Performance Analysis of Solar Water Heater with Various Working Fluids

Optimized design of a solar water heater for effective heat transfer and the performance analysis was carried out in the present study. An experimental and theoretical performance of the system with an integrated heat pipe is evaluated for the same. The system uses a heat pipe with a wick to transmit heat from evaporator to the tank. The thermal behaviour of different parts of the system is analyzed. A sequence of tests are done on the heat pipe solar water heating system and thermosyphon water heating system to stimulate better configuration. The thermal efficiency of the system is optimized for maximum heat transfer using analytical techniques. Results show good thermal performance characteristics. Computation of various design parameters of heat pipe system related to the collection and consumption of solar energy are also conducted. Further, the exergy analysis and comparison of performance analysis of solar heat pipe collector with flat plate collector is also done.