The power of the sun

The more observant amongst those at Asian University may have noticed an odd-looking black structure on one of the balconies on the western side of the academic building.

This is the end product of one the M.E.D. final year projects for 2003-4, as designed and built by Pasin Amornprapawat. Without the need for any electricity, it supplies water at a suitable temperature for a shower. It uses energy from the sun to both heat and to make the water flow through the system. It can store the hot water overnight, ready for a shower in the morning. The prototype proves the concepts and achieves about 85% the maximum theoretical performance for the design. Unfortunately it cannot supply the needs of all of our students who currently take cold showers in the morning. Perhaps, with future projects and several phases of development, we might have a very cheap source of hot water for the whole university dormitory. This is an example of modern design concepts for sustainable development: something that is very important for all countries, and part of the United Nations' Millenium Development Goals.