Experiments with an integral compact solar water heater

Experimental results are presented for an Integral Compact Solar Water Heater, which was described and numerically simulated in [1]. Temperature fields, both in the collector channel and water tank, were monitored. An attempt was made to experimentally measure water mean velocity in the collector channel. The results show agreement with numerical simulations and they reveal the high efficiency of the system. Increased losses during no radiation periods require that the system should be equipped with means to prevent reverse flow. Two hot water draw experiments have been conducted and the experimental results are in agreement with theoretical predictions.