Design and Development of a Solar-Powered Smart Heater

Abstract

Renewable energy sources are those that replenish naturally without depletion. Example of such sources are bioenergy, hydropower, geothermal, wind and solar energy sources. The alarming rate of global energy demand and consumption necessitates an immediate solution for energy conservation and maximum efficiency of new technological gadgets now being built. As a gadget, a solar water heater transforms dc electricity into heat energy, which is then transferred to the water in which it is immersed. The size of the heater is determined by its design, capacity, and intended purpose; it might be for household or industrial use. As an alternative to conventional electric water heaters, this effort focuses on the design and development of a solar-powered smart water heater. In tests using a variety of settings, the solar-powered smart heater that was constructed performed admirably. The components used include a PIC16F876A microcontroller, a 12 V/300 W monocrystalline PV, a 12 V/ 40 A charge controller, and 12 V / 150 W dc submersible heating element among others The temperature control capacity of the fabrication makes it useful in water management system applications such as in aquaculture fingerling hatchery, hot water dispenser and shower among others. The system showed excellent performance in water temperature control using a 150 watts dc heater. Keywords:Solar, heater, photo-voltaic, temperature-controlled, direct current, alternating current .