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The influence of construction parameters on the performance of a low cost flat-plate collector

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  • Akomolafe, Taiye

Abstract

A simple flat-plate solar water heater which can be used to heat water for domestic needs, especially drinking water for villagers, has been constructed using locally available materials such as wood, saw-dust, sponge and palm-tree fibre. With palm-tree fibre as the best local insulator, the collector was used to heat water trapped in it to about 98°C. Using a natural circulation (thermosiphon) method, water in a tank was heated to about 42°C. An experimental approach has also been used to analyse the effects of construction parameters on the collector performance. Results show that at ambient temperatures, Ta, greater than 23°C (i.e. Ta > 23°C) the use of three or more transparent glass covers improves the collector efficiency because they make the collector less sensitive to wind speed and to slight changes in the ambient temperature of the surroundings. Efficiencies of 9.1%, 9.5% and 9.8% were recorded for one, two and three glass covers respectively when palm-tree fibre was used. It was also noted that a tilt angle of about 7°, which corresponds fairly well with the latitude of the experimental site of 7° for Ile-Ife gave optimum collector output temperature.

Suggested Citation

  • Akomolafe, Taiye, 1991. "The influence of construction parameters on the performance of a low cost flat-plate collector," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 1(3), pages 543-549.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:1:y:1991:i:3:p:543-549
    DOI: 10.1016/0960-1481(91)90069-2
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