Experimental investigation of a semi circular trough solar water heater

This paper studies the experimental analysis of a semi circular trough absorber solar water heater with baffles for improving the outlet water temperature. To increase the contact time of water with solar radiation and decreasing the flow rate of water baffles are kept in the absorber at a distance of 0.1 m. Studies are conducted for different flow rates of water in the absorber and flow rates increased by 2, 4, 8 and 16 times the base value of 0.133 kg/min. Results show that there is an increase in the outlet water temperature by 66.5 and 50°C with respect to inlet temperature during summer and winter, respectively, with an average inlet temperature of 34°C at minimum mass flow. The maximum water temperature during summer and winter conditions are found as 65 and 60°C respectively. Also, results show that the percentage increase in temperature of outlet water and average water temperature depends on solar intensity. © 2015, Allerton Press, Inc.