MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF A PASSIVE SOLAR WATER HEATER
Abstract
The global shift toward renewable energy solutions has intensified the need for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based systems, particularly in regions with unreliable electricity access. This study focused on the design, simulation, and performance evaluation of a portable flat-plate solar water heater (SWH) using SolidWorks, with a case study application in Nigeria. The research leveraged computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to model the thermosyphon-based system, analysing thermal efficiency, temperature distribution, and heat transfer dynamics under varying conditions. Key findings revealed that the baseline design achieved a thermal efficiency of 58.47%, with an outlet water temperature of 70°C under standard solar irradiance (940 W/m²). Optimization strategies—including material substitution (copper absorber/collector) and reduced tube diameter (8 mm), improve efficiency to 73.7% and raise the outlet temperature to 80.66°C. The simulation results aligned closely with experimental data from a reference case study, validating the model’s reliability while highlighting discrepancies attributed to idealized boundary conditions. The study underscores the potential of solar water heaters to mitigate energy poverty and reduce carbon emissions in sun-rich regions like Nigeria. Recommendations for future work emphasize experimental validation, advanced material integration, and policy-driven adoption strategies. By bridging computational modelling with real-world applicability, this research contributes to the optimization and scalability of solar thermal technologies, supporting global transitions to clean energy.
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