The air solar collectors: Introduction of chicanes to favour the heat transfer and temperature in the air stream dynamics

Abstract

The thermal performance of a single pass solar air heater with chicanes attached was investigated numerically using a 2D model of solar air stream dynamics collectors where the turbulence standard k - ϵ model has been implemented. The chicane is formed with two parts: the first is perpendicular to the air flow and the second part is titled (α), they are mounted in successive rows, oriented perpendicular to the air flow and soldered to the back plate. The predicted results are validated by comparing with the literatures semi-empirical and experimental data and shown a reasonable agreement. Effects of relevant parameters as the (Reynolds number, chicanes upper parts tilts angles and air mass flow rates) on the heat transfer coefficient and temperature development are discussed. It is apparent that the turbulence created by the chicanes resulting in greater increase in heat transfer inside the air stream dynamics.