Dual Absorber Domestic Solar Water Heater
Atulkumar Yadav Tanmay Gharat
Department of Mechanical Engineering Department of Mechanical Engineering
Vidyavardhini’s College of Engineering and Technology Vidyavardhini’s College of Engineering and Technology
Vasai, Maharashtra, India Vasai, Maharashtra, India
atulkumar.s237232101@[Link] tanmay.s237002105@[Link]
Harsh Mhatre Vedant Ganekar
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Vidyavardhini’s College of Engineering and Technology
Vidyavardhini’s College of Engineering and Technology
Vasai, Maharashtra, India
Vasai, Maharashtra, India
vedant.s237002103@[Link]
harsh.s237052105@[Link]
Abstract—The growing concern over climate change
II. LITERATURE REVIEW
has accelerated the transition from fossil fuels to
renewable energy sources, with solar water heating Solar water heating systems (SWH) are widely used due
systems (SWH) emerging as a viable solution for to their ability to reduce energy consumption and carbon
domestic applications. However, conventional systems emissions. The major types of collectors include flat plate
face challenges such as space constraints, energy losses, collectors (FPC), evacuated tube collectors (ETC), and
low efficiency, and design limitations. This study compound parabolic concentrators (CPC). FPC systems are
presents the development and experimental investigation economical but suffer from higher heat losses, whereas ETC
of a dual-absorber solar water heater integrating a flat systems provide better thermal performance due to vacuum
insulation but are relatively costly. CPC systems can
plate collector (FPC) and an evacuated tube collector
achieve higher temperatures but require tracking and larger
(ETC) to enhance thermal performance under varying
installation space. Studies highlight that thermal
solar radiation conditions. Survey results indicated that stratification, optimized collector geometry, and proper flow
90% of users require more than 200 L/day of hot distribution significantly improve efficiency. This indicates
water, while 80% prefer compact systems within a cost a need for integrated systems that can improve overall
range of ₹13,000–₹18,000. Flat plate collector efficiency and adaptability.
experiments achieved a maximum efficiency of 75% at a
solar radiation of 945 W/m². The dual-absorber system
demonstrated a significant efficiency range of 51%–88% III. PROBLEM DEFINATION
under monsoon conditions. A 4 m² FPC system
produced 65°C for 200 L, while the integrated system (3
Despite advancements in solar water heating
m² FPC + ETC) delivered 60°C for 300 L, generating 1.5 technologies, several challenges still exist:
times higher hot water output with reduced area.
1. Conventional solar water heaters suffer from low
efficiency, especially under varying solar radiation
Keywords—Solar Energy, Domestic solar water heating system, conditions.
Flat plate collector, Evacuated tube collector, Dual absorber
solar water heater 2. Flat Plate Collectors (FPC) perform poorly in
diffused radiation, while Evacuated Tube Collectors
I. INTRODUCTION (ETC) are less effective in direct high-intensity
conditions, leading to inconsistent performance.
The global transition toward renewable energy is driven
by increasing environmental concerns and depletion of 3. Existing systems require large installation area,
fossil fuels. Solar energy, being abundant and sustainable, making them unsuitable for compact residential
plays a crucial role in this transition. Solar water heaters applications.
(SWH) are among the most efficient solar thermal 4. Heat losses and stagnation zones within collector
technologies, widely used in domestic applications. tubes reduce overall thermal performance.
Despite their advantages, conventional SWH systems 5. Lack of optimized design parameters such as tube
face several challenges, including low efficiency, thermal diameter, tilt angle, and collector area affects system
losses, and performance variability due to changing weather efficiency.
conditions. Additionally, space constraints in urban areas
limit the installation of large collector systems. 6. Conventional systems do not fully utilize both direct
and diffused solar radiation simultaneously.
This research addresses these challenges by proposing a
dual-absorber solar water heater that integrates flat plate 7. Market survey indicates a need for compact, cost-
and evacuated tube collectors to improve efficiency and effective, and high-capacity systems (>200 L/day).
reduce space requirements.
In addition, practical challenges include limited
installation space, high initial cost, and non-compact designs,
making conventional systems less suitable for urban
domestic applications. Survey findings further reveal that
most users require more than 200 L/day of hot water, prefer
compact systems, and expect affordable solutions within
₹13,000–₹18,000, highlighting a gap between existing
systems and user need
IV. OBJECTIVES
1. To design and develop a dual absorber solar water
heater by integrating Flat Plate Collector (FPC)
and Evacuated Tube Collector (ETC). Figure 2. Results of Test Rig
2. To improve thermal efficiency of conventional
solar water heating systems.
3. To utilize both direct and diffused solar radiation 2. TILT ANGLE TEST
effectively for consistent performance in varying Tilt angle experiments were conducted on evacuated tube
weather conditions. collectors to determine optimal inclination for maximum heat
4. To optimize system parameters such as tilt angle, transfer. Performance was evaluated based on temperature
tube diameter, and collector area. rise and efficiency under varying solar conditions. Results
5. To develop a compact and space-efficient system indicated that a tilt angle of 45° provided optimal
suitable for domestic applications. performance, ensuring effective natural convection and
6. To achieve higher hot water output (≥ 200–300 improved thermal efficiency.
liters/day) with reduced collector area.
7. To compare performance of dual absorber system
with conventional FPC and ETC systems.
8. To reduce heating time and improve system
response.
9. To create a cost-effective and energy-efficient
solution for sustainable water heating.
V. METHODOLOGY
1. TESTING RIG
Testing Rig experiments were conducted on evacuated tube
collectors of 48 mm and 54 mm diameters to evaluate
thermal performance. Temperature variation, flow rate, and
efficiency were analyzed under real solar conditions. Results
indicated that the 54 mm tube exhibited improved heat
transfer and higher efficiency due to better turbulence Figure 3. Tilt angle Test
characteristics compared to the 48 mm tube.
Figure 4. Tilt Angle Test Results
Figure 1. Testing Rig Setup
3. Storage Tank: A large insulated container located
at the top where the heated water is collected and
VI. EXPERIMENTAL SETUP stored before use.
4. Feed Pump: Located at the bottom left, this drives
the "Cold Water from Feed Pump Inlet" into the
system.
Water Flow Path (Hydraulic Circuit):
The system operates on a continuous flow loop, highlighted
by the blue (cold) and red (hot) arrows:
1. Inlet Stage: Cold water enters through the feed
pump and is directed to the bottom of the Flat Plate
Collector.
2. Primary Heating (FPC): As water travels upward
through the copper tubes of the FPC, it absorbs
solar energy.
Figure 5. Schematic Layout 3. Secondary Heating (FPC + ETC): The pre-heated
water moves through a Coupling into the second
unit. This unit is a hybrid section where the water
is further heated by the
4. Storage: The high-temperature water rises (due to
the thermosyphon effect or pump pressure) into the
Storage Tank.
5. Outlet: Hot water is drawn from the "Hot Water
Outlet from Tank" for experimental measurement
or domestic use.
Instrumentation and Control:
To analyze the performance of the system, the following
tools are integrated:
1. Temperature Sensors: Multiple sensors (likely
Thermocouples or RTDs) are placed at the inlets,
outlets, and within the collectors to monitor the
temperature gradient.
2. Transparent Glass Cover: Used on the FPC to trap
heat while allowing solar radiation to pass through.
Figure 6. Experimental setup
3. Control Valves: Visible near the storage tank and
The setup is integrated onto a Mild Steel Frame for inlets to regulate the flow rate of the water
structural support and consists of the following key units:
1. Flat Plate Collector (FPC): The first stage of
heating. It uses copper tubes housed in an
insulated box with a transparent glass cover to trap
solar radiation via the greenhouse effect.
2. Evacuated Tube Collector (ETC): The second
stage of heating. These tubes consist of two layers
of glass with a vacuum in between, which
significantly reduces heat loss by conduction and
convection.
VII. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
The experimental data recorded during the study is
presented in the graphical manner below. The observations
include key parameters such as outlet temperature, heat
gain, thermal efficiency, etc.
Temperatures were measured at four locations; FPC inlet
(T1), FPC outlet (T2), ETC inlet (T3), and ETC outlet (T4).
The outlet temperature was primarily used for performance
comparison between old and new configurations. Figure 8. Results of Month of March
VIII. CONCLUSION
• Hybrid system (ETC + FPC) shows improved overall
performance compared to individual collectors
• Outlet temperature and efficiency increase with solar
radiation, peaking between 12 PM – 2 PM
• Evacuated Tube Collector (ETC) provides higher
temperature & efficiency (~8–10% more) Because it
can effectively work in diffused sunlight
• Flat Plate Collector (FPC) ensures stable and
consistent heat absorption and work better in clear
weather
Figure 5. Experimentation Results Dated on 18/03/2026 • Flow rate through FPC increases from ~0.5 L/min in
the morning to ~2.5 L/min at peak, with maximum
flow between 1–2 PM due to strong thermosiphon
effect.
• Flat Plate Collector efficiency is ~45–65%, Evacuated
Tube Collector efficiency is ~55–75%, while the
hybrid system achieves ~65–85%.
• Integrated system produces 1.5 times more hot water
with less area.
• 54 mm tube and 45° tilt angle found optimal for
performance.
IX. REFERENCES
[1] V. Ravichandran, et al., “Experimental investigation on
solar air heating system using evacuated tube collector with
Figure 6. Experimentation Results Dated on 19/03/2026 coaxial tube”, Scientific Reports, Year 2026.
[2] X. Zhang, et al., “Thermal performance of two
evacuated tube solar collectors with flat heat pipes”, Applied
Thermal Engineering, Year 2024.
[3] A. Patel, et al., “A Comparative Study of Solar Heater
Technologies for Domestic Water Heating”, International
Journal of Scientific and Applied Research, Year 2023.
[4] B. N. Upadhyay, et al., “Comparing Solar Heater
Designs: Evacuated Tube vs Flat Plate Collectors”,
International Journal of Current Science Research and
Review, Year 2023.
[5] F. F. Hujailan, et al., “Flat Plate and Evacuated Tube
Collectors Solar Water Heater System – A Comparative
Study”, IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and
Figure 7. Experimentation Results Dated on 20/03/2026 Engineering, Year 2022.
[6] Greco, A., Gundabattini, E., Gnanaraj, D. S., & Masselli,
C. (2020). A Comparative Study on the Performances of
Flat Plate and Evacuated Tube Collectors Deployable in
Domestic Solar Water Heating Systems in Different Climate
Areas. Climate, Year 2022.