The ICSSWH (Integrated Collector Storage Solar Water Heater), apart from being the oldest is also the most economical means of solar water heating. The effect of modifications in the collector geometry has frequently appeared in the literature, and over the time, has resulted in different designs. These designs differ mainly on the site of installation as well as the target application. A novel design created by Professor T Muneer at Napier University, utilizes fins inside the storage tank to improve the heat transfer. The reported field tests of the fin type ICSSWH have indicated a 10 % improvement in the solar fraction compared to unfinned.
As ICSSWH is the lowest cost, it presented a possible solution for the Scottish market where Energy Saving Trust estimates that 50% of hot water demand of a household can be met through solar water heating.
In the present research program, two prototype collectors (one with- and one without fins) were fabricated at Napier University by the author. The collectors were then tested in the laboratory on identical experimental schemes to determine their respective performance. Simulations based on analytical modelling were then undertaken, using numerous experimental data for validation that were obtained during the course of the present work. A high degree of conformance was noted between the two. Furthermore, for a deeper insight, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed.
This research focuses on the qualitative and quantitative assessment of the heat transfer due to the fins. The difference in the performance with respect to the change in tilt angle was also studied. This study can therefore be utilised for developing solar water heating systems for any given location. Note that there is an intrinsic link between the latitude and inclination angle of the collector plate. The nocturnal loss from the collector is the principal factor that has inhibited the wide spread use of the ICSSWH. The remedies to abate this problem have therefore been attempted. In addition to that, the collectors have to be integrated with the domestic hot water supply system and plumbing considerations have to be incorporated within the overall design. The supply circuits were worked out and the measures for freeze and boil protection were devised.
The optimization of any system is an intrinsic task particularly when several variables are involved. On the basis of the obtained results from simulations and experiments, the influential design variables were identified. The values for these variables which lead to the optimal design in terms of thermal performance were assessed while keeping the overall manufacturing cost of the collector as low as possible. Recommendations for future work have also been presented.