Low-cost solar heater

• Grant number: 99/06335-5
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: December 01, 1999
• End date: August 31, 2000
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Construction Industry
• Principal Investigator: Julio Roberto Bartoli
• Grantee: Julio Roberto Bartoli
• Company: Sunpower Engenharia Ltda
• City: São Paulo

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to offer a low- cost solar heater able to heat sufficient bath water for a family of four, the final cost of which, with accessories and components, does not exceed R$ 100. The result of nine years of feasibility studies and analyses, it began soon after Sunpower Energia Solar Ltda. began operating. At the time of the Earth Summit 92, the first prototype of the solar heater was built to take part in the event’s companies exhibition. It was based on welded PVC film, the body in waterproof, corrugated cardboard, covered to produce the greenhouse effect in the collector (using film employed in flower greenhouses), and a water tank based on a polystyrene box. The concept was presented to Sebrae and immediately approved. Now, it is ready to be approved by an ideas and technological companies incubator, under the auspices of USP, Ipen and IPT. The team is willing to disclose the basic concepts of the project for public discussion. (AU)