“Reduction in Heat Loss of Flat Plate Solar...

“Reduction in Heat Loss of Flat Plate Solar Water Heater by Modification in Material and Properties – A Review”

Author Name : Vaibhav G. baviskar, Dr. Sunil Satao

ABSTRACT

Efficiency of solar water heater is in the range of 25-35% as out of 100% solar insolation, only 45% solar insolation can be used for heating purpose while 55% was getting waste due to heat loss by conduction, convection, transmittance, absorbance and radiation through absorber plate, collector glass, insulation material, piping, support structure etc. Heat losses from the panel are considerable (more than 50 components) due to prolonged withstanding of heat & cool cycles, physio-chemical reaction, lumpy insulation, gasket rupture, heat and cool cycles, poor water chemistry, ambient factors like wind/rain etc., pipe internal scales, acid and scales formation, radiation, conduction and convection losses through solar panel, gasket erosion due to condensate and UV light cracking etc.