Solar water heating system experimental apparatus

Abstract

This paper describes the design and development of an experimental apparatus for demonstrating solar water heating. This solar heating experimental apparatus was designed to meet several requirements: 1) the system is to operate using the thermosiphon concept, in which flow through the system is created by density differences in the fluid; 2) to increase the solar energy absorbed by the water and improve the educational value of the project, the solar collector must have the ability to rotate in order to maintain a position perpendicular to the sun's rays; 3) the experimental apparatus must be mobile. A prototype of a solar water heating system was constructed and tested. The solar collector rotated as the sun position/angle was changing, indicating the functionality of the control system that was design to achieve this task. Experimental measurements indicate that the water in the tank was heated by the solar energy being absorbed by the solar collector. Moreover, the water temperature measurements at different heights in the storage tank show the thermosiphon effect has been attained. Solar water heating utilizing thermosiphon is attractive because it eliminates the need for a circulating pump. © 2012 American Society for Engineering Education.