A solar water heater based on phase-changing material

A water heater utilising a material which changes phase for storage of solar energy is discussed. The transient analysis is carried out by replacing the solid-liquid block of the phase-changing material by a fictitious solid and assuming that the solid-liquid boundary remains stationary throughout the day. The efficiency of the system and the outlet water temperature during the evening hours increase with the increase in the thermal conductivity of the solid-liquid phases of the materials. Hot water can be obtained throughout the day if water pipes are placed near the surface of the storage material. The outlet water temperature curve becomes flat if the pipes are placed near the bottom of the storage material.