What it does
SolarFlora is a solar thermal prototype that captures sunlight using reflective mirrors to heat water. It provides an energy efficient and sustainable water heating solution with low power consumption.
Your inspiration
SolarFlora stemmed from Malaysia’s abundant solar energy and growing need for sustainable heating solutions in agriculture and households. Inspired by the principles of solar towers and evacuated tubes, we wanted to create a compact, affordable system to reduce reliance on electric water heaters. Additionally, rising electricity costs and the push for cleaner technologies motivated us to explore solar thermal options. Market research and site analysis revealed a demand for portable, modular, and low-maintenance thermal systems. This inspired us to combine effective solar capture with accessible design to meet energy and climate challenges.
How it works
SolarFlora uses five reflective mirrors mounted on adjustable mirror petals to focus sunlight into a central glazing box. Inside, helical coil sits within a absorber tube. As water circulates through the coil, it absorbs concentrated solar heat, raising its temperature for domestic or small-scale agricultural use. A DHT11 sensor monitors air temperature and humidity, while a BH1750 sensor measures solar irradiance. A TA612C thermometer tracks inlet and outlet water temperature. The sensors feed data to an Arduino, which displays real-time values on an I2C LCD. This setup allows users to monitor solar heating performance while consuming minimal electricity.
Design process
The project began with conceptual brainstorming, aiming to merge evacuated tube principles with solar tower concentration for efficient thermal capture. A Pugh method was used to compare concepts, followed by CAD design in SolidWorks. Simulation analysis was conducted on key structural parts to ensure stability and optimise geometry under expected loads. Material selection was made using MatWeb and manufacturer datasheets to evaluate strength-to-weight ratio, recyclability, thermal properties, and cost. Components like the absorber coil, mirror frame, and base were fabricated using 3D printing, laser-cut acrylic, and manual assembly with standard tools. During testing, temperature and light data were logged outdoors over a full day. The system achieved water outlet temperatures up to 42.5 °C and air temperatures exceeding 60 °C in the glazing box. Several iterations were made to improve mirror alignment, base structure, and thermal enclosure. The final prototype successfully met our objective of demonstrating a water temperature rise using only solar energy. Feedback from exhibition panels also guided further improvements in mirror mounting, sensor placement, and tracking potential.
How it is different
SolarFlora stands out by focusing on thermal energy collection rather than solar electricity generation. Its use of copper coils for direct water heating eliminates the need for inverters or batteries, reducing cost and complexity. The adjustable mirror frame concentrates sunlight efficiently, enhancing heat gain without relying on photovoltaic panels. Unlike other bulky or grid-dependent systems, SolarFlora is modular, compact, and designed for portability. Its combination of reflective focusing and thermal circulation is unique in small-scale applications. The design supports sustainable water heating in rural, off-grid, or educational environments while using recyclable, low-maintenance materials.
Future plans
We aim to integrate an automatic solar tracking system to maintain optimal mirror angles throughout the day, improving energy capture. We also plan to upgrade materials for better durability in outdoor environments, and explore comparative testing to quantify mirror effectiveness. Additional improvements include integrating flow sensors for precise thermal efficiency readings, enhancing insulation to reduce heat loss, and improving mounting systems for safer mirror adjustment. SolarFlora may evolve into a scalable, commercial ready solution for sustainable water heating in homes, farms, and educational use.
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