Development of a Solar Water Heater for Rural- Urban Use in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

Solar water heating products (SWHP) are a cost-effective option for traditional hot-water heating systems. A wooden box with glass, heat-storage containers, fluid transport and distribution systems, the thermosiphon concept, and control systems are utilized in the construction of the device. Results showed that when the time was set, the water heating system (SWHP) functioned from 10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 29°C ambient temperature. The temperature at the output is 4.7°C. At 2.30 p.m., the output temperature begins to fall. The efficiency is 12.3 percent. Similarly, WHS was subjected to 33°C ambient temperature from 10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It has a higher output temperature at the 1:30 pm collector (30.8°C), which is 1.7°C higher than the water’s entering temperature of 29.1°C. At 2.00 pm, the output temperature begins to fall as time passes. The efficacy is 18.6%. Furthermore, from 10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m., (SWHP) was exposed to an ambient temperature of 35°C. The output temperature in the 1:00 pm collector is 30.22°C, which is 0.58°C higher than the water’s entrance temperature of 30.8°C. Because commercially available flat plate collectors are more expensive and harder for individuals in rural areas to obtain, the primary goal of our research is to reduce costs by using locally available materials and to improve efficiency for small businesses.