Title of article :
Numerical study on the Performance enhancement of curved solar air heaters
Author/Authors :
Taghavi, Arman Department of Mechanical Engineering - Arak University of Technology, Iran , Hajizadeh Aghdam, Abolfazl Department of Mechanical Engineering - Arak University of Technology, Iran
Abstract :
In this study, the performance of a 3D curved solar air heater was simulated using fluent software. Then based on
the available data an equation is presented to estimate the efficiency of heaters with different curves as well as the
corresponding constraints. Increasing the curvature of the heater increases the thermal efficiency, but this is
compounded by the cost of building the machine and the pressure drop. The higher the pressure drop the stronger
the compressor will require to pump the air to the desired flow rate.
Keywords :
Solar air heater , Curvature , Heat transfer , pressure drop
Journal title :
Journal of Solar Energy Research
