Analysis of the Performance of a Solar Water Heating System Utilizing a Flat-Plate Absorber with Integrated Thermal Storage

Abstract

Solar water heaters (SWHs) are widely used all over the world since they use solar energy to power themselves. Solar water heaters that use aluminum-alumina (AL₂O₃) thermal storage at the collector base are the focus of this experimental evaluation. To maximize the efficiency of the heat transfer process and the water heating system, it is essential to incorporate thermal storage within the collector. An investigation of the efficiency of a solar water heater with AL₂O₃ thermal storage has been conducted. Tests are conducted on two different types of absorber plates: the standard flat-plate (SFP) collector and the SFP with AL2O3 as thermal storage. The tests are carried out over the course of a period of 180 minutes and under conditions of constant solar intensity. When the SFP and SFP-TS models are compared, the results indicate that the SFP-TS type has a greater outlet temperature than the traditional SFP. The SFP-TS model delivers a thermal efficiency boost of around 6% when compared to the SFP model with the same specifications. Adding AL₂O₃ to the absorber plate as a thermal storage material improves the thermal efficiency of the plate collector, increases the duration that heat is stored in the collector, and improves the absorption of radiant heat energy. 

Keywords: Solar Water Heater (SWH), Aluminum-alumina (AL₂O₃), Standard Flat Plate (SFP), Standard Flat Plate with Thermal Storage (SFP-TS)