Journal of Solar Energy Research

Performance Enhancement of Solar Air Heater with Different Roughness Absorber Plates

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Institute of Technology-Baghdad, Middle Technical University, Baghdad 10074, Iraq

2 Technical Engineering College -Baghdad, Middle Technical University, Baghdad 10074, Iraq

3 Technical Instructor Training Institute, Middle Technical University, Baghdad 10074, Iraq

10.22059/jser.2025.400971.1622

Abstract

This research assesses the heat transfer and performance attributes of the double-pass air heater (DPSAH) integrated with turbulators through a 3D CFD simulation methodology. DPSAH setup comprises of a rectangular channel divided by an absorber plate with double baffles; the lower side of the plate provides five fins in the flow direction, while the upper side of the plate provides eight different geometries. The numerical model has been validated against analytical and experimental findings gathered from the open literature with a satisfactory degree of deviance. Results demonstrate that wave plates improve heat transfer relative to smooth surfaces. This signifies that THPP increases with increasing Reynolds number. Although increased friction and decreased pressure require enhanced pumping power to maintain mass flow, the efficiency advantages at higher Reynolds numbers justify the extra energy expenditure. The turbulator significantly enhances the operational efficiency of the DPSAH in the absorber section. The wave plate exhibits a markedly elevated exit temperature and sufficient performance compared to the other cross-sectional geometries. Numerical estimations suggest that a waved surface can enhance the efficiency of a solar air heater by 14%. The results indicate an elevated airflow rate resulting from a reduced outlet temperature and an enhanced pressure drop.

Keywords

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Journal of Solar Energy Research
Volume 10, Issue 2
April 2025
Pages 2367-2382