardboard first would ensure these are correctly located.
was working fine... til the smoke got out.
Cheers Gill _Cairns, FNQ
 
Art_

Newbie

Joined: 22/10/2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 30
Posted: 07:43am 08 Dec 2007
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I should have really used a sheet of aluminium folded over
to meet the backing plate, but this one is sealed already
with holes only big enough to squeeze something through
before I finish off sealing for the cable, and some more
rivets.

Lucky there is some aluminium support beams inside, and liberal
use of silicone might do some good for transfer to the back.

The last one didn't seem to suffer when biult the same way
only insulating filler foam was used.
I would have thought performance would be adversely affected.
If not actually, then potentially.
 
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