Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Nigeria; Department of Physics and Industrial Physics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Okonkwo, G.N., Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Nigeria; Nwokoye, A.O.C., Department of Physics and Industrial Physics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
The experimental investigation of the performance of a thermosyphon solar water heater at Awka (6.12°N, 7.05°E) in Nigeria was conducted for a period of six months (November, 2009- April, 2010). The solar water heater was constructed and tested at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The solar radiation on a horizontal surface was measured using a Daystar meter (DS- 05A). The water mass flow rates were measured in m3/hr using a 'Multi-vane Wheel Liquid Sealed Water meter (LXSY- 15) and later converted to Kg/sm2. The relative humidity data were measured using the Taylor Hygrometer. The wind speed data for the period were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Awka. The results show that the daily average solar radiation for the period varied from 59.69W/m2 to 613.46W/m2. In the month of November, 2009 the daily average solar radiation on a horizontal surface varied from 356.26W/m2 to 416.56W/m2. In December, 2009 the values varied from 348.92W/m2 to 588.69W/m2. For January, 2010 the values varied from 263.54W/m2 to 478.31W/m2. In the month of February, 2010 the values varied from 59.69W/m2 to 564.00W/m2. In March, the values varied from 116.15W/m2 to 537.54W/m2. For the month of April, the values varied from 150.46W/m2 to 613.46W/m2. The daily average mass flow rates varied from 0.01Kg/sm2 to 0.211Kg/sm2 whereas the relative humidity (January to April 2010) varied from 11.23% to 87.31%. The wind speed daily average varied from 0.05m/s to 2.02m/s. From these results, it is evident that Awka receives enough solar radiation that can be conveniently converted through one of the solar heating technologies like the thermosyphon solar water heater to meet the hot water needs in this locality.