International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 10 | Oct 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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Performance analysis of a hybrid-coated solar water heater with and without beeswax phase change material at 150 and 300 tilt angles N.V. Narasimha Rao1, N. Alagappan2, CH V K N S N Moorthy3, Markndeyulu Vuggirala4 1,2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Annamalai University, 608002, Tamil Nadu, India
3Department of Mechanical Engineering Vasavi College of Engineering, Ibrahim Bagh 500031, Telangana, India. 5Department of Mechanical Engineering, St. Ann’s College of Engineering and Technology, Chirala, 523187,
Andhra Pradesh, India ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract – The present study investigates the performance
Energy Conservation Master Plan, this sector has an energysaving potential ranging from 10% to 30%. Reducing energy consumption and its associated impacts can be achieved through several strategies, such as using low-carbon building materials, enhancing insulation, installing energyefficient lighting, integrating renewable technologies, employing intelligent control systems, and utilizing lowcarbon fuels. The integration of renewable energy within building components should be designed to ensure both reliable performance and cost-effective energy savings. Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems represent one such approach, where photovoltaic modules are incorporated into the building envelope such as the roof or façade. By functioning simultaneously as a structural element and a power generator, BIPV systems help reduce material and electricity costs, lower fossil fuel dependence and greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance the architectural aesthetics of the building [2]. However, BIPV systems face a significant challenge related to temperature rise, which leads to reduced electrical efficiency and overheating. This efficiency loss primarily occurs due to the decline in opencircuit voltage (Voc), which possesses a negative temperature coefficient. At present, only about 15–20% of the solar energy incident on a photovoltaic (PV) panel is converted into electricity, while the remaining energy is converted into heat. This accumulated heat can raise the operating temperature of the PV module to as high as 80°C, resulting in a decrease in conversion efficiency of approximately 0.4–0.65% for each degree of temperature increase [3]. Consequently, many researchers are exploring ways to minimize the adverse effects of high temperatures on PV conversion efficiency by effectively dissipating heat from the module surfaces. The goal is to maintain optimal performance and ensure the system meets expected efficiency levels. Most of these studies have concentrated on various cooling approaches, including natural or forced air circulation, heat pipe systems, and hydraulic or refrigerantbased cooling methods [4-7].
enhancement of a solar water heater integrated with a beeswax-based Phase Change Material (PCM) at tilt angles of 15° and 30°. Experiments were carried out at three different flow rates 60 kg/hr, 90 kg/hr, and 120 kg/hr to evaluate both hourly and overall thermal efficiencies. The system incorporating PCM (WPCM) demonstrated superior efficiency compared to the system without PCM (WOPCM) under all test conditions. The maximum efficiencies achieved for the WPCM system were approximately 20.56%, 25.11%, and 29.90% at flow rates of 60 kg/hr, 90 kg/hr, and 120 kg/hr, respectively, while the corresponding values for the WOPCM system were around 17.67%, 22.32%, and 26.17%. The observed enhancement in efficiency is attributed to the PCM’s capacity to absorb excess thermal energy during peak solar radiation periods and release it gradually during the evening, thereby maintaining stable thermal performance. These findings confirm that integrating beeswax-based PCM significantly improves overall energy utilization and extends the effective operating duration of the solar water heater. Key Words: Solar water heater, WBPCM, WOBPCM, Bees wax, Copper tubes, Absorber plate, Thermocouples.
1.INTRODUCTION In line with the rapid pace of development and changing lifestyle patterns, energy consumption in Indonesia has continued to rise. This growth has occurred across nearly all sectors, including industry, transportation, commerce, households, power generation, and others. Between 2003 and 2013, the country’s total national energy consumption increased at an average annual rate of 4.1%, rising from 117 million TOE in 2003 to 174 million TOE in 2013 [1]. The commercial sector includes trade, hotels, restaurants, finance, government institutions, schools, hospitals, communication services, and other related activities. Data from 2004 to 2011 indicate that this sector grew at an average rate of 8% per year. However, this growth did not directly correspond to the increase in energy consumption, which rose at a slower average rate of 4% per year during the same period. In 2014, the commercial sector consumed approximately 5.22 million TOE, accounting for about 3% of the total final energy consumption. According to the National
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Emphasizes on the thermal properties of PCMs, techniques of heat transfer augmentation, and applications in solar water heating systems, all of which contribute to hot water requirements [8]. Studied the TES employing solid liquid phase transition was conducted, focusing on possible
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