Design and Construction of a Thermosiphonic Solar Photovoltaic – Thermal Water Heating System for Sustainable Development in Temperate Regions of Africa

Abstract

Abstract
The atmospheric temperature of some temperate regions of Africa is mostly about 30–45°C, it incites 30–80°C heat over the panel since black body of the PV panel observes more heat, and this temperature affects the electrical efficiency of the panel. The importance of energy availability in the economic growth, social and political development for every nation cannot be overemphasized. Affordable and reliable energy availability is the precondition for sustainable development. A thermosiphonic solar PV/T water heating system has been designed constructed and tested using locally available materials. Solar energy is received by the PV surface which then utilize a small fraction of the incident solar radiation to produce electricity and the remainder is turned mainly into waste heat in the cells, this waste heat is utilized by attaching an oscillatory flow heat exchanger brazed to a copper sheet and adhered at the back of the PV panel to extract heat from the PV panel, thereby increasing its electrical efficiency, and an insulated casing is placed at the back of the heat exchanger to reduce heat loss to the environment. Maximum fluid output temperature, solar insolation, thermal and electrical outputs are 63.2oC, 957 W/m2, 509.5 W and 140 W respectively, were obtained on a sunny day. This solar water heating system finds useful application and acts as a renewable energy resource in regions where there is abundant and consistent sunlight.

Keywords: Thermosiphonic, solar water heaters, solar energy, design and construction

Cite this Article

Mukhtar Abdulkadir, Sabiu Bala Muhammad. Design and Construction of a Thermosiphonic Solar Photovoltaic: Thermal Water Heating System for Sustainable Development in Temperate Regions of Africa. Journal of Alternate Energy Sources and Technologies. 2017; 8(3): 1–8p.