Construction and Comparison of the Efficiency of Water Heating Systems using low Cost Solar Collectors

Abstract

This work describes the manufacture of two solar water heating (SWH) systems, one using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes and the other using PVC plates, both with approximately the same area of collecting solar thermal energy. The aim is to analyze their efficiencies and discuss physical concepts and their practical applications. Both SWH collectors were placed side by side under the sun, such that they were submitted to the same climatic conditions. This work also draws attention to the importance of using solar radiation1 as an alternative and sustainable source of energy for water heating.