Exergetic performance evaluation of SAH with inclined ribs used as coarseness in triangular duct

Abstract

Exergetic efficiency analysis is one of the important tools to determine the thermal performance of Solar Air Heater as it taken useful energy gain and the pumping power in the consideration. In this research, an analytical study is carried out to evaluate the exergetic performance of SAH with inclined rib coarseness attached to the underside of the absorber plate in a triangular duct. The exergetic efficiency were calculated and compared to smooth Solar Air heater. The exergetic efficiency is highest for Reynold number 10000, relative roughness height of 0.043, relative roughness pitch of 12 and angle of attack of 60°. The optimum value of temperature rise parameter is found to be 0.133 Km2/W for all operating and roughness variables. Design plots were also presented in order to help the designers in the design of SAH with inclined ribs for the given range of operating and roughness variables.