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Solar Water Heater in Environmental Physics

1.   Solar Water Heater 

    Non-polluting, eco-friendly device to heat water to a very high temperature using the energy of sunlight

    Used for domestic and commercial purposes

●    Heat trapping method - Solar collectors

2.   Classifications 

    Based on the fluid used for heating

   Direct system

○  Indirect system

    Based on the type of flow of the fluid in the system

○    Active heater

○    Passive heater

3.   Direct system 

    Circulate potable water through the collectors and the heated water is used directly for household uses.

   Drawbacks

○    Little overheat protection

○    Little freeze protection

○    Corrosion due to hard water

4.   Indirect system 

    Uses a heat transfer fluid for heat exchange

    Offers freeze and overheat protection

 

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5.   Passive system 

    Depend on natural convection for circulation of fluid

●    Storage tanks must be at higher position

●    Advantages - Low cost and maintenance

●    Disadvantages - Low efficiency, Overheating and freezing of fluid

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6.   Active system 

    Uses pump to circulate water

●    Solar cell array can be used to power up the pumps

●    Solar pumps can be placed anywhere

●    Advantages - No issues of overheating or freezing of fluid, More efficient

●    Disadvantages - More expensive, Requires pump and more energy

 

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Solar Water Heater in Environmental Physics