A Computational Study of Solar Air Heater for Its Performance Enhancement by Numerical Approach Using Standard CFD Tools

Abstract

In the following report, the main objective is to calculate the efficiency of the solar air heater, mean exit temperature of air using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation. CFD software promises to be a futuristic field of application especially in the field of thermal engineering. The analysis is performed on a two dimensional built solar air heater. The geometry modelling is done in “Gambit” software followed by its analysis for mean exit temperature of air in “Fluent” (ANSYS). The solar air heater is modelled using both rectangular and circular shaped fins placed in an alternate fashion to give high turbulence effect to air flow. Few elementary calculations are also done in order to find the net heat flux and hydraulic diameter of the duct.