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Solar energy for domestic use
Author(s)
Van Zyl, G.H.C.
Date Issued
2000
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Technikon
Abstract
The demand for pool heating has increased dramatically over the last few years.
This is ascribed to the idea that a swimming pool is expensive and can only be
used for four months of the year. Therefore, a need for a relatively inexpensive
solar heating system, capable of heating pool water to comfortable temperatures
for an extended period, does exist.
The least expensive solar heating system for swimming pool heating on the
market in South Africa is in the order of R 11000. This is a fixed system, usually
mounted on the roof of a house. In order to ensure the safety of minors, a safety
net or sail must be installed. This is an additional cost, which approximates
R1500, yielding a total cost for safety and heating in the order of R 12500.
Copper pipes packed in black material are utilised in these conventional heating
systems, and it is the cost of this good heat conductor that makes these units
expensive.
In this study an alternative pool heating system constructed of PVC was
investigated. The system is designed to be flexible, mobile, act as a safety
mechanism and absorbs the maximum amount of solar energy available. Dark
blue material as opposed to black PVC was selected for aesthetic reasons at the
expense of maximum efficiency.
The material strength was tested as well as the strength of adhesion. The
influence of factors such as exposure to the sun and the effect of water
containing chlorine and acid on the material were evaluated. Also, various means
of channelling the water through the system for increased efficiency was
investigated.
A pilot model was constructed and its performance evaluated. It has been
concluded that the alternative approach provides effective heating at a lower cost
than current systems. Also, the durability of the design was found to be
acceptable.
This is ascribed to the idea that a swimming pool is expensive and can only be
used for four months of the year. Therefore, a need for a relatively inexpensive
solar heating system, capable of heating pool water to comfortable temperatures
for an extended period, does exist.
The least expensive solar heating system for swimming pool heating on the
market in South Africa is in the order of R 11000. This is a fixed system, usually
mounted on the roof of a house. In order to ensure the safety of minors, a safety
net or sail must be installed. This is an additional cost, which approximates
R1500, yielding a total cost for safety and heating in the order of R 12500.
Copper pipes packed in black material are utilised in these conventional heating
systems, and it is the cost of this good heat conductor that makes these units
expensive.
In this study an alternative pool heating system constructed of PVC was
investigated. The system is designed to be flexible, mobile, act as a safety
mechanism and absorbs the maximum amount of solar energy available. Dark
blue material as opposed to black PVC was selected for aesthetic reasons at the
expense of maximum efficiency.
The material strength was tested as well as the strength of adhesion. The
influence of factors such as exposure to the sun and the effect of water
containing chlorine and acid on the material were evaluated. Also, various means
of channelling the water through the system for increased efficiency was
investigated.
A pilot model was constructed and its performance evaluated. It has been
concluded that the alternative approach provides effective heating at a lower cost
than current systems. Also, the durability of the design was found to be
acceptable.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech(Chemical engineering))--Cape Technikon, Cape Town, 2000
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