Journal Pre-proof

Enhancement of heat transfer in SAH with polygonal and trapezoidal shape of the rib
using CFD

B. Varun Kumar, G. Manikandan, P. Rajesh Kanna

PII: S0360-5442(21)01402-X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2021.121154
Reference: EGY 121154

To appear in: Energy

Received Date: 31 December 2020

Revised Date: 31 May 2021
Accepted Date: 2 June 2021

Please cite this article as: Kumar BV, Manikandan G, Kanna PR, Enhancement of heat transfer in
SAH with polygonal and trapezoidal shape of the rib using CFD Energy, https://doi.org/10.1016/
j.energy.2021.121154.

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 CREDIT AUTHOR STATEMENT

B. Varun Kumar - Conceptualization, Methodology, Formal analysis, Investigation, Writing -

Original Draft
G. Manikandan - Conceptualization, Supervision, Project administration
P. Rajesh Kanna - Conceptualization, Validation, Resources, Writing - Review & Editing

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 Enhancement of heat transfer in SAH with polygonal and trapezoidal
shape of the rib using CFD
B. Varun Kumar a #, G. Manikandan b, P. Rajesh Kanna c
a & b Velammal College of Engineering and Technology, Madurai 625009, India:
c College of Engineering and Computing, AL Ghurair University, Dubai 37374, UAE.
#` Corresponding author

Abstract:
A numerical investigation was carried out in Solar Air Heater (SAH) by implementing an
artificial rough absorber plate for higher thermal performances. A polygonal transfer rib, the forward
and backward trapezoidal rough ribs were nominated for simulation analysis using ANSYS, Fluent
version 13.0. The Renormalization k-ϵ model was selected to predict the augmentation of Nusselt

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number (Nu), friction factor (ƒ) characterization and Thermo Hydraulic Performances (THP) for a
proposed rib by varying relative roughness pitch P/e = [3.33 - 20] and relative roughness height e/D =

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[0.03 - 0.09]. Dittus Boelter and Blasius correlation were used for validating the smooth surface of Nu

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and ƒ besides compared with the rough surface to ascertain augmentation of heat transfer. The
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investigation reported on the performance of Nu and ƒ of the proposed rib at a Reynolds number ranges
from 3800 to 18000. The result reveals that the polygonal rib shape with relative roughness pitch P/e =
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3.33 has produced higher Nu and gradual reduction of ƒ at Reynolds number 18000. It was found that
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THP has achieved a maximum of 1.89 in P/e = 10 & e/D = 0.06 at Reynolds number 15000 in the
backward trapezoidal rib.
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Keyword: Polygonal rib, Trapezoidal rib, Solar Air Heater. Thermal hydraulic performance
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1. Introduction:
Ingestion of solar radiation in the water heater, air heater, lamp, etc. usage was found to be on
increased nowadays in many revolutionary applications. Solar Air Heater (SAH), has an absorber plate
that receives heat energy directly from the sun and transfers the radiation to the fluid flows in the duct. A
smooth surface absorber plate has minimal contact to transfer heat from the absorber plate to the moving
fluid which results in poor thermal efficiency. Implementing passive techniques such as a rib, grooves,
etc. in a rectangular duct creates turbulence in the laminar sub-layer, thus thermal efficiency can be
increased. Turbulence grounded on shapes and arrangement of ribs with varying pitch distances is
crucial for the enhancement of thermal efficiency. Diverse shapes and positions of ribs were examined
by various researchers numerically and experimentally. Transverse wire rib [1], arc-shaped wire ]2],
inverted U- shape rib [3], Dimple shaped rib [4], W-shape rib [5] shapes of ribs are employed in the

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absorber plate of SAH to increase the THP. The authors reveal that maximum THP values between 1. 72
to 1.85 have attained and attack angle 90o yields a greater heat transfer rate.
S. Kumar, R.P. Saini [6], A. Lanjewar et al [7] investigated circular transfer wire rib and W-
shape rib for achieving higher heat transfer rate. The researchers reveal that the THP has attained a
maximum of 1.72 and 1.87 respectively. Anil Singh Yadav, et al. [8] had done a numerical investigation
in transverse square-sectioned rib by varying height and pitch distance among ribs for 12 different
positions. The result reveals that the best THP 1.88 has been achieved at P/e = 10.71 & e/D = 0.042,
Deep Singh Thakur, et al. [9] had done a simulation analysis for a hyperbolic rib were compared with
the triangular, rectangular, and semi-circular shape of the rib. It is found that constant ƒ appeared
between pitch height of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm and the best heat transfer happened at a Reynolds number of
6000. An experimental and numerical investigation was done by Gill R.S, et al. [10] for broken arc rib

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for various rib positions, height, and pitch distance in a staggered position. The result shows that a

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staggered broken arc rib of size 4 mm attained good thermo-hydraulic performance.

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To increase THP in SAH, researchers explored numerous rib shapes, [11 - 16] were examined in
numerical and experimental investigation. The authors reveal that the maximum THP has achieved 1.90
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in L shape rib [11], 5% truncated wall in Thin shape rib [12] produced maximum heat transfer rate, the
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higher THP 1.87 in Inverse T shape rib [13], 1.82 THP in helicoid spring shape rib [14], 1.88 THP in
quarter circular rib [15] respectively. Kottayat Nidhul et al [16] conducted a numerical analysis using V-
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shape ribbed triangular in SAH to attain higher THP. The research reported that maximum enhancement
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attained at α= 45o C of triangular rib in Reynolds number 7000.

Furthermost, more investigation focused to place the rib in an inclined position to yields higher
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thermal efficiency. D. Gupta, et al [17] conducted an experimental investigation engaging inclined

circular rib for attaining higher thermal performances. He proved that THP has achieved between 1.20-
1.35 at Reynolds number ranges from 3000 to 18000. Rajendra Karwa et al. [18] investigated
experimentally using Integral Chamfered Rib. The report shows a significant thermal efficiency
enhancement of 10% to 40%. K.R. Aharwal et al [19] investigated integral inclined discrete ribs at the
attack angle of 90o. The authors reveal that THP has reached the maximum of 1.82 at Reynolds number
18000.
Besides, Sukhmeet Singh, et al. [20] conducted investigational work for five various artificial
roughened plates with angles range from 30o to 75o, varying height and pitch of the rib. The report
concluded that peak values are achieved at an angle of 60o with the continuous V-down rib. A numerical
analysis was carried out by Tabish Alam and Man-Hoe Kim [21] to study the heat transfer coefficient by
implementing semi-ellipse obstacles with a varying attack angle in SAH. The authors reveal that the
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maximum Nusselt number of 2.05 reached a pressure drop of 6.93 at an attack angle α = 75o. Sompol
Skullong, et al. [22] conducted an experimental analysis for the trapezoidal wingets groove shape of a
rib. The researchers concluded that better heat transfer is produced with a minor pressure drop. Rajnesh
Kumar et al. [23] carried out numerical studies for a forward chamfered shape of a rib. They stated that
the maximum Nu is attained after implementing a chamfer shape of the rib. Bootan S. Qader, et al [24]
did a numerical investigation on the inclined rib at an angle of 30o to 75o with a pitch distance of p = 15
-25 mm. The researcher report THP was achieved 1.96 at 45o in 20000 Reynolds number. K.S Karmare,
et.al [25] conducted an experimental investigation in the metal grit ribs in SAH for better thermal
performance. The author reveals that THP has achieved 1.12 to 1.32 at Reynolds number between 3000
to 18000. Teng-yue Wang et al [26] investigated experimentally in micro heat pipe in SAH to attain
higher thermal efficiency. The research reveals that the average efficiency of the solar collector has

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achieved 82.7% than the normal with minimum pressure drop in the solar collector.

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In the quest of THP enhancement, researchers focused on varying the rib pitch distances and

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height, circular rib varying, height, and pitch distance Anil Singh Yadav, et al. [27] did an analytical
investigation of circular rib varying, height, and pitch distance. An extreme thermal enhancement was
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found 1.65 times greater than the smooth duct. Smith Eiamsa-ard, Pongjet Promvonge. [28] Investigated
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experimentally for a combination of rib-groove with 3 different arrangements. The result shows that a
triangular rib with a triangular groove has a greater thermal enhancement. An analytical investigation
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was done by Alok Chaube, et al [29] for four various shapes of rib An evaluation was carried out to
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identify the best shape of rib in a rectangular shape, among them it is found that a rib sized 5 mm has
produced higher heat transfer.
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Besides, various shapes of ribs are compared together in a single test section to ascertain thermal
enhancement by Kamali R and Binesh A.R [30] done a simulation analysis for square, triangular,
downward trapezoidal, and upward trapezoidal shapes of rib in the flow direction. A maximum of heat
transfer occurred for the trapezoidal shape with a decreased height of the rib. Giovanni Tanda [31]
carried out an experimental investigation for a) transverse b) angled c) broken and d) discrete V shape
rib mounted on one side of the wall and the other sides are insulated. The author states that
implementing rib in duct attained best heat transfer in discrete V shape and compared with the smooth
duct. Sukhmeet Singh, et al. [32] carried out numerical investigation for non-uniform saw teeth of ribs
like square, triangle, trapezoidal and circular shape. Maximum Nu was achieved in the trapezoidal rib
with minimum pressure drop. Ali Najah Al-Shamani, et al. [33] did a numerical prediction for four
dissimilar rib-groove shapes. The author reveals that a trapezoidal- groove rib shape shows higher heat
transfer. Fouad Menasria, et al [34] conducted simulation research in rectangular baffles to achieve
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greater heat transfer in SAH. The report shows that implementing baffles at BR = 0.7 at Reynolds
number 50000 produced a maximum Nusselt number 2.16 than a smooth surface.
Later, with the increased complexity of the geometry, the researcher modified the rib angle,
pattern, and position in the duct. Ahmed M, et al. [35] numerically investigated rib arrangement in the
form of an inline and staggered pattern attached to the inclined angle 45o and 45o V shape of a rib.
Strong vortex formation occurred to enhance the heat transfer in the 45o V shape of the rib. Anil Kumar
[36] carried out CFD analysis with a thin circular wire rib in various shapes of V shape, multiple V
shape, and multiple V shape with a gap. Results assert that the multiple V shape with a gap of rib
ensures maximum heat transfer and friction factor compared with other types. Ravi Kant Ravi and Saini
R.P. [37] investigated experimentally with discrete multiple V shapes of rib in staggered sizes of 1 to
2.5. The report shows that the rib in double-pass mode has maximum heat transfer. N.K. Pandey, et al.

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[38] conducted an experimental investigation for multiple arc shapes with a gap of various setup values

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and the arc angle of rib varies from 30o to 75o. The author reveals that Nu values have 5.85 times higher

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augmentation than the smooth duct. L. Varshney, et al. [39] examined tapered rectangular rib, an angle
from 1.6o to 3.2o with varying pitch distance 10 mm to 25 mm. The report reveals that angle 1.6o
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produced the highest thermal enhancement in Reynolds number 12000. Varun. B, et al [40] reviewed the
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impact of thermal efficiency enhancement in SAH by implementing ribs in the absorber plate with
various shapes and positions.
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A careful survey of the literature shows that different shapes and different positioning of ribs in
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the absorber plate contribute significantly to the enhancement of heat transfer in SAH. Specifically, the
hyperbolic rib, triangular rib, and rib grooves produced better heat transfer enhancement than the others.
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It was observed that very few researchers had used a sharp-edge shape of rib without modifying pitch
distance and rib tip angle variation on both sides of the rib, i.e.1) wall attachment side and 2) flow
direction side
The main objective of the paper is to fill the critical research gap investigating heat transfer in
polygonal, trapezoidal rib and record the result of the experiment with various rough geometry ribs
along with varying pitch distances for achieving higher thermal performances. Based on the literature
survey and ASHRAE Standard, 93 [41] a rectangular duct was proposed as SAH with new geometry
considering sharp edge and inclined tip angle on both sides of the ribs. The shapes proposed in this
numerical investigation were polygonal, forward trapezoidal, and backward trapezoidal rib, for a better
understanding of augmentation in thermal efficiency.
2. Methodology:

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 The methodology adopted in this investigation in four steps. 1.Initially, the smooth surface of
SAH investigated the Nu and ƒ by varying inlet velocity based on Reynolds number. 2.Besides,
proposed rough surfaces are employing one by one in the test section with different pitch distances to
record individual thermal performances. 3.Later compared the values of the outcomes to ascertain heat
transfer augmentation. 4.Based on CFD values a correlation was developed for Nu and ƒ and compared
with predicted values to validate the accuracy.
3. Numerical procedure:
3.1 Physical model:
A schematic layout of SAH as shown in Fig 1. with proposed geometries a) polygonal, b)
forward trapezoidal and c) backward trapezoidal shape of the ribs is shown in Fig 2 [a-i]. The
rectangular duct of SAH - Fig 1 .has a length of 640 mm [Entry section, L1 =245 mm, Test section, L2

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=280 mm, Exit section, L3 = 115 mm], height and width of the duct are 20 mm and 100 mm refer from

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[8]. Fig. 2. (a-i) shows a varying pitch distance for the proposed geometry and the rib configuration is

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shown in Table 1. The Sharp-edge and inclined shapes of the rib are conceived for investigation, which
intends to disturb the fluid flow causes increase the turbulence in the laminar sub-layer for heat transfer
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augmentation. The present CFD investigation follows the assumption to avoid unnecessary complexity.
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1. Incompressible, steady flow, and turbulent [1].

2. The working fluid of air enters a duct at atmospheric conditions and its properties are in Table
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2.
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3. In the bottom and sidewall of the duct has applied no-slip condition.
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Fig 1. Schematic diagram of a rectangular duct - SAH

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Fig. 2. Various shapes of rib geometry with pitch distances

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Polygonal rib: a) P = 10 mm, b) P =15 mm, c) P = 20 mm: Backward trapezoidal rib: d) P = 10

mm, e) P=15 mm, f) P= 20 mm: Forward trapezoidal rib: g) P = 10 mm, h) P =15 mm, i) P = 20 mm
Table.1. Configuration of artificial roughness.
Pitch hydraulic Relative Relative
Rib height,
Type Shape distance diameter D roughness roughness
e (mm)
P (mm) (mm) pitch, p/e height, e/D
1 10 e1 = 3 3.33
2 Polygonal rib 15 33.33 e2 = 1.5 5 0.09
3 20 e3 = 1 6.66
4 10 5
Backward e1 = 2
5 15 33.33 7.5 0.06
trapezoidal rib e2 = 1
6 20 10
7 10 10
8 Forward 15 e1 = 1 15 0.03
33.33
trapezoidal rib e2 = 2
9 20 20

Table.2. Thermo-Physical property of working fluid (Air).

S. No Property Air
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1 Density, ρ (kg m ) 1.117

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 2 Specific heat, Cp (J Kg-1 K-1) 1007
-1 -1
3 Thermal conductivity, K (W m K ) 0.0262
-2
4 Viscosity, µ (N m ) 1.857e-05
5 Prandtl number, Pr 0.71

3.2 Grid-Independent study:

In a numerical investigation, to attain the precise result of Nu and ƒ for the proposed geometry is
crucial and meshing - grid element distribution is done in ANSYS - Fluent version 13.0. Computation
analysis result acceptable by validating mesh grid-independent test to predict the Nu and ƒ values. It was
done by varying element sizes [4 different values from 0.4 mm to 0.3 mm] to identifying appropriate
element cell size for present excise. Validation results are shown in Table 3. Fig.3 [a & b] illustrates the
varying grid size on a smooth surface of SAH. Fig.4. expressed the mesh generated in the a) polygonal,

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b) forwarded trapezoidal and c) backward trapezoidal shape of rib at a pitch distance of p = 10 mm. Non-

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uniform tetrahedron grid generation with fine mesh solution and convergent engaged between 1,14,565 -

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1, 45,925 element cell as per proposed element size. It was observed that the maximum Nu deviation
arose in the 1, 45,112 element cell, whereas the average Nusselt number variation shows + 1.50 % least
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deviation. Therefore 1, 45,112 element cell is engaged for analytical investigation.
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a) b)
Fig. 3. Element sizes of smooth surfaces in duct: a) 1,14,210 & b) 1.45.925.
Table.3. Grid Independent Validation
Size of the Mesh element Nusselt % deviation % deviation
S. No friction factor
element (mm) size Number
1 0.4 1,14,210 78.1 4.28 0.0246 2.7
2 0.36 1,26,318 81.6 2.15 0.0253 1.9
3 0.32 1,43,047 83.4 1.65 0.0258 1.5
4 0.3 1,45,925 84.8 1.50 0.0262 0.7

a) b)

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 c)
Fig. 4. The computational meshing of the various shape of geometry at p = 10 mm
a) polygonal rib b) backward trapezoidal rib c) forward trapezoidal rib

3.3 Governing equations:

To analyze heat transfer of fluid flow in a SAH with artificial roughness in simulation is governed
by Steady-State 2-Dimensional Continuity, Momentum, and Energy equation, and they are written as
Mass conservation or Continuity equation:

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( ) (1)

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Momentum conservation or Navier-stroke equation:

( ) [ (
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Energy conservation equation:
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( )
( ) (3)
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and t are molecular thermal diffusivity and turbulent thermal diffusivity represented by
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And (4)
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And non-dimensional flow parameters are analyzed by the equation,

a) Reynolds Number, Re = (5)

b) Nusselt number, Nu = h D/k (6)

h = average convective heat transfer coefficient
c) Friction factor for pressure drop can be calculated by the equation,
( )
fr = (7)

It's obligatory to investigate the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristic of SAH by
thermo-hydraulic performance (THP); with constant pumping, the thermo-hydraulic performance [44]
in artificial roughness is calculated by
d) Thermo-Hydraulic Performances parameter,

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 ( ⁄ )
THP = (8)
( )

i) Nur represent Nusselt number in artificial roughness

ii) Nus represent a Nusselt number in a smooth surface which can be obtained from Dittus-
Boelter equation [42]
Nus = 0.023 Re0.8 Pr0.4 (9)
Reynolds number varies from 3800 to 18000 [1], Prandtl number of air = 0.71.Table [2].
i) fr represent friction factor for artificial roughness,
ii) fs represents a friction factor for the smooth surface of a SAH, which can be obtained
from Blasius equation [42]
fr = 0.0791 Re -0.25 (10)

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3.4 Boundary conditions:

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In a rectangular duct of SAH, the working fluid is air entries at atmospheric conditions in the inlet

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region and leaving heated air at the outlet section. The upper wall of the test section was assumed as a
solar heater where uniform heat flux of 1000 W/m2 applied and the bottom sides are assumed to be an
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adiabatic condition. Inlet velocity of air varies based on Reynolds number ranges from 3800 to 18000 and
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outlet pressure is assumed as an atmospheric condition of 1.013 bar. Inside the rectangular duct is a no-
slip condition and thermo physical properties of the working fluid of air as shown in Table [2].
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3.5 Selection of turbulence model:

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In the computational excise, validation of the turbulent models is significant to predict the
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enhancement of thermal performance. In the present research, the average Nu of the smooth surface was
validated with an established empirical equation - Dittus Boelter (9), along with numerous turbulent
models, a) standard k-ϵ model, b) Renormalization k-ϵ model, c) Realizable k-ϵ model, d) standard k-ω
model and e) SST k-ω model respectively. The attained results are compared and plotted in Fig.5. It was
observed that the RNG - renormalization k-ϵ and standard k-ω models influence disruption in the
streamline flow of SAH. Other models are under or over the expected finding with Equation (9). It
perceived that the Renormalization k-ϵ model Nu values are closer to the values of empirical correlation,
it has a 0.35% deviation. In the present research, the RNG renormalization k-ϵ model was chosen for the
simulation of SAH for identifying heat transfer augmentation. In the CFD approach, numerous
researchers [39, 21, 8 & 13] implemented the same model for their research work.

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 60 Dittus-Boelter
55 k-ϵ standard
k-ϵ renormalization
50 k-ϵ realizable
k-ω standard

Nusselt Number, Nu no
45 k-ω SST
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
0 3000 6000 9000 12000 15000 18000
Reynolds Number, Re no

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Fig. 5. Comparison of Nu using a different turbulent model with an empirical equation (9).

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3.5.1 Transport equation for the RNG- k-ϵ model:
This equation is used to analyze the effect of small size motion in the fluid flow direction closer to

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the rib and wall surface. The following equation is used in the Renormalized-Group RNG- k-ϵ model
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( ) [ ] (11)
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( ) [ ] – (12)
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Here, represents the generation of turbulent kinematic energy due to velocity gradient and it
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represents

(13)

i) represent the effective turbulent viscosity

Here, represent turbulent viscosity computed by combining as follows

= (14)

Model Constant RNG K- model have default values as follows

C .
3.6 Solution methods:
In the present simulation, FVM was used to solve the governing equation of continuity,
momentum, and energy equation by using ANSYS – Fluent version 13.0. Furthermore, the designing

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proposed artificial roughness, grid generation, and solution convergent process was also accomplished.
Boundary conditions of inlet velocity magnitude are set within the range of Reynolds number as shown
in Table .4. Constant heat flux 1000 W/m2 applied on the upper wall surface as solar radiation and outlet
pressure set as atmospheric conditions. A SIMPLE (Semi-Implicit Methods for Pressure Linked
Equation) was chosen for Pressure-Velocity coupling and a double-precision solver was selected to solve
the work. Second-order upwind discretization was chosen for all transport equations. In residual
monitoring, continuity, x, and y velocity criteria are fixed as 10-6 for an accurate result. Standard
initialization was selected to compute all zones. The number of iteration and report intervals are varied on
rib geometry. After convergences, the values of average Nu and the average ƒ are compared with
empirical equations (9) and (10) to identify the thermal enhancement.
Table 4. Considering Inlet velocity from Reynolds number

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S. No shape Reynolds Number Calculating u

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3800 5000 8000 12000 15000 18000 from Re No
1 polygonal rib

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2 forward trapezoidal rib 1.91 2.51 4.03 6.04 7.55 9.06 Re =
3 backward trapezoidal rib m/s m/s m/s m/s m/s m/s
re
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4 Validation of numerical result with the earlier report:

In the present research, the smooth surface - analytical values of average Nu and ƒ factor
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characteristics are compared with Anil Singh Yadav [27], Vipin B. Gawande [11], and Yadaba
Mahanand [13] are shown in Fig.6. It illustrates that the Nu values have a minimum deviation in [27 &
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11] whereas the maximum deviation is + 5%. [13]. and ƒ report shows the nominal difference in [13].
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The minor fluctuation was capture in the velocity magnitude contour of the square and circular rib duct as
shown in Fig.7. This result reveals confidence to extend the investigation for the proposed geometry.
60 Present result
0.011 Present result

Circular results [27] Circular results [27]

50 Inverse T results [13]

0.01 Inverse T results [13]
Nusselt Number,Nu

Experimental results [11] Experimental results [11]

friction factor,ƒ

0.009
40
0.008
30
0.007
20
0.006

10 0.005
3800 5000 8000 12000 15000 18000 3800 5000 8000 12000 15000 18000
Reynolds Number,Re Reynolds number, Re

a) b)
Fig 6. Comparison of a) Nusselt number, b) friction factor with Reynolds number for
present smooth surface with earlier reported.

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 a) b)
Fig. 7. The contour of velocity magnitude in the smooth surface of
a) Square rib duct b) circular rib duct at Reynolds number 3800.
5 Results and Discussion:
In the present computation analysis, the characterization of average Nu, ƒ, and THP of the
proposed rib are deliberated by varying relative roughness pitch P/e = [3.33 - 20] and relative roughness

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height. e/D = [0.03 - 0.09]. Significant performances of the rib shapes are compared with the published
results to ascertain the thermal enhancement.

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5.1 Nusselt number characteristics:

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A convective heat transfer of the proposed shapes in SAH was measured by the Nusselt number
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were exposed in Fig.8. [a-c]. In the graph, it observed the Nusselt number increases ceaselessly with an
increase of Reynolds number in all roughness ribs owing to force convection. Similarly, the shape of the
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ribs disturbs the secondary layer of the flow region to causes a vortex for better heat transfer. and owing
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to the higher Reynolds number length of recirculation reduced in the duct to enhance thermal
performances Among them - the polygonal-shaped rib influence to produce a higher heat transfer rate
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significantly at Re = 15000, due to the formation of eddies nearby ribs which were closer to the laminar
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sub-layer at relative pitch distances P/e = 3.33. The size of recirculation at relative pitch distances P/e =
3.33 is demonstrated in the contour plot of turbulent kinematic energy in Fig.9 [a-f] at Reynolds number
ranges from 3000 to 18000. It was observed that the size of the vortex next to the first pair of ribs closer
to the wall region is gradually increasing in increasing Reynolds number causes greater local convective
heat transfer. Besides, the reattachment shear layer produces strong turbulence in the second layer owing
to the height and inclination of the rib shape.

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 140 P = 10 mm 140 P = 10 mm Forward Trapezoidal Rib
Polygonal Rib
P = 15 mm P = 15 mm
120 P = 20 mm 120 P = 20 mm
Smooth Smooth

Nusselt Number.Nur
100 100
Nusselt Number ,Nur

80 80

60 60

40 40

20 20

0
0
0 3000 6000 9000 12000 15000 18000
0 3000 6000 9000 12000 15000 18000
Reynolds Number,Re Reynolds Number,Re

a) b)

Backward Trapezoidal Rib

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140
P = 10 mm
P = 15 mm
120
P = 20 mm

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Smooth
100
Nusselt Number.Nur

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80

60
re
40
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20

0
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0 3000 6000 9000 12000 15000 18000

Reynolds Number,Re

c)
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Fig. 8. Nu variation with Reynolds number for different relative roughness in

a) polygonal rib b) forward trapezoidal rib c) backward trapezoidal rib
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Table 5. Nusselt Number enhancement ratio ⁄

Different shape parameter Reynolds Number Re
P/e 3800 5000 8000 12000 15000 18000
3.33 2.2974 2.3991 2.2838 2.3256 2.4155 2.4380
Polygonal rib 5 1.9783 2.1810 2.0966 2.1041 2.3496 2.3581
6.66 1.6592 2.0720 1.9468 1.9657 2.2837 2.2382
10 1.9783 2.2356 2.2838 2.2425 2.4023 2.3781
Forward trapezoidal rib 15 1.7230 2.0720 2.0592 2.0487 2.3574 2.2782
20 1.5316 1.9629 1.8720 1.9657 2.3125 2.1783
5 2.1698 2.1810 2.2463 2.2702 2.4248 2.3981
Backward trapezoidal rib 7.5 1.8507 2.0174 2.0966 2.1872 2.3350 2.3181
10 1.5316 2.0174 1.9094 2.0487 2.2901 2.1383

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f)

Fig. 9. The contour plot of turbulent kinetic energy at relative pitch distances P/e = 3.33 in
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polygonal rib at a Reynolds number of (a) Re = 3800, (b) Re = 5000, (c) Re = 8000,
(d) Re = 12000, (e) Re = 15000 and (f) Re = 18000.
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Furthermore, in Fig.10, the contour plot of the turbulent intensity exposes increasing inlet
velocity rising turbulent intensity causes strong vortices that occurred proximate to the polygonal
rib at relative roughness pitch P/e = 3.33. It causes robust turbulence to gain heat energy in
increasing Reynolds number in SAH. It confirmed that a strong influence occurred between the
head pair of ribs results in augmentation of average Nu in stream-wise distribution. The detailed
enhancement ratio of the Nusselt number for the proposed rib in the Reynolds number between
3800 to 18000 is shown in Table 5. It illustrates that a higher ⁄ is 2.43 were occurred in
the polygonal shape of rib in relative pitch distances P/e = 3.33 at Reynolds number 18000.
Aaa)

14
a) d)

of
b) e)

ro
-p
re
lP

c) f)
na

Fig. 10. The contour plot of polygonal rib of turbulent intensity at relative roughness pitch
P/e = 3.33 at a Reynolds number (a) Re = 3800, (b) Re = 5000, (c) Re = 8000, (d) Re =12000,
ur

(e) Re = 15000 and (f) Re = 18000.

5.2 Effect of rib shape:
Jo

The influence of rib shapes on the absorber plate of SAH has clearly understood in the
velocity contour plot shown in Fig.11. [1-3]. It illustrates the size of the circulation generates in
flow direction owing to proposed rib shapes at relative pitch distances P/e = 3.33 - 20 [a-i] and
relative rib height e/D = 0.03 - 0.09 at higher Reynolds number 18000. A strong vortex
formation arose adjacent to the first rib owing to the impact of the sharp edge in the apex of the
rib followed by secondary inclination in the rib. The outcome of this performance the flow
direction induced a strong turbulence near-wall surface and it grounds a higher heat transfer rate.
Further noticed that among all rib shapes, the polygonal rib has depictions significant than others
in all pitch distances shown in Fig.11. c [g-i]. It indications that the average Nu has increased at
an increasing Reynolds number due to the greater recirculation that occurred in fluid flow
direction for higher convective heat transfer coefficient.

15
 1) Backward P =10

c)
Forward P = 20
b)
a) Forward P = 15
2) Forward P = 10

f
oo
r
-p
re
lP
f)
e) Polygonal P = 20

na
d) Polygonal P = 15
3) Polygonal P = 10
ur
Jo

i)
h)
g) Backward P =20
Backward P =15
Fig 11. Velocity contour plots for Re =18000 and various pitch distances: 1) Backward rib a) P = 10 mm, b) P = 15 mm, c) P =
20 mm: 2) Forward rib d) P = 10 mm, e) P = 15 mm, f) P = 20 mm: 3) Polygonal rib: g) P = 10 mm, h) P = 15 mm, i) P = 20 mm.
.

16
 5.3 Comparison of the turbulent characteristic of present shapes with other shapes:
The comparison of turbulent kinematic energy (TKE) and turbulent intensity of published shapes -
square [8], and inverse T shape [13] of rib with present shape are shown in Fig. [12 & 13] respectively.
The values are plotted at pitch distances p = 10 mm at Reynolds number 15000. In TKE it was observed
that higher rotational occurred between the first two ribs in all shapes in SAH, causes turbulences in the
down flow direction in SAH. A significant performance depicts in polygonal rib shape produced a
maximum size of circulation formed between ribs regions at higher Reynolds number and extended up to
exit to produce better heat transfer. Besides, in turbulent intensity, it noticed cumulative vortex generates
in leading ribs causes better thermal performances. Among them, it proved that the implementation of
polygonal rib in SAH has a chance to yield maximum heat transfer than other shapes.

of
ro
-p
re
Square rib
lP
na
ur

Inverse T rib
Jo

Polygonal rib
Fig.12. The contour of turbulent kinematic energy at pitch distances p =10 mm & height = 1.4 at
Re =15000 for Square, Inverse T, and Polygonal ribs.

Square rib

17
 Inverse T rib

Polygonal rib
Fig.13. The contour of turbulent intensity at pitch distances p =10 mm & height = 1.4 at

of
Re =15000 for Square, Inverse T, and Polygonal ribs

ro
5.4 Friction factor characteristics:
In physics, implementing a rough surface in SAH has a chance for more friction losses than a

-p
smooth surface. However, it's significant to evaluate the hydraulic performances in SAH for
re
implementing roughness in the absorber plate to attain a better heat transfer rate. Constant pumping
lP

power is required to balance the pressure drop in a rectangular duct for varying Reynolds numbers. Fig.
14 [a-c] shows the ƒ characteristics for different rib shapes with relative roughness pitch P/e = 3.33 to 20
na

in varying Reynolds number. It infers that the backward trapezoidal and polygonal rib has produced a
nominal average ƒ compared with the other one. Table. 6 illustrates the ƒ enhancement ratio of SAH. It
ur

understood the average ƒ decreases with an increase in Reynolds number due to the suppression of the
Jo

viscous sub-layer for a fully developed turbulent flow. Significantly in polygonal rib, interruption in the
flow path owing to the increasing relative roughness height of the rib. Furthermore, higher pitch distances
cause a decrease in the average friction factor at the maximum Reynolds number 18000. According to the
plotted values, it reveals that the average ƒ decreases with the increasing pitch distance along with
increasing relative roughness height of the rib.

18
 10 mm
10 mm Forward Trapezoidal Rib
0.035 Polygonal Rib 0.035
15 mm
15 mm
20 mm
0.03 20 mm 0.03
Smooth
Smooth
0.025 0.025

Friction Factor, fr
Friction Factor, fr

0.02 0.02

0.015 0.015

0.01 0.01

0.005 0.005

0 0
3000 6000 9000 12000 15000 18000 3000 6000 9000 12000 15000 18000
Reynolds Number,Re Reynolds Number,Re

a) b)
10 mm
0.035 Backward Trapezoidal Rib
15 mm
0.03 20 mm

of
0.025 Smooth
Friction Factor, fr

ro
0.02

0.015

-p
0.01

0.005
re
0
3000 6000 9000 12000 15000 18000
lP
Reynolds Number,Re

c)
Fig. 14. Variation of ƒ with varying Reynolds number for different relative roughness.
na

a) polygonal rib b) forward trapezoidal rib c) backward trapezoidal rib

Table .6. Friction factor enhancement ratio ⁄
ur

Different parameter Reynolds Number Re

Jo

shape P/e 3800 5000 8000 12000 15000 18000

3.33 3.178 3.191 3.230 3.046 2.941 2.933
Polygonal rib 5 2.710 2.872 2.871 2.914 2.941 2.639
6.66 2.523 2.660 2.751 2.649 2.521 2.493
10 2.991 3.298 3.110 2.914 2.801 2.933
Forward trapezoidal rib 15 2.617 2.872 2.751 2.781 2.661 2.493
20 2.430 2.553 2.632 2.517 2.381 2.346
5 2.897 2.979 2.871 2.781 2.381 2.346
Backward trapezoidal rib 7.5 2.617 2.766 2.632 2.649 2.241 2.199
10 2.430 2.447 2.512 2.384 1.961 2.053

5.5 Effect of rib Pitch:

The relative roughness pitch P/e in the various shapes of the rib accompanied by relative
roughness height consequences are shown in Fig. 15 [a-c] and Fig. 17 [a-c] respectively. It was observed
that exit velocity has greater than inlet owing to turbulence that occurred by implementing more ribs in
the test section. It reflects increases convective heat transfer in SAH as shown in Fig 17 [a-c]. Besides, it
19
found that fall in friction factor by increasing the number of ribs. It disturbed the secondary flow layer in
the laminar sub-layer region to causes a pressure drop along with increasing pitch distances leads to
further decreasing ƒ values at higher Reynolds numbers. Fig. 15 [a-c] exposes that the polygonal shape
of rib with relative pitch distances P/e = 20 has too lower ƒ in higher Reynolds number compared in
other pitch distances owing to probability of reducing wake region between pair of ribs. A comparison of
pressure distribution between various pitch distances P/e of the polygonal rib is shown in the contour plot
of static pressure in Fig. 16. It illustrates a strong circulation occurred in the first pair of the rib which
extends this rotational till the end of down flow direction in SAH cause more friction losses in higher
Reynolds number.

3800 3800
Polygonal Rib 5000
Forward Trapezoidal Rib 5000
0.04

of
8000 0.04 8000
12000 12000
0.035 15000
15000 0.035

ro
18000 18000

Friction Factor, fr
Friction Factor, fr

0.03 0.03

-p
0.025 0.025

0.02 0.02
re
0.015 0.015

0.01
lP
0.01
8 10 12 14 16 18 20
8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Pitch Distance
Pitch Distance

a) b)
na

3800
0.035 Backward Trapezoidal Rib 5000
8000
ur

12000
0.03 15000
18000
Jo Friction Factor, fr

0.025

0.02

0.015

0.01
8 10 12 14 16 18 20

c)
Fig. 15. Variation of ƒ with varying pitch distances using Re no
a) polygonal rib b) forward trapezoidal rib c) backward trapezoidal rib

20
 of
ro
-p
Fig.16. The contour of static pressure of Polygonal rib at a) P/e = 3.33 b) P/e =5 c) P/e = 6.66 at
Reynolds number 15000.
re
Fig.17. [a-c] further interprets heat transfer enhancement increases with an increase in Reynolds
lP

number in the flow direction, owing to split the boundary layer results in supplementary recirculation
occurring closer to the wall region. Specifically, the polygonal shape of rib at relative pitch distance P/e =
na

3.33, has produced a large heat transfer than other shapes due to the maximum attack angle between ribs
ur

in SAH.
Polygonal Rib 3800
Jo

3800
5000 Forward Trapezoidal Rib 5000
140 8000 140 8000
12000
12000
120 15000
120 15000
18000
18000
100
Nusselt Number, Nur

100
Nusselt Number Nur

80 80

60 60

40 40

20
20

0
0
8 10 12 14 16 18 20
8 10 12 14 16 18 20

a) b)

21
 Backward Trapezoidal Rib 3800
5000
120 8000
12000
100 15000
18000

Nusselt Number Nur

80

60

40

20

0
8 10 12 14 16 18 20

c)
Fig. 17. Variation of Nu with varying pitch distances using Reynolds Number
a) polygonal rib b) forward trapezoidal rib c) backward trapezoidal rib.
5.6 Thermal enhancement factor:

of
The present research work is to illustrate the rib shapes prominent with varying relative pitch

ro
distances. It analysis the heat transfer augmentation by thermal performances and friction penalty by
hydraulic performances [44]. Characterization of thermal and hydraulic performances of the SAH is

-p
predicted by equation (8) Average Nusselt number and friction factor values are plotted in Fig.18. It was
re
clearly understood the variation of THPP in proposed shapes with varying relative pitch distances is
lP

ascertained that the value varies between 1.21 - 1.89 as shown in Table .7. It observed that increasing the
height of the rib, plays a major role in an interruption in the boundary layer results in an increasing
na

average Nu, and increasing pitch distances results in decreasing the average ƒ. In that, the polygonal
shape of rib with relative pitch distance P/e = 3.33 at Reynolds number 5000 has achieved a maximum of
ur

1.77 THP and backward trapezoidal rib with pitch distance P/e = 10 at Reynolds number 15000 has
Jo

achieved higher of 1.89. The attained THP values are compared with earlier published shapes and their
THP values as listed in Table.8. It proved that a notable increment occurred in the proposed rib and
confirmed from the thermal enhancement factor.
Table. 7. Thermo hydraulic performances parameter
Different parameter Reynolds Number Re
shape P/e 3800 5000 8000 12000 15000 18000
3.33 1.670 1.778 1.546 1.605 1.724 1.351
Polygonal rib 5 1.516 1.535 1.476 1.474 1.677 1.353
6.66
1.302 1.496 1.390 1.421 1.716 1.309
10 1.467 1.502 1.565 1.571 1.737 1.318
Forward trapezoidal rib 15 1.336 1.458 1.470 1.457 1.702 1.332
20
1.217 1.437 1.356 1.446 1.732 1.300
5 1.626 1.482 1.581 1.615 1.816 1.431
Backward trapezoidal rib 7.5 1.435 1.438 1.519 1.581 1.785 1.414
10
1.217 1.498 1.421 1.534 1.893 1.334

22
 1.9
1.8
1.7
1.6
1.5
THP
1.4
1.3
1.2
1.1
1
3000 6000 9000 12000 15000 18000
Reynolds Number,Re
P = 10 P = 10 P = 10 P = 15 P = 15

of
P = 15 P = 20 P = 20 P = 20

ro
1
Fig. 18. Comparison of Thermo - Hydraulic Performance with Reynolds number

-p
Table. 8. Comparison of present THP with previous work
re
S. No References Geometry Parameter Maximum
THP
lP

1 Anil Singh Yadav et al [8] Square ribs Re: 3800 - 18000 1.82
2 Anil Singh Yadav et al Circular ribs Re: 3800 - 18000 1.65
[27]
na

3 Chaube et al. [29] Circular Re: 3000 - 20000 1.65

Semicircular 1.75
ur

4 Karmare and Tikekar [25] Metal grit rib Re: 3800 - 18000 1.32
5 Kumar et al. [5] Discrete W-shaped Re: 3800 - 18000 1.72
6 Kumar and Saini [6] Circular wire in an arc Re: 6000 - 18000 1.70
Jo

shape
7 Gupta et al. [17] Inclined circular Re: 3800 - 18000 1.35
transverse ribs
8 Bopche and Tandale [3] Inverted U-shaped rib Re: 3800 - 18000 1.82
9 Verma and Prasad [1] Transverse wire rib Re: 3800 - 18000 1.85
10 Lanjewar et al. [7] W-shaped rib Re: 3800 - 18000 1.87
11 Saini and Verma [4] Dimple shaped rib Re: 3800 - 18000 1.77

12 H.S.Arunku er al [14 ] Spring shaped fins Re: 3800 - 18000 1.27

13 Aharwal et al. [19] Inclined continuous rib Re: 3800 - 18000 1.82
with a gap
14 Yadaba Mahanand [15] Quarter circular rib Re: 3800 - 18000 1.88
Backward trapezoidal ribs Re: 3800 - 18000 1.89
15 Present study Forward trapezoidal ribs 1.73
Polygonal rib 1.71

Table. 8 illustrates the comparison of the proposed shapes of CFD Thermo hydraulic
performance -THP outcome with the earlier published works – circular, semi-circular, transfer V
shape, spring, L shape, square rib, etc. [1 -39] respectively are disseminated. It proved that the

23
backward trapezoidal shape of the rib at Reynolds number 15,000 in relative pitch distances P/e = 10
has attained higher THP performances than others.
5.7 Correlation developed for average Nu and ƒ:
Development of correlation for Nusselt number and friction factor of the simulation result was
done refer from [16]. In the present research, Nu depended on the rough parameter of P/e in the
Reynolds number 3800 to 18000. Non-linear regression analysis is carried out to develop a
correlation for a proposed rib in the parameters of P/e = 3.33 to 20 with e/d = 0.03 to 0.09.
Integrating Nu with Reynolds number to fit a straight line for generating equation, they are
Nu = 0.0210 (Re) 0.891 (p/e) -0.03612 × exp (0.002497(Ln (p/e) 2)) (15)

ƒ = 0.568(Re) ^-0.345(p/e) ^-0.01472 × exp (-0.0007(Ln (p/e) ^2)) (16)

of
The correlation was proposed for the benefit of academic or industrial designing of SAH.

ro
Computation results are compared with predicted values and found the least differences + 6.5 % for
Nusselt number and + 4.5 for friction factor.
6 Conclusion:
-p
re
Analytical results of the 2 D rectangular duct of a SAH with the rough surface of polygonal,
lP

forward trapezoidal, and backward trapezoidal shape of the rib are presented. The average Nu, ƒ
characteristic and THP parameter of various shapes of the rib with varying relative roughness pitch
na

distances in the rectangular duct is discussed briefly. The following conclusions are drawn from the
ur

analysis.
Jo

1. Simulation analysis of artificial roughness in SAH has compared with a smooth surface to
validate the enhancement of the heat transfer coefficient in a rectangular duct.
2. Among numerous turbulent models, the RNG renormalized group k-ϵ model predicts very
closer results to the Dittus - Boelter empirical values shows confidence to use the RNG k-ϵ
model.
3. Higher heat transfer enhancement has occurred in the polygonal shape of rib at relative pitch
distances P/e = 3.33 at Re 20000. It found a maximum average Nusselt number 2.483 than a
smooth surface
4. It recorded maximum friction factor ƒ is 3.286 times more than the smooth surface at relative
pitch distance P/e =10 at Reynolds number 5000.
5. The peak thermo-hydraulic performance (THP) 1.89 has been noted in the backward
trapezoidal rib at P/e =10 at Reynolds number 15000.

24
 6. The polygonal shape of the rib with P/e = 3.33 has recorded the best heat transfer enhancement
among others. And the THP = 1.89 has the highest in a SAH.
7. A correlation was developed for Nu and ƒ from the proposed computation values as a function
of relative roughness pitch and Reynolds number.

Nomenclature

Cp Specific heat of air, J/kg k Dimensionless parameters

D Equivalent or hydraulic diameter of the duct, mm f friction factor
e Rib height, mm fr friction factor for rough surface
h Heat transfer coefficient, W/m2 k fs friction factor for a smooth surface
H Depth of duct, mm Nu Nusselt number
I Turbulence intensity/intensity of solar radiation, W/m2 Nur Nusselt number for rough duct
k Thermal conductivity of air, W/m k Nus Nusselt number for smooth duct

of
L Length of duct, mm Pr Prandtl number
L1 Inlet length of duct, mm Re Reynolds number
L2 Test length of duct, mm St Stanton number

ro
L3 Outlet length of duct, mm W/H Duct aspect ratio
m Mass flow rate, kg/s Greek symbols

-p
dp Pressure drop, Pa µ dynamic viscosity, Ns/m2
p pitch, mm µt turbulent viscosity, Ns/m2
ρ density of air, kg/m3
re
To Fluid outlet temperature, K
Ti Fluid inlet temperature, K ɛ dissipation rate
Ta Ambient temperature, K ω specific dissipation rate
lP

v Velocity of air in the duct, m/s δ transition sub-layer thickness, m

W Width of duct, mm k turbulence kinetic energy, m
Γ molecular thermal diffusivity
na

Γt turbulent thermal diffusivity.

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ur

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Jo

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 CFD analysis in SAH with polygonal and trapezoidal shapes of ribs is

proposed

 Significant Nusselt number enhancement in polygonal rib at p/e =3.33 is

observed

 Maximum Thermo hydraulic performances achieved 1.89 in P/e = 10 & e/D

= 0.06

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 An empirical correlation for Nusselt number and friction factor is developed.

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Declaration of interests

☒ The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships
that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

☐The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered
as potential competing interests:

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