CONSTRUCTION OF A PASSIVE SOLAR THERMAL AIR HEATER USING ALUMINUM CANS

Abstract: The technology of solar air heating system is an emerging field in Nigeria. Due to the epileptic power supply in Nigeria, alternative energy sources are beings ought. This project involves the construction of a portable solar air heater. Theconstruction of the solar air heater was done using relevant equations to size the major components of the system. The materials for the components were then selected with consideration to the market availability and cost of the materials. The system was then constructed using the selected materials, and the performance was also studied. The system consists of a flat-plate collector with a single layer of glass on top, and an absorber plate made of aluminium soda cans. The system was tested for three days, and the highest outlet temperature recorded was 48°C. The highest irradiance recorded was 925 W/m² on the first day of testing. The highest efficiency recorded from the system was 41% on the first day of testing. Keywords: Solar energy, Solar air heater, Aluminium soda cans.