PERFORMANCE OF STORAGE TYPE SOLAR WATER HEATERS AND EFFECT OF PAINTS

Abstract

.1n experimental investigation of the performance of the storage type solar water heaters with plain and corrugated absorber surface has been carried out. Water heaters of overall dimensions 1.5m x .75m x .08m (90 litres of storage capacity) have been tested. The collectors were tilted at an angle of ~+-O° to the horizontal to collect the maximum solar radiation. The tests have been conducted at Roorkee 30°N latitude. Lampblack, synthetic enamel and bituminous paints have been used to coat the absorber surface. The water temperature in the collectors at five different locations have been recorded at an hour interval between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The collectors were insulated with 2.5 cm thermocole sheet between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. on next morning. The tests were conducted without water withdrawal and with ns water withdrawal relevant to Indian conditions. .- Hourly solar insolation and ambient temperature have been measured and efficiency of solar collector on hourly and daily basis have been computed.