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The current study conducts a CFD study of the thermal and flow characteristics within a solar air heater designed with a curved flow passage that incorporates a restriction zone. Typically, solar air heater collectors exhibit low thermal efficiency and limited heat transfer in turbulent conditions. The restriction zone here is created by incorporating double curved walls in the test section. This innovative configuration aims to enhance heat transfer by accelerating airflow near the restricted area, especially along the heated curved surface. Secondary flows generated after the constriction improve thermal performance by enhancing air mixing. ANSYS Fluent 15.0 and the turbulence model of RNG k–ε were employed to resolve the transport equations for dissipation rate and turbulent kinetic energy. Various geometric and operational parameters were examined, such as the restriction depth (E/D) within the variety of 0.16 to 0.57, along with Reynolds number (Re) fluctuating starting from 3,800 to 18,000. The impacts of these specific parameters on number of Nusselt (Nu), friction factor (fr), and the Thermo-hydraulic performance parameter (THPP) were analyzed. The maximum computed THPP was achieved at 1.6 with a restriction height of E/D = 0.34 at Re = 3,800.

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CFD Simulation of Solar Air Heater Equipped with a Curved Restriction Zone in Turbulent Flow

  • 会议论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年

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  • Amin Ben Mabrouk,
  • Hassene Djemel,
  • Moez Hammami,
  • Mounir Baccar

摘要

The current study conducts a CFD study of the thermal and flow characteristics within a solar air heater designed with a curved flow passage that incorporates a restriction zone. Typically, solar air heater collectors exhibit low thermal efficiency and limited heat transfer in turbulent conditions. The restriction zone here is created by incorporating double curved walls in the test section. This innovative configuration aims to enhance heat transfer by accelerating airflow near the restricted area, especially along the heated curved surface. Secondary flows generated after the constriction improve thermal performance by enhancing air mixing. ANSYS Fluent 15.0 and the turbulence model of RNG k–ε were employed to resolve the transport equations for dissipation rate and turbulent kinetic energy. Various geometric and operational parameters were examined, such as the restriction depth (E/D) within the variety of 0.16 to 0.57, along with Reynolds number (Re) fluctuating starting from 3,800 to 18,000. The impacts of these specific parameters on number of Nusselt (Nu), friction factor (fr), and the Thermo-hydraulic performance parameter (THPP) were analyzed. The maximum computed THPP was achieved at 1.6 with a restriction height of E/D = 0.34 at Re = 3,800.