Design, Construction and Performance Evaluation of a Thermosyphon -Based Flat-Plate Solar Water Heater Using Locally Sourced Materials

Baba Shehu Abba Kawu, A.A. Safana, Ibrahim Murtala Musa, Mubarak Ibrahim

Citation: Baba Shehu Abba Kawu, A.A. Safana, Ibrahim Murtala Musa, Mubarak Ibrahim, "Design, Construction and Performance Evaluation of a Thermosyphon -Based Flat-Plate Solar Water Heater Using Locally Sourced Materials", Universal Library of Physics, Volume 01, Issue 01.

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

The increasing global demand for sustainable energy solutions necessitates the development of cost-effective renewable energy technologies, particularly in developing regions with abundant solar resources. This study presents the design, construction, and performance evaluation of a thermosyphon-based flat-plate solar water heater (SWH) fabricated entirely from locally sourced materials in Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria. The system comprises a flat-plate collector with a black-painted aluminum absorber plate, copper serpentine flow channels, a 3-litre cylindrical galvanized iron storage tank, a 4 mm transparent glass cover, and flexible plastic piping operating on the passive thermosyphon principle. Performance testing was conducted over six hours (10:00–15:00 hrs) under clear-sky ambient conditions at Federal University Dutse (latitude 9.08°N, longitude 7.40°E). Results demonstrated progressive water heating from an initial ambient temperature of 25°C to a peak outlet temperature of 65°C at 14:00 hours, representing a 40°C rise within four hours of operation. System efficiency varied from 4.28% to 100% throughout the testing period, with peak performance coinciding with maximum solar irradiance during midday hours. The thermosyphon principle enabled entirely pump-free operation, eliminating electricity requirements and reducing operational costs. This study demonstrates the technical feasibility and economic viability of locally manufactured solar water heaters for domestic applications in developing regions, contributing to reduced dependence on fossil fuels and promoting environmental sustainability.


Keywords: Solar Water Heater, Thermosyphon Principle, Flat-Plate Collector, Renewable Energy, Local Fabrication, Thermal Efficiency, Sustainable Technology.

Download doi https://doi.org/10.70315/uloap.ulphy.2026.0101002