Experimental and numerical analysis of solar air heater accoutered with modified conical vortex generators in a staggered fashion

Parag Jyoti Bezbaruah, Rajat Subhra Das and Bikash Kumar Sarkar

Renewable Energy, 2021, vol. 180, issue C, 109-131

Abstract: Introducing flow turbulators in the duct of a solar air heater has proved to be one of the most effective ways to improve the energy utilization efficiency of the device. In the present investigation, solar air heater accoutered with altered conical vortex generators in a staggered arrangement is analysed for different relative pitch ratio (2.67–15) and relative height ratio (0.17–0.34). The performance is evaluated for an appropriate range of Reynolds number (3500–16000), using the latest computational tool, ANSYS FLUENT 19.2. The numerical results are validated experimentally using a fabricated experimental set up similar to the numerical model. Overall evaluation criteria is employed to achieve an ideal geometrical parameter for the considered range of Reynolds number. Empirical correlations for performance indices, Nusselt number and friction factor as functions of considered geometrical and operational parameters are developed. Employment of modified conical vortex generators in a staggered arrangement resulted in a 257% enhancement in thermal performance. Highest thermohydraulic performance parameter of 2.04 is achieved.

Keywords: Overall evaluation criteria; Solar air heater; Vortex generator; ANSYS FLUENT; Nusselt number; Thermohydraulic performance parameter (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:180:y:2021:i:c:p:109-131

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2021.08.046

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