Performance Analysis of Solar Dome

This project presents the design, fabrication, and comprehensive performance analysis of a Solar Dome Model intended for sustainable water heating applications. Utilizing the greenhouse effect within a semi-spherical glass enclosure, the system aims to maximize solar radiation absorption while minimizing convective and radiative heat losses to the environment. The experimental prototype features high-conductivity copper absorber tubes arranged in a serpentine coil on a well-insulated plywood base to facilitate efficient heat transfer to the water batch. Performance was evaluated through rigorous outdoor testing conducted over a four- day period, involving systematic hourly data acquisition of water temperatures. The results demonstrate significant thermal gain, with water temperatures rising from an initial 25 C to a peak of 52 C. A maximum hourly temperature difference 20^C was consistently observed during peak solar hours, yielding an estimated useful energy gain of approximately 837.2 kJ per peak hour for a 10 L batch. These outcomes validate the effectiveness of the solar dome geometry in heat trapping and confirm its viability as a robust, passive, and cost-effective solution for meeting domestic hot water requirements using renewable energy.