AFFORDABLE, SUSTAINABLE SOLAR ENERGY HEATER FOR THE DEVELOPING WORLD
Impact/Purpose:
This research project has two objectives: 1) evaluate low-cost, easily maintainable, and sustainable coatings for a parabolic reflector that would be efficient and appropriate for developing locations; and 2) develop a simple, innovative, low cost method of tracking the daily movement of the sun that is usable in all latitudes and all seasons.
Description:
The proposed research project question is: “What is an optimum, low-cost, and sustainable system for basic home water heating in underdeveloped areas of the planet?” In the United States, the availability of hot water is taken for granted. A knob is turned and hot water appears. Many people in developing countries are not as fortunate. When hot water is needed in some areas of the planet, it must be heated in a pot over a charcoal fire, a wood fire, or a gas flame. This process to prepare hot water through small batches is time consuming, energy inefficient, and often unaffordable. Therefore the proposed project research goal is to develop a system for heating water that helps people in developing countries save time, money, and energy, while providing adequate amounts of hot water for all of their household needs.
Record Details:
Record Type:PROJECT(
ABSTRACT
)
Start Date:08/15/2009
Completion Date:08/14/2010
Record ID:
249215
Keywords:
SOLAR HEATING, SOLAR ENERGY SOURCE, ENERGY CONSERVATION, CARBON FOOTPRINT REDUCTION,
Related Organizations:
Role
:OWNER
Organization Name
:JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY
Mailing Address
:2000 W University St
Citation
:Siloam Springs
State
:AR
Zip Code
:72761
Project Information:
Approach
:Use materials that are locally available in most underdevelop regions, cost affordable and maintainable. Test various materials to find an optimum solution based on materials, efficiency of operation and sustainability.
Cost
:$10,000.00
Research Component
:Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development
Approach
:Use materials that are locally available in most underdevelop regions, cost affordable and maintainable. Test various materials to find an optimum solution based on materials, efficiency of operation and sustainability.
Cost
:$10,000.00
Research Component
:P3 Challenge Area - Water
Approach
:Use materials that are locally available in most underdevelop regions, cost affordable and maintainable. Test various materials to find an optimum solution based on materials, efficiency of operation and sustainability.
Cost
:$10,000.00
Research Component
:P3 Challenge Area - Energy
Project IDs:
ID Code
:SU834331
Project type
:EPA Grant