Thermo-hydraulic performance of solar air heater with finned absorber plate forming multiple rectangular air flow passages in parallel under laminar flow conditions

Abstract

The paper presents results of an analysis carried out using the governing equations to compare the heat transfer performance of a uniformly heated flat plate with longitudinal fins, which form multiple rectangular air flow passages in parallel below the plate and cover whole of the passage surface, with that of the low aspect ratio rectangular duct typical of conventional flat plate solar air heater at equal pumping power under laminar flow conditions. The heat transfer rate at equal pumping power for the plate with 1 mm thick steel fins at pitch of 25 mm and 40 mm is found to be about 2.7 and 2.5 times, respectively, over the duct without fins. The heat transfer study is followed by thermo-hydraulic performance study of the solar air heater with absorber plate having longitudinal fins forming multiple rectangular air flow passages in parallel. The finned solar air heater with low air mass flow rates has been found to provide 28–31 % better thermal efficiency than the conventional solar air heater at equal pumping power. The results of the study can be utilized for the development of enhanced performance finned solar air heater operating with low air mass rates to deliver high temperature air.