Abstract

This study is a comparative study of two solar Air Heaters (SAH) having different absorber plates: the Flat Plate Solar Air Heater (FPSAH) with a flat metal plate and the Matrix Tube Solar Air Heater (MTSAH) using novel design of longitudinal circular metal tubes. The objective is to study the possible enhancement in the thermal performance of the newly designed SAH compared to the traditional one. The results clearly confirmed the priority of MTSAH over FPSAH in different properties. Compared to the FPSAH, the MTSAH showed high thermal efficiency, output power, and outlet air temperature, with decreased in heat loss. Moreover, the temperature difference between the outlet and inlet air temperatures achieved a remarkable value of 46.5°C at an inlet air mass flow rate of 0.03 kg/s for MTSAH configuration. Furthermore, the average daily efficiency of the MTSAH stands at approximately 72.55%, 85.77%, and 92.18% for air mass flow rates of 0.03, 0.05, and 0.071 kg/s, respectively. These values represent substantial enhancements of 42.25%, 50.04%, and 52.33%, respectively, compared to the FPSAH. These findings suggest new possibilities for efficient SAH designs, impacting renewable energy and sustainable heating systems. They contribute to better energy utilization from solar thermal sources, promoting sustainability.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.