PERFORMANCE INVESTIGATION OF SOLAR WATER HEATER

UNDER THERMOSYPHON MODE

A PROJECT REPORT
A project

submitted in partial fulfilment for the

award of the degree

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY

In

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Submitted by

SANJEET KUMAR 2007360400045

Under the guidance of

Mr. BRIHASPATI SINGH

RAJKIYA ENGINEERING COLLEGE, AZAMGARH

DR A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
UTTAR PRADESH
2022-23
 DECLARATION

We here by declare that this is our own work to the best of our knowledge and belief, it
contains no material previously or written by any other person nor material which to a
substantial extent has been accepted for the award of any degree or diploma of the
university or other institute of higher learning, except where due acknowledgement and
references has been made in the text.

NAME ROLL NUMBER SIGNATURE

SANJEET KUMAR 2007360400045

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all, i would like to thank the almighty for providing us with the strength and
courage to present this project work, we avail this opportunity to express my sincere
gratitude to our project guide Mr. Brihaspati singh, Assistant professor, Department of
Mechanical Engineering for permitting us to work on the project.

Once again, we thank and express my profound gratitude to Mr. Vibhooti Narayan Mishra,
Head of Department, Mechanical Engineering, Rajkiya engineering college, Azamgarh,
for providing facilities to accomplish the project. We sincerely thanks to Prof. B.K.
Tripathi, Director, Rajkiya Engineering college, Azamgarh for his special help and we are
also indebted to all the teaching and nonteaching staff members of the department of
mechanical engineering for their cooperation and suggestion, which is sprit behind the
report.

SANJEET KUMAR

(200736040045)

iii
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project titled “Performance Investigation of Solar

Water Heater Under Thermosyphon Mode.” Being submitted by Sanjeet Kumar
(2007360400045) in partial fulfillment of requirements for the award of the degree of
Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering at Rajkiya Engineering College,
Azamgarh, under AKTU Lucknow.

This report is an authentic record of candidate’s own work carried out under our
supervision and guidance. The matter embodied in this project has not been submitted to
any other University/Institute for the award of any other degree or diploma.

………………………….. …………………………
Mr. Brihaspati Singh (Supervisor) Mr. Vibhooti Narayan Mishra
(Head Of Department of
Mechanical Engineering)

iv
 ABSTRACT

In nowadays non-renewable energy is harnessed to operate water heater in wide range.

Non-renewable energy is finite in quantity and cause many hazardous impacts on our
environment and surroundings such as global warming, acid rain, air pollution, water
pollution etc. Therefore, there is need to develop alternate of non-renewable energy. When
we use solar energy to fulfil our energy needs, we cancel out the need for electricity that
is brought from low grade energy source (Non-renewable energy) or natural resources. By
switching towards solar energy powered water heater, we are, in reality, saving tons of
carbon dioxide from being released into our environment and polluting it every day. The
cost of switching to solar based heaters is not very high and also, a solar based heater is
even more viable and an environmentally-friendly option than an electric water heater. In
fact, we can save up to 80% on our electricity bills by just changing the way you get your
water heated.

Keywords: Solar water heater (SWH), Flat plate collector (FPC), Flat plate water heating
system (FPWHS).

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Frontpage……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... i

DECLARATION…………………………………………………………….…………………………………….....………ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT…………………………………………………………………………….……………….iii

CERTIFICATE………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…...iv

ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………………v

CONTENTS……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………,vi

CHAPTER 01………….…………………………………………………………………………….………………………….8

SOLAR WATER HEATER……………………………………………………………………………………………8

1. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………...………………………...……….8

1.1 Approach to solar water heating system……………………………….…………………………………9

1.2 Benefits of Reduced Natural Gas Consumption …………………………………….……………….9

1.3 Future scope of solar energy in India…………………………………………………….………………..9

1.4 Benefits of solar water heater……………………………………………………….………………………11

CHAPTER 02………………………………………………………………………………...………………………………12

SOLAR WATER HEATER COMPONENTS AND SYSTEM……………...……………….…12

2.1 Solar Thermal Collector……………………………………………………………..……………...………….12

2.2 Insulated storage tank……………………………………………………………………...……………………13
2.3 Artificial Light Source Unit……………………………………….…………………………………………..14
2.4 Inclinometer…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..14
2.5 Anemometer…………………………………………………………………...……………………………………..15
2.6 Solarimeter………………………………………………………………………………...………………………….15
2.7 Sensors (Thermocouple and sensor) ……………………………………………………..……...………16
2.8 Fan………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...17
2.9 Scissor jack…………………………………………………………………………………………………..……….17

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 CHAPTER 03 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………18

SOLAR WATER HEATER UNDER THERMOSYPHON MODE ……………………..18

3.1 Thermosyphon Mode………………………………………………………………………………………..18

3.2 Important parameter of solar water heater system…………………………………………….19
3.2.1Total heat loss coefficient…………………………………………………………………………....20
3.2.2 Heat Removal Factor ………………………………………………………………………………….20
3.2.3Efficiency…………………………………………………………………………………………………....20

3.2.Heat Loss Coefficient………………………………………………………………………….……..…21

3.2.5Plate Effectiveness………………………………………………………………………………………21
3.2.6 Collector efficiency factor …………………………………………………………………...…….21

CHAPTER 04 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...22

OBSERVATION AND CONCLUSION ……………………………………………………………………...22

4.1 Observation Table………………………………………………………………………………………………..22

4.2 Advantages…………………………………………………………………………………………..……………....23
4.3 Disadvantages……………………………………………………………………………………………..……….23
4.4 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..24

REFERENCES………………………………………………………………………………………………………………25

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 CHAPTER 01
SOLAR WATER HEATER

1. Introduction

Earlier day we have a rich source of fossil fuel which provides us the required energy but
nowadays we are facing energy crisis we have shortage of coal and other petroleum
products in our various thermal power plants due to availability of petroleum products is
finite. Therefore, we tend towards alternate source of energy like solar energy, bio-fuels
etc.

Sun is great source of solar energy using solar energy we perform various kinds of
operation like solar water heating and solar distillation.

Solar water heater (SWH) is a device that uses solar energy in form of electromagnetic
waves to heat to heat water for various purposes in domestic, commercial and industrial
needs. Solar energy is an inexhaustible, clean and renewable energy source. A typical
solar water heater in existence for save up to 1200 units of electricity every year, for
every 100 litres per day of solar water heating capacity. A variety of configuration are
available at varying cost to provide solution in different climates and latitudes.

1.1 Approach to solar water heating system

With increasing environmental problems, depletion of fossil fuel resources, increasing

world population and naturally associated increase in demand for renewable energy,
much attention has been given to solar energy, which has the greatest potential among
renewable energies. The use of solar energy to heat water consumption in buildings is an
old technology, but optimized and promising. The demand for the establishment of solar
water heaters is expanding in the public sector as a result of few elements like fast
modernization, government mediations, minimal expense of establishments, and climate
well disposed of an application going about as an immediate merge for petroleum
products. During the beyond couple of years, the innovative work related with the
mechanical improvement of the use of solar energy has expanded dramatically. In any
case, there are different difficulties engaged with the choice of appropriate solar
innovation to give a superior presentation energy reaping application for homegrown
water warming necessities.

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1.2 Benefits of reduced natural gas consumption

As the population grows and the economy improves, India’s energy consumption is
growing rapidly. Constrained by the resource ability of “rich in coal, poor in oil and
gas,” India’s energy consumption is dominated by coal. The rapid growth of energy
consumption and coal-based energy structure has resulted in serious pollution problems.
For example, the concentration of atmospheric pollutants such as CO, NOx and SO2 in
some regions is far beyond the WHO reference value. These pollutants also seriously
threaten the health of residents. Health is a necessary pre-requisite for all-around human
development, a prosperous nation, and a strong country.

fig.1.1 Nuclear power plant fig1.2 Thermal power plant.

1.3 Future scope of solar energy in India

Generation of solar energy has tremendous scope in India. The geographical location of
the country stands to its benefit for generating solar energy. The reason being India is a
tropical country and it receives solar radiation almost throughout the year, which
amounts to 3,000 hours of sunshine. This is equal to more than 5,000 trillion kWh.
Almost, all parts of India receive 4-7 kWh of solar radiation per square metres. This is
equivalent to 2,300–3,200 sunshine hours per year. States like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar,
Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, and West
Bengal have great potential for tapping solar energy due to their location. Since majority
of the population live in rural areas, there is much scope for solar energy being promoted
in these areas. Use of solar energy can reduce the use of firewood and dung cakes by
rural household. Many large projects have been proposed in India, some of them are:

9
 • Thar Desert of India has best solar power projects, estimated to generate 700 to
2,100 GW
• The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) launched by the Centre
is targeting 20,000 MW of solar energy power by 2022
• Gujarat’s pioneering solar power policy aims at 1,000 MW of solar energy
generation, and Rs. 130 billion solar power plan was unveiled in July 2009,
which projected to produce 20 GW of solar power by 2020. Apart from above,
about 66 MW is installed for various applications in the rural area, amounting to
be used in solar lanterns, street lighting systems and solar water pumps, etc.

Thus, India has massive plan for Solar Energy generation that may not only fulfil the
deficit of power generation but also contribute largely in Green Energy Production to
help to reduce the Climatic Changes globally.

fig.1.3 Charanka Solar park (Gujrat) fig.1.4 solar power plant (Gujrat)

fig.1.5 Thumba solar power plant (Bihar)

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1.4 Benefits of solar water heater

Solar energy is easily available in daytime and it is free of cost which can be harnessed
easily but its efficiency can be increased with proper and efficient use of equipment’s
and technology.

1.4.1 Sustainability

The advantage of solar energy is that it is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. While
fossil fuels have an expiration date that may be fast approaching, the sun is likely to be
around for at least a few billion years.

1.4.2 Low Environmental Impact

Solar energy has a substantially reduced impact on the environment compared to fossil
fuels. Its greenhouse gas emissions are inconsequential as the technology does not
require any fuel combustion. Also, although concentrating solar thermal plants (CSP) are
comparatively inefficient in their water usage depending on the type of technology being
used.

1.4.3 Energy Independence

Since the sun shines across the globe, it makes every country a potential energy
producer, thus allowing for greater energy independence and security. Solar energy
doesn’t only promise to bring security and independence at the national level; solar
panels can be installed on individual homes, providing power that does not depend on
being connected to a larger electrical grid.

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 CHAPTER 02

SOLAR WATER HEATER COMPONENTS AND SYSTEM

2.1 Solar Thermal Collector

Solar thermal collectors absorb thermal energy from incident solar radiation, and transfer
to water or a working fluid. The obtained energy is then exploited for different purposes.

fig. 2.1 Solar thermal collector

2.1.1 Solar thermal Collector can be classified into two categories:

• Concentrating collector
• Non-concentrating collector

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A concentrating solar device collects the radiation on the intercepting area and focuses it
onto a very small absorber by adopting reflective surfaces (the intercepting area is wider
than the absorber one). This feature makes such kind of collectors suitable for middle
and high temperature applications. Conversely, intercepting and absorber areas coincide
in case of a non-concentrating solar devices, returning lower temperature of the outlet
water, making such devices suitable for low- and middle-temperature applications. Note
that, concentrating devices can collect beam radiation only whilst the non-concentrating
collectors can utilize the diffuse one too.

2.1.2 The four most non-concentrating common collector types are:

1) Flat plate collectors (FPCs)

2) Evacuated Tube Collectors (ETCs)
3) Integral Collector-Storage systems (ICSS)
4) Integrated Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) Collectors

2.1.3 Collectors performance affected by following factors:

1) Inclination angle
2) Wind velocity

2.2 Insulated storge tank

In a solar water heating system, a solar hot water storage tank stores heat from solar
thermal collectors. Typically, hot water storage tanks are wrapped in heat insulation to
reduce energy consumption, speed up the heating process, and maintain the desired
operating temperature.

2.2.1 Solar water heater system consists three insulated storage tanks arrangement
are as follow:

1) Hot water tank

2) Cold water tank-I
3) Cold water tank-II

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 Fig. 2.2 Storage tank

2.3 Artificial Light Source Unit

As the experiment setup is indoor unit and to test for various values of solar radiation, we
need artificial light source. An artificial light source is compiled setup of multiple
halogens of 150 watt arranged in systematic order.

fig. 2.3 Artificial light source

2.4 Inclinometer:

Inclinometer used to find inclination angle between flat plate collector and Artificial
light source unit.

14
 z
fig. 2.4 Inclinometer

2.5 Anemometer
Anemometer used to extract wind velocity of fan. Fan arrangement introduce in solar
water heater system to find effect of wind during solar water heating.

Fig 2.5 Anemometer

2.6 Solarimeter

Solarimeter determines the radiation intensity falling at the flat plate

collector surface.

15
 Fig 2.6 Solarimeter

2.7 Sensors (Thermocouple and Pressure sensor)

Thermocouple is shown in fig. 2.7 used in solar water heater to find temperature in solar
water heater at various region are as follows:

Fig.2.7 Thermocouple

• Collector inlet and outlet wate temperature

• Hot water temperature
• Collector Plate temperature

Pressure sensor is shown in fig. 2.8 used to measure pressure of water in solar water
heater at:

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 • Inlet and outlet of collector

Fig. 2.8 Pressure sensor

2.8 Fan
Fan is provided in solar water heater to observed effect of wind velocity on solar water
heating.

Fig. 2.9 Fan

2.9 Scissor jack

Scissor jack use to tilt flat plate collector at a fixed angle.

Fig. 2.10 Scissor jack

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 CHAPTER 03

SOLAR WATER HEATER UNDER THERMOSYPHON MODE

3.1 Thermosyphon Mode

The thermosyphon is the physical phenomenon by which a fluid circulation
is established in a closed circuit due to density difference of between the
fluids at different temperatures.

The thermosyphon principle is used in solar water heater system when the
structure of the pipes allows it. To do this, it is necessary that the path of
the heat transfer fluid is at various levels and is not too long. Therefore, the
movement of the heat transfer fluid between the collector plates and the hot
water tank is carried out solely by convection.

3.1.1 Use of thermosyphon system

Thermosyphon thermal collector used to heat water or other fluid for various purposes
through solar energy.
If we heat a tank of water from the bottom, its density decreases when the bottom water
of the solar tank is heated. Consequently, the heated water rises and the cooler water
down to the bottom of the tank.
It is the operating principle of thermosyphon solar water heaters, in which it will be
essential that:
• The solar panel is always located at a lower level than the tank
• The primary circuit of the solar thermal installation is as short as possible and
with a continuous slope that facilitates natural circulation.

The cycle of a thermosyphon system begins when solar radiation strikes the solar panel
with appropriate intensity. As a result, the barrier fluid located in the solar collector
increases its temperature. Due to the increase in temperature, the flux density varies
slightly. This variation is enough for the fluid to circulate through the primary circuit to
the hot water tank.

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3.1.3 Types of thermosyphon arrangement
Thermosyphon arrangement can be classified into two categories:
1) Horizontal
2) Vertical
Since the operation of the thermosyphon system depends on the stratification of the
water in the storage tank, vertical tanks are more effective. It is also preferable to have
the auxiliary heater as high up in the storage tank as possible, to heat only the top of the
tank with extra power when needed. It is essential for three reasons:
1) Improves layering
2) Tank heat losses increase linearly with storage
3) The solar collector operates more efficiently at a lower collector inlet
temperature.

However, horizontal tanks are often used to reduce the unit’s overall height. The flat
tank’s performance depends on the fluid’s conduction from the tank to the solar panel.

3.1.4 Block diagram for thermosyphon experimental arrangement

Figure 3.1 Block diagram of SWH

3.2 Important parameters of solar water heater system

There are number of factors that should be considered during analysis for performance of
solar water heater.

The first and most important step in order to build the model was to be able to quantify
the heat losses from the collector. In order to do so, the heat transfer coefficients needed
to be calculated. The easiest way to do this was by using thermal resistance circuit

19
diagrams to calculate the total heat loss coefficient, 𝑈𝐿, by separately calculating the heat
loss coefficients of the back, the edges, and the top of the collector and adding them
together as shown by the following equation:

1 1 1 1
UL = 𝑅 = 𝑅 + 𝑅 + 𝑅 = Ut + Ub + Ue
𝐿 𝑡 𝑏 𝑒

where t=top; b=bottom; e=edge

The heat loss through the back of the collector is given by:

𝑄𝑏=𝐴𝑐Ub(𝑇𝑝−𝑇𝑎)

𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑝=𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒; 𝑎=𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡; 𝐴𝑐=𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟

Similarly, the heat loss from the edge and top of the collector was calculated.

3.2.1 Total Heat Loss Coefficient (UL)

In the FPC, heat losses can occur from the top, bottom, and the edges through
convection/radiation. Higher losses will lead to lower performance. Here we will
calculate the total heat loss coefficient through analytical/empirical expressions.

3.2.2 Heat Removal Factor (FR)

Heat removal factor is the ratio of the actual heat gain to the heat gain if the entire
collector were at the fluid inlet temperature. It depends upon the factors like inlet and
outlet water temperature, the ambient temperature, area of the collector etc. A higher
value of the heat removal factor is necessary for a highly efficient design.

For a straight fin with rectangular profile the fin efficiency is given as:

𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛

FR =
𝑈𝑠𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑖𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒

3.2.3 Efficiency (η)

Efficiency is the most critical factor for a system. This factor determines the system’s
performance. For a flat plate collector based solar water heater, the efficiency is defined
as the ratio of the heat energy delivered to water to the energy incident on the collector
surface. The efficiency depends on parameters such as the product of glazing glass’s
transmissivity and absorbing plate’s absorptivity, the intensity of global radiation falling
on the collector, water inlet temperature, and ambient air temperature, etc.

20
3.2.4 Heat Loss Coefficient (UL)

Heat loss coefficient is the overall heat transfer coefficient from the absorber plate to the
ambient air. It is a complicated function of the collector construction and its operating
conditions.

UL = Ut + Ub + Ue

3.2.5 Plate Effectiveness

Plate effectiveness is defined as the ratio of heat conducted through plate to fluid, to the
heat when plate material has infinite thermal conductivity. Plate effectiveness represents
effectiveness of solar thermal collector.

3.2.6 Collector efficiency factor (𝑭′)

Collector efficiency factor is given as ratio of actual heat collection rate to the useful heat
collection rate when collector plate at local fluid temperature.

𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑙 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒

𝐹′ = 𝑈𝑠𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑙 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒

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 CHAPTER 04

OBSERVATION AND CONCLUSION

4.1 Observation Table

S.NO. Intensity Inclination Wind Hot water

(W/M2) angle speed(M/Sec) temperature
1 800 0 0 48.6
2 800 0 3 39.4
3 700 11.25 1.5 36.7
4 600 11.25 0 26.7
5 580 22.5 1.5 29.5
6 445 0 0 36.8
7 445 0 3 45.1
8 445 22.5 3 40.7
9 100 22.5 1.5 29.7
10 40 0 0 30.9

Table 1 (Observed data)

SOLAR INTENSITY VS MASS FLOW RATE

0.8 0.714
0.7 0.638
Mass flow rate (M/Sec)

0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2 0.128 0.13
0.1 0.02670.0536 0.137
0
0 100 200 300 Intensity
400 500 2)
(W/m 600 700 800 900

Graph 1 At varying wind speed and varying inclination angle

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 INTENSITY VS HOT WATER TEMPERATURE
55

50
Hot water temperature (0C)

45

40

35

30

25

20
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
Intensity (W/m2)

Graph 2 At constant (0 o) inclination angle and varying wind speed

4.2 Advantages

• Solar energy is free of cost

• There are no moving parts. It is therefore reliable and almost Maintenance free.
• Increment in use of solar water heater leads to reduction in carbon footprint.
• Eco-friendly in use.
• Low maintenance is required.

4.3 Disadvantages

• Low daily output during winter season.

• Installation cost is high.
• Whether dependent.
• Solar water heater requires sufficient space for installation.
• Only used to heat water i.e., perform single operation at a time.

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4.4 Conclusion

• Great portions of the total heating and cooling load are satisfied by solar energy
at optimum conditions that leads to reduction in use of non-renewable energy
sources
• A 100 litres solar water heater approximately saved 1500 units of electricity.
• Highest efficiency of thermal solar collector obtained at 45 0 in spring season and
22 0 - 23 0 in summer season.
• In thermosyphon mode optimum solar radiation falling on the flat plate collector
𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑡
is more than 200 for optimum mass flow rate of hot water.
𝑀2

• Soften water is best as a working medium of solar water heater because soften
water reduces scaling effect.

24
 REFERENCES

[1] Energy Balance of Solar Water Heaters Thermosyphonic Systems by Joseph

Nowarski, M.Sc., ME – Energy Conservation Expert Version 2, 21 September 2017

[2] Design and Performance Testing of a Solar Water Heater (DOI:

10.31695/IJASRE.2019.33634)

[3] Sharma C, Karwa R. Experimental study on an enhanced performance solar water

heater. IJCA J. 2014; 1: 20- 25.

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