UNIT -2
HOT WATER SYSTEM
Solar Hot Water System, which uses solar energy to heat water efficiently. The system consists of several
key components that work together to capture, transfer, and store heat for domestic use. Below is a detailed
explanation of each part and how the system functions:
1. Solar Collectors
At the heart of the system are solar collectors, which are typically mounted on a rooftop or an open area
with maximum sun exposure. These collectors absorb sunlight and convert it into heat. The collectors
contain a heat-transfer fluid (often glycol) that circulates through them, absorbing the solar heat.
2. Heat Transfer through Glycol Circulating Pump
The heated glycol fluid moves through the system with the help of a glycol circulating pump. This pump
ensures continuous circulation of the heated fluid from the solar collectors to the solar exchange tank. The
glycol fluid does not mix with potable water but acts as an intermediary for heat transfer.
3. Solar Exchange Tank
The solar exchange tank contains a coil heat exchanger submerged in water. The hot glycol fluid passes
through this coil, transferring its heat to the water inside the tank. As a result, the water in the tank gets
warmed up while the glycol fluid, having lost some heat, is pumped back to the solar collectors to be
reheated.
4. Cold Water Supply and Heated Water Flow
Cold water from the main supply enters the solar exchange tank, where it is preheated before being sent to
the existing water heater. This setup allows the solar system to reduce the workload on the traditional water
heater, saving energy and lowering utility costs.
5. Existing Water Heater (Backup Heating)
Once the water is preheated in the solar exchange tank, it moves to the existing water heater. If the water
has not reached the desired temperature, the traditional water heater can further heat it before it is supplied
to household taps and appliances. If the water is already at the right temperature, minimal or no extra heating
is needed, increasing efficiency.
6. Controller for System Regulation
A controller monitors the temperature of the glycol fluid and the water in the solar exchange tank. It
regulates the glycol circulating pump to ensure optimal heating performance. If there is insufficient sunlight,
the controller may stop the pump to prevent unnecessary energy consumption.
How the System Works Step by Step:
1. Sunlight hits the solar collectors, heating the glycol fluid.
2. The glycol circulating pump moves the heated fluid to the solar exchange tank.
3. The heat from the glycol is transferred to the water inside the solar exchange tank via a coil heat
exchanger.
4. Cold water enters the solar exchange tank, gets preheated, and moves toward the existing water
heater.
5. The existing water heater provides backup heating if needed before the hot water is distributed for
household use.
6. The cooled glycol fluid returns to the solar collectors to be reheated, continuing the cycle.
Benefits of This System
Energy Efficiency: Reduces the need for gas or electricity for water heating.
Cost Savings: Lowers energy bills by utilizing free solar energy.
Environmental Impact: Decreases carbon footprint by using renewable energy.
Continuous Hot Water Supply: Works with an existing water heater to ensure hot water availability
even during cloudy days.
Disadvantages
While a solar hot water system has many benefits, it also comes with certain drawbacks:
1. High Initial Cost
2. Dependence on Sunlight
3. Space Requirement
4. Maintenance and Repairs
5. Installation Complexity
6. Heat Loss in Cold Climates
Applications of a Solar Hot Water System
Despite the disadvantages, solar hot water systems have a wide range of applications:
1. Residential Use
2. Commercial Buildings
3. Industrial Applications
4. Swimming Pools
5. Rural and Remote Areas
6. Agriculture and Dairy Farming
PUMPS
A solar thermal-powered pumping system uses solar energy to generate mechanical energy, which is then
used to operate a pump. This eliminates the need for electricity or fossil fuels, making it an efficient and eco-
friendly alternative for water pumping applications.
Components of the System
1️ Solar Collector
Absorbs sunlight and heats the working fluid.
Transfers thermal energy to the heat exchanger.
2️ Heat Exchanger
Transfers heat from the solar-heated fluid to an organic working fluid (like refrigerants or
hydrocarbons).
This organic fluid evaporates into vapor due to heating.
3️ Heat Engine
Converts thermal energy from vapor into mechanical energy.
The expanding vapor drives a turbine or piston, producing rotational motion.
4️ Condenser
Cools down the vapor back into liquid by using cooling water from the ground.
Releases the absorbed heat into the cooling water.
5️ Pump
Uses the mechanical energy generated by the heat engine.
Lifts water from the ground for irrigation, drinking, or industrial purposes.
6️ Piping and Valves
Facilitate the flow of fluids and vapor throughout the system.
Ensure efficient heat transfer and fluid circulation.
3. Working Process of the System
1 Solar Energy Absorption:
Sunlight is captured by the solar collector, which heats a liquid inside it.
This liquid (often water or thermal oil) absorbs heat and becomes hot.
2️ Heat Transfer in the Heat Exchanger:
The heated liquid from the solar collector enters the heat exchanger.
Inside the heat exchanger, there is an organic working fluid (such as refrigerants or hydrocarbons) in
a separate coil.
The hot liquid transfers heat to the organic working fluid, causing it to evaporate into high-pressure
vapor.
3️ Mechanical Energy Generation in the Heat Engine:
The high-pressure vapor enters the heat engine, where it expands and does mechanical work.
This expansion pushes a piston or turbine, producing rotational motion.
The rotational motion is used to drive the pump.
4️ Condensation of Vapor:
After doing mechanical work, the vapor moves into the condenser.
The condenser contains cold water drawn from the ground, which absorbs heat from the vapor.
As a result, the vapor cools down and condenses back into liquid form.
This liquid is then recirculated back to the heat exchanger, completing the cycle.
5️ Pumping of Groundwater:
The pump is powered by the mechanical energy generated from the heat engine.
It lifts water from the ground, which can be used for irrigation, drinking, or industrial applications.
The cooling water that absorbed heat in the condenser is released as warm water, which can be
reused or discharged.
6️ Continuous Operation:
The process continues as long as there is sunlight to heat the liquid in the solar collector.
This provides a continuous and renewable way to pump water without electricity or fuel.
4. Advantages of the System
Uses Renewable Energy – Solar energy is free and abundant.
No Electricity or Fuel Required – Works independently of power grids.
Eco-Friendly – No pollution or greenhouse gas emissions.
Ideal for Remote Areas – Useful where electricity supply is unavailable.
Low Maintenance – Fewer moving parts compared to conventional fuel-based engines.
5. Disadvantages of the System
Dependent on Sunlight – Efficiency decreases on cloudy or rainy days.
Initial Cost is High – Requires solar collectors, heat exchangers, and heat engines.
Complex Setup – More components compared to a simple solar water heater.
Lower Efficiency than PV Systems – Solar photovoltaic (PV) pumps are sometimes more efficient.
6. Applications of the System
Irrigation – Pumps water for agricultural fields.
Drinking Water Supply – Used in villages and remote areas.
Industrial Use – Pumps fluids in cooling and heating systems.
Solar Thermal Power Plants – Part of renewable energy production systems.
Water Circulation Systems – Used in hot water distribution networks.
