how to make a solar water heater?

Filed under: Self Reliance |

solar water heater
Image by Wyrmworld
Those look like fairly expensive solar water heaters on the roof. Probably only the fact that they can’t be seen from the street has stopped them being ripped off.

This carwash has stood in various states of dereliction on Walter Road in Embleton for years. I don’t believe it’s ever washed a single vehicle.

Question by Emily F: how to make a solar water heater?
I’m doing an assignment for school and i have to make a solar water heater. Does anyone know how i can make one? Thank you!

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One Response to how to make a solar water heater?

  1. A simple solar water heater for project could consist of:-

    Materials: Container preferably round cylindrical as fuel can etc.
    Length of black poly pipe say 12mm X 3M
    2 – 12mm bends (90′) to suit poly pipe
    Drill and 10mm steel bit, for drilling holes in container
    Tube of silicon sealant for sealing the connections

    Method:
    Take container ( assuming a round 5 lt fuel can ) and drill
    a 10mm hole in the tin at the lower side and at the upper
    side to fit the bends into.

    __i xx i_______
    l xxxxxxxxxxx l <-- l xxxxxxxxxxx l l xxxxxxxxxxx l l xxxxxxxxxxx l l xxxxxxxxxxx l l xxxxxxxxxxx l _____________ <-- Fit the 90 degree bends into the holes and then fit one end of the 12mm poly tubing to the lower bend. Wind the tubing around the container in a spiral fashion, layering it neatly as you go until you get to the top bend, then cut to length and connect to the top bend. The poly tubing can be then sealed at the hole/bend connections with the silicon sealant. Applying a little silicon to the tubing can also help to keep it in place. You now have a metal container with black 12mm poly pipe ( drip irrigation line, from hardware ) wound around it, sealed water tight. The principle being that when filled with water and set in the sunlight ( solar energy ) the solar radiation will be absorbed into the black poly pipe, thus heating the water. The convection of the hot water will be such as to pass the heated water upward through the tubing . This pushing equal cold water into the bottom of the tubing to cycle the system. Cool eh! This may not get hot enough for a cuppa but it is still a solar water heater. Also reasonably inexpensive and within most people to make. I Hope this helps you with your project. later, Jim

    orgasmictomato
    December 25, 2011 at 12:49 pm
    Reply

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