Sun tracking solar water heater mechanical engineering final year project

The project aims to design and implement a sun-tracking system for a solar water heater to optimize solar energy capture throughout the day. By incorporating a sun-tracking mechanism, the solar collector can dynamically adjust its position to maximize exposure to sunlight, resulting in improved energy efficiency and increased water heating capacity.

Key Components and System Design:

1. Solar Collector Design:
   • Explore different types of solar collectors suitable for water heating applications, such as flat-plate collectors or evacuated tube collectors.
   • Optimize the collector design for maximum absorption of solar radiation.
2. Sun-Tracking Mechanism:
   • Design a sun-tracking system using motors, sensors, and controllers to orient the solar collector toward the sun.
   • Consider both single-axis and dual-axis tracking systems based on the complexity and efficiency required.
3. Water Circulation System:
   • Develop a water circulation system that efficiently transfers heat from the solar collector to the water storage tank.
   • Include pumps, pipes, and heat exchangers in the design to ensure proper heat transfer.
4. Temperature Control and Safety Features:
   • Implement a temperature control system to regulate the water temperature within desired limits.
   • Integrate safety features such as pressure relief valves and temperature sensors to prevent overheating or system failures.

Performance Analysis and Optimization:

1. Tracking System Efficiency:
   • Evaluate the efficiency of the sun-tracking mechanism by monitoring the collector’s orientation throughout the day.
   • Assess how well the system follows the sun’s path and adjust parameters for optimization.
2. Heat Transfer Efficiency:
   • Measure and analyze the heat transfer efficiency from the solar collector to the water.
   • Optimize the system to achieve higher efficiency in converting solar energy into heat.