The three provided diagrams illustrate the layout of a simple solar panel and its two associated applications in warming air and water.
In general, the solar panel is relatively simple in structure, made up of only a few components. In addition, its working principles are similar for warming both air and water except for the inclusion of a zigzag water pipe in the water heating process.
Concerning the composition of the solar panel, there is a square box upon which a sheet of transparent glass is properly positioned so that it can directly capture the sunlight. Moreover, the box is comprised of two holes drilled at the top left and bottom right, the former serving as an inlet and the latter as outlet.
Apropos of its functions, it is clearly evident that such a panel can be utilized to produce both warm air and water, albeit a slight difference in how water is heated. In particular, in order to generate warm air, cool air has to enter the box via the inlet. Once in there, the sun’s radiation absorbed by the transparent glass heats the air up, and subsequently converts into usable energy released through the outlet. Basically, a similar mechanism can be applied to heating water as well, but one additional step is required. This involves the use of a zigzag water pipe through which cool water is heated, unlike being directly warmed like air.