Design and Construction of a Portable Solar Water Heater.

Abstract

The technology of solar water heating is an emerging field in Bangladesh. Due to the variety of economic factors and excessive use, other energy sources are being short. This project involves the design and fabrication of a portable solar water heater. The design of the solar water heater was done using relevant equations to size the major components of the system. The materials for the components were then selected with consideration to the design calculations, machinability, market availability and cost of the materials. The system was then constructed using the selected materials. The system consists of a buffer tank, an insulated storage tank of 20 litres capacity, a copper pipe is wrapped inside aluminium foil. The system was tested for six days; the first three days of testing were during the late raining season and the last three days within the dry season. From the first three days of testing during the late raining season, the highest outlet temperature recorded was 45°C. For the last three days of testing during the dry season, the highest outlet temperature recorded was 55°C. This difference clearly shows that the system performs better during the dry season when the irradiance levels are higher.