Practical experience in the production of hot water with solar energy

A passing idea that arose from a casual chat at the end of a class in college led to the construction of two prototypes, a mathematical model, countless tests, successes, failures, two final degree works and several publications and exhibitions. As a record, these pages contain the experiences gathered throughout the research and development work carried out by engineer Felipe Chillemi together with engineers Javier Alejandro Carletto, Omar Masini and Cristian Jonathan Lanzilotta Leone.First of all, basic concepts about solar energy and measuring instruments are presented, and the different types of collectors are listed, with special emphasis on flat plate collectors. Next, the construction process is described, as well as the construction characteristics of the prototype developed and the tests carried out are detailed. Finally, with the extracted data, we proceed to the study and contrast with the mathematical model proposed by Lanzilotta, where comparisons and alternatives are established. Also, the performance of the equipment is calculated taking into account the theoretical and real conditions obtained during the test.