Experimental study on the performance of built-in storage tank solar water heater in Benghazi climate

Ramadan Omar Saied

Physical Sciences Research International
Published: September 30 2014
Volume 2, Issue 3
Pages 54-61

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental investigation on a built-in solar water heater in Benghazi climate. The heater was a rectangular in shape (1440 × 720 × 6 mm) and manufactured locally from galvanize iron sheets with capacity of 60 L. The top surface of the heater was painted with black paint to perform the dual function of absorbing the solar energy and storing the heated water. A glass sheet of 2 mm thickness was used to cover the top surface. The sides and bottom of the heater were insulated with fiber glass wool to reduce the heat loses. Experiments have been carried out to test the performance of the heater: end-day, hourly and night cooling effect measurements. The results showed that the heater works efficiently under Benghazi climate. The maximum water temperature of the heater was 76°C, obtained on bright days. Night cooling effect on the heater was reduced by using a wooden cover or well-insulated drum.

Keywords: Isolation, insulation, collector, efficiency, cooling effect, latitude angle.

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