Investigation of a Solar Air Heater with Transversely Curved Fins Theoretically

Abstract

A theoretical investigation has been conducted into the effects of dimension for collector on the rate of heat transmission and pressure decrease (∆P) parameters of a ∆P through solar air heaters (SAH) with curved fins. The flow channel was formed by two crosswise positioned, curvy fins placed beneath the plate used for absorption, and a uniform heat flux was given to the top surface. The effects of collector length and mass flow rate on a SAH with curvy fins were studied. Through research, it has been determined that as collector length rises, Likewise, complete loss, pressure decreases, and useful energy gain do. Nevertheless, the thermal efficiency of solar air heaters declines. Furthermore, the exit air temperature decreases the SAH due to a decreased mass flow rate. Lower mass flow rates also result in an increase in the temperature of the exit air and a decrease in the pressure drop. The curved fin solar air heater's pressure drop rises from 5.12% to 19.2% at a mass flow rate of 0.0114 kg/s. Concurrently, the curvy fin's increased output air temperature results in a decrease in pressure and an increase in overall efficiency. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that the air outlet temperature rises with collector length; however, for the curved air heater, this effect disappears at velocities higher than 0.045 kg/s.