Solar Water Heater
A solar water heaterCopyright https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_water_heating#/media/File:Calefon_solar_termosifonico_compacto.jpg
Student teams design and build solar water heating devices that mimic those used in residences to capture energy in the form of solar radiation and convert it to thermal energy. This thermal energy is next transferred to water (to be used as domestic hot water) in the form of heat. In doing this, students gain a better understanding of the three different types of heat transfer, each of which plays a role in the solar water heater design. Once the model devices are constructed, students perform efficiency calculations and compare designs.
Many of today's engineers focus their efforts on how to incorporate alternative forms of energy into our homes and buildings as a replacement for burning fossil fuels, which have a harmful effect on our environment. One way is to take advantage of the radiation provided by our sun, converting it to thermal energy to generate electricity, heat water and cook food.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Identify locations in the solar water heater at which each type of heat transfer is being utilized.
- Explain why solar energy is a good alternative to the combustion of natural gas.
- Explain how the engineering concepts in this design project can be applied to solve real-world problems.