Abstract

Abstract: Solar energy serves as the wellspring of all forms of energy present on Earth, establishing its role as a significant contributor. The contemporary surge in global energy demand exerts pressure on traditional energy reservoirs, including coal, petroleum, natural gas, and fossil fuels. These resources, limited in nature, face potential depletion in the absence of recourse to alternative sources. Solar energy emerges as a viable substitute for diverse energy production processes due to its renewable attributes, devoid of any contribution to the emission of greenhouse gases or environmental contaminants. Furthermore, its enduring nature safeguards against imminent depletion. This study delves into the prospect of harnessing solar energy for hot water generation through a thermal system. The research involves the construction of a solar radiation tracking system operated manually. A comparative evaluation ensues, featuring parabolic trough solar water heaters utilizing distinct reflector materials, both with and without the incorporation of glass covers. The reflective component materializes as a stainless steel sheet-formed trough, skillfully cut and welded, integrated with aluminum foil and mirror strips for reflective enhancement. Functioning as the absorber, a copper tube boasting an 18mm diameter and 240mm focal length is adopted. The experimental protocol spans four phases, each involving varying reflector configurations, including instances with and without a glass cover affixed to the trough's surface to mitigate wind-induced losses below. Performance metrics are meticulously documented, subsequently subjected to comparison against three alternative scenarios. The experimentation transpired within the precincts of SRCEM College, Banmore, during the summer season of May 2023, situated in the region of Madhya Pradesh, India. The study's culmination sheds light on the potential of solar thermal systems for hot water generation. The insights gained from the comprehensive evaluation of parabolic trough solar water heaters, encompassing diverse reflector configurations and the influence of glass cover presence, lay the groundwork for a potential revolution in sustainable energy utilization. Amidst the contemporary energy conundrum, this research unveils innovative avenues that harness the abundant offerings of solar energy, promising a cleaner and enduring energy landscape.

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