D. SOLAR WATER HEATER
SAFETY WARNING
In strong sunshine, with the Sun overhead, the Solar Water Heater's parts and the water inside could reach
50°C (122°F) or higher. Always handle the water heater with care when ft has been in the sunshine. Adult
supervision is required.
Also required but not included in the kit: one
small and one larger plastic drinks bottle.
1.
Lay the transparent tubing into the groove
in the solar panel base as shown in the
diagram. Start about 35cm from one end of the tubing so that you finish
with about 40 cm of free tubing at the other end. Push the tubing gently
into the groove, being careful not to kink the tubing (this will stop the
water flowing).
2.
Carefully fit the cover over the base.
3.
To prevent heat from escaping from the
back of the panel, press a folded plastic bag
into the recess at the back of the panel. Use
the adhesive tapes included to fix the
different parts in place. (You may use more
adhesive tape from home to further seal the
edges for better insulation.)
4.
Stand the panel upright so that the longer tubing (40 cm long) is at
the bottom and the shorter tubing (35 cm long) is at the top. Insert the
ends of the tubes through the top of the screw cap with two holes. The
longer tube must protrude a little out the other side, and the shorter
tube must protrude by about 10 cm. Seal around the holes both inside
and outside of the cap with soft wax to make the holes watertight.
5.
You need to make a stand for the water storage tank. Fill the larger
plastic bottle with water or gravel to make it heavy so that it will not
topple over, and screw on its lid. Place the bottle connector around the cap.
6.
The smaller bottle acts as the storage tank for the heated water. Fill the bottle about 10-12 cm deep with
water. Screw the cap with the tubes inserted in it onto the top of the bottle. Now invert the bottle so
CONSTRUCTING YOUR SOLAR WATER HEATER
You will need: the black panel base,
transparent plastic tube, the cap with two
holes, the connector, soft wax, 40°C (104°F)
thermal indicator sticker and adhesive tape.
Summary of Contents for Solar Science
Page 9: ...h...
