A theoretical parametric analysis to optimize the bed depth of packed bed solar air collector

Abstract

This research paper is concerned with a detailed theoretical parametric analysis to optimize the depth of duct (bed) of blackened wire-screen matrices packed bed solar collector (PBSC) and obtained results are compared with plane collector. The two kinds of woven wire-screens are used in a plate of PBSC. The different mass flow rates of air pass through the absorber plate and for each mass flow rate of air temperature rise parameter is found to be changed with depth. The result shows an optimum depth of the duct is attained at 0.0225 kg/s-m2. The optimum bed depth with absorber is found to be 15 and 22 mm that corresponds to the air temperature rise parameter of 0.0241 and 0.0248 K-m2/W, respectively. The maximum enhancement in efficiency is found to be 44% and 54% over plane collector. Similar composite performance plots are also presented for two other values of mass flow rates.