How to water the desert

Step 5: Testing the system

I'm going to do some measuring to see the relationship between heat input and elevation of water through the pipes.  Commenter bbiorn informed me that coffee makers work on the same principle as this system, called Thermosiphon.

Apparently, a system similar has been proposed here.

I propose using copper tubes, slightly angled from a tub of water, and a propane tank underneath the tube for heat.  I'll prime the tube and install a check valve to keep water in the pipe prior to flow.

I'll probably blow myself up or burn down my back yard, but I'm heading to the hardware store now.

Comments

[buteman]

Coffee machines do not work on the thermosyphon system they use what is called a bubble pump system. Also the link you have shown as thermosyphon does indeed show how a thermosyphon works. Unfortunately your idea is NOT a thermosyphon as you can see that the thermosyphon is circulating water and most importantly all the circulation takes place below the water surface.
Sadly it will not lift water above the water surface by the method you propose.