Potential application of a thermosyphon solar water heating system for hot water production in beauty salons: A thermo-economic analysis

Abstract

Solar water heating systems can be used in any climate. However, their performance varies depending on the quantity of solar energy available in the region, and more importantly, the temperature of the water entering the system – the colder the incoming water, the higher the operating efficiency of the solar water heater. One of the noble benefits of solar water heating systems is the ability to save money, which is a reason that motivates most people to adopt them. In this study, a thermosyphon solar water heater was built and experimentally tested in an open field in Minna, Niger State-Nigeria, to determine the maximum water temperature and stability of water temperature in a 300-L storage tank for use in commercial beauty salons. The systems' performance was evaluated on partly cloudy and clear sunny days. The maximum outlet water temperature of the collector was 70.0 °C and 84.0 °C on partly cloudy and clear sunny days, respectively. The maximum temperature values of stored water obtained were 67.0 °C and 78.0 °C on partly cloudy and clear sunny days, respectively. The maximum thermal efficiency values of the solar collector obtained on partly cloudy and clear sunny days were 81.0% and 81.5%, respectively. The respective quantitative values of the collector's operational parameters – the energy absorption ( F R ( τ α ) ) and the energy loss ( F R U L ) characteristics – were 0.621 and 2.66 on the partly cloudy day and 0.622 and 2.25 on the clear sunny day. Thus, the thermosyphon solar water heater can meet the hot water needs of commercial beauty salons in Nigeria.