Heat transfer and friction in solar air heater duct with V-shaped rib roughness on absorber plate

In this work, results of an experimental investigation of the effect of geometrical parameters of V-shaped ribs on heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics of rectangular duct of solar air heater with absorber plate having V-shaped ribs on its underside have been reported. The range of parameters for this study has been decided on the basis of practical considerations of the system and operating conditions. The investigation has covered a Reynolds number (Re) range of 2500–18000, relative roughness height (e/Dh) of 0.02–0.034 and angle of attack of flow (α) of 30–90° for a fixed relative pitch of 10. Results have also been compared with those of smooth duct under similar flow conditions to determine the enhancement in heat transfer coefficient and friction factor. The correlations have been developed for heat transfer coefficient and friction factor for the roughened duct.