Performance studies of a jet plate solar air heater with longitudinal fins

Abstract

The agriculture industry is an integral part of global development. Traditionally, the operation of drying agricultural produce is performed using an open air sun drying process despite its inadequacies and disadvantages. Technologically appropriate solar energy-operated systems, like solar air heaters, are versatile enough to get rid of the discrepancies. A new jet plate solar air heater with continuous longitudinal fins underneath the absorber plate is investigated. Performance characteristics with the help of significant parameters are presented. Results are compared with smooth, roughened and finned type solar air heaters. An enhancement of 3–14.7% in thermal efficiency is observed for the Reynolds number range (3000–15,000) in comparison to the mentioned works. Increase in heat transfer enhancement of the order of 28–39% is achieved, which implies higher efficiency of the JPSAHCLF at higher values of Reynolds number. The results are plotted corresponding to Reynolds number (Re) = 3000–15,000, W = 1–5 cm, mass flow rate (m˙) = 0.0126–0.0675 kg/s m2.