Haifa El-Sadi, Sammy Riadi

Abstract: Solar water heating systems are a fantastic way to harness the sun's energy to heat water for domestic use. By converting solar energy into thermal energy, these systems can significantly reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and lower energy costs. The aim of this project is to improve the design of solar water heater components such as solar collectors, water tank, piping system, and pump using SolidWorks. The SolidWorks CFD Simulation utilized predefined initial conditions, including solar radiation settings, to simulate conditions akin to Boston, Massachusetts, in early July, around noon, which is considered optimal for real-life testing. Through this simulation, a maximum surface temperature of 234 degrees Fahrenheit was attained. Factors such as head loss in each connection and variations in water temperature within the piping and the pump have not been fully accounted for. The flow rate of water at the intake and outtake points may fluctuate based on the water's temperature, introducing uncertainties into the system's performance. Changes in pipe sizing could alter the flow dynamics, affecting the overall efficiency of the system. These complexities highlight the need for further analysis and refinement to ensure accurate modelling and interpretation of results. AI is used to enhance the efficiency of solar tracking systems by real-time sun tracking using AI algorithms which can analyse real-time data from sensors to accurately predict the sun's position and adjust the solar panels accordingly. The temperatures were taken every 15 minutes for 45 min total as the solar collector absorbs more energy, the temperature of the stored fluid (and the collector itself) increases rapidly to 176 F.

Keywords: CFD, pump, Design, Solar panel, sensors

Date Published: November 26, 2025
DOI: 10.11159/jffhmt.2025.037

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