Numerical evaluation of phase-change material-assisted solar water heater system

Abstract

The intake of hot water helps in keeping the body healthy, hydrated and protected against harmful bacteria, protozoa and viruses. As per WHO, the exposure of 55°C temperature for 20 min, can kill coronavirus and also other disease-causing organisms. The present study aims at maintaining hot water temperature of 55°C and above, with the use of phase-change material (PCM) within the solar water heating system for application in households and hospitals. A detailed performance evaluation for PCM integrated solar water heating system has been carried out. The phase-change behaviour of paraffin wax-6035 incorporated within copper tube in three different configurations (without fin, single fin and triple fin) is studied using CFD analysis. The results show that single fin configuration can maintain the required output water temperature sufficiently long enough to provide hot water during off-sunshine hours and is recommended for implementation.