DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A PASSIVE SOLAR WATER HEATER
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This project presents the design, construction, and performance evaluation of a passive flat-plate
thermosyphon solar water heater suitable for domestic use in Potiskum Local Government, Yobe
State, Nigeria. The system was designed to heat 100 litres of water daily from 25 °C to 60 °C using
available solar radiation, without auxiliary energy input or pumps. A flat-plate collector with an
absorber area of 1.8 m² was designed based on local average daily solar irradiation of about 5
kWh/m²/day and an expected collector efficiency of 45–55%. The system consists of a plywood
casing, a black-painted aluminum absorber plate, copper tubing, single-glazed glass cover, and
an insulated storage tank positioned above the collector to enable natural thermosyphon
circulation. Experimental performance tests were carried out under clear-sky conditions to
determine the useful heat gain, collector efficiency, and temperature profiles. Results showed that
the system could heat 100 L of water up to 58–61 °C by late afternoon, achieving an average daily
efficiency of 47%. The study demonstrates that locally fabricated thermosyphon solar water
heaters can effectively provide domestic hot water in Northern Nigeria, reducing dependence on
electricity and fossil fuels.
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