Computational analysis on solar air heater with combination of alternate dimple protrusions and intrusions on absorber plate with one rounded corner triangular duct.

Abstract

This study focuses on improving heat transfer by converting one of the corners of the duct to a rounded structure. To study the effect of dimpled shaped protrusions and intrusions on the rounded corner triangular duct with a constant radius of curvature by varying relative streamwise distance (z/e) with a constant transverse distance x'/e = 10,14 and 18. Steady-state, turbulent flow heat transfer under thermal boundary conditions is to be analyzed by varying different Reynolds numbers (5600 to 21000). The duct with dimple-shaped protrusions and intrusions is compared with a simple triangular duct. Optimization of relative horizontal distance (z'/e) by keeping constant protrusion to protrusion distance as z/e = 28 and relative transverse distance as x/e = 10, 14, and 18. It was noted that there was a significant loss in friction and a rise in heat transfer. The relationship between friction factor and Nusselt number was formulated using operating and roughness parameters, using the data collected from the numerical investigation. The friction factor increases significantly with roughness elements, and it is maximum for x'/e = 20 at a low Reynolds number. Nusselt number increases with roughness elements, and it is maximum for x'/e = 14 for all Reynolds numbers and all the models. Enhancement of Nusselt number is due to increase of local heat transfer because of local vortex neat heat transfer zone. The maximum outlet temperature is obtained at a low Reynolds number. The maximum temperature of the heated surface is obtained for Rc = 0.67h and the minimum for Rc = 0.33h.