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A project-I report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of degree of
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
in
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Submitted by
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DECLARATION
We certify that
a. The work contained in this thesis is original and has been done by myself under the general
supervision of my supervisor/s.
b. The work has not been submitted to any other Institute for degree or diploma.
c. We have followed the Institute norms and guidelines and abide by the regulation as given in the
Ethical Code of Conduct of the Institute.
d. Whenever we have used materials (data, theory and text) from other sources, we have given due
credit to them by citing them in the text of the thesis and giving their details in the reference section.
1. BHARTI KUMARI
2. MD SAUWAN ALI
3. SHASHTANAND KUMAR
4. ADITYA PRAKASH PANDEY
5. MD NOFIL AHMAD
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CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the dissertation titled “A Review of Solar Air Heater” which is being
submitted by Bharti Kumari (20102128001), Md Sauwan Ali (20102128023), Shashtanand Kumar
(20102128028), Aditya Prakash Pandey (20102128029), Md Nofil Ahmad (21102128912) for the
partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of degree of Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech.)
in Mechanical Engineering Department is a record of the student’s own work carried out at Department
of Mechanical Engineering, B.P. Mandal College of Engineering Madhepura, Bihar, under my
supervision and guidance. The matter embodied in this thesis has not been submitted elsewhere for
the award of any other degree or diploma.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We feel immense pleasure and privilege to express my deep sense of gratitude, indebtedness and
thankfulness towards my supervisor, Dr. Ajay Giri Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering,
for his invaluable guidance, constant supervision, continuous encouragement and support throughout
this work. His suggestions and critical views have greatly helped me in successful completion of this
work.
H.O.D :- Dr. Ajay Giri
Principal :- Arbind Kumar Amar
We feel most obliged to my parents and all my family members for their affection and constant
support for my education and overall well-being.
Lastly, we express thanks to the Almighty for his generous blessings and giving me courage to
complete the project with great satisfaction.
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1.Abstracts
1.1 Artificial roughness applied to the underside of absorber plates in solar air heater ducts is a
widely adopted technique to enhance heat transfer while tolerating a moderate increase in
friction. The key lies in optimizing the design of these rough surfaces, including their shape and
arrangement. By tweaking parameters like roughness size and spacing, we can influence the flow
patterns, which in turn dictate heat transfer mechanisms.
1.2 Researchers have extensively reviewed various artificial roughness elements documented in
literature, analyzing how different patterns affect heat transfer. They've also compiled
correlations between Nusselt number (a measure of convective heat transfer) and friction factor
for these roughness variations. Additionally, studies have compared the thermohydraulic
performance of different roughness elements to better grasp their effectiveness in practical
applications. Essentially, it's all about strategically manipulating surface textures to maximize
heat transfer efficiency without compromising too much on fluid flow.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Title Page
Declaration 2
Certificate 3
Acknowledgements 4
1 Abstract 5
Table of Contents 6-8
2 Introduction 9-10
3 Methodology 11
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4.6 Flow Structure
4.7 Heat Transfer Mechanisms
4.8 Correlations
4.9 Optimization
7 APPLICATIONS 15
7.1 Temperature Regulation
7.2 Commercial Buildings
7.3 Greenhouses
7.4 Industrial Processes
7.5 Off-Grid Applications
7.6 Solar Drying Systems
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8 SOCIAL IMPACTS 16
8.1 Energy Access and Affordability
8.2 Health Benefits
8.3 Job Creation
8.4 Climate Change Mitigation
8.5 Community Resilience
8.6 Education and Awareness
9 MODIFICATIONS AND FUTURE IMPROVEMENT 17-18
9.1 Advanced Absorber Materials
10 CONCLUSION 19
11 REFERENCES 20-21
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2. Introduction
Energy is a primary need to live our daily life at an expenses of some valuable things such as
environment degradation by using fossil fuels[1]. Use of fossil fuel are not only affects the
environment, but also threats to humans life[2]. The earth have fixed quantities of these fossil
fuels reserved in it, which will be depleted after few years[3]. In this view, renewable energy
sources are getting more importance in the recent days. Renewable energy sources have wide
verities depending upon the usage and location. Out of many renewable energies, solar energy
has wide usage due to its huge potential available everywhere. Solar energy is a non-polluting,
freely available and infinite source of energy. However, solar energy potential depend on the
location of earth, weather and time etc. Solar energy has low density energy, requires a large area
to capture. Solar air heater is used at moderate temperature applications like industrial HVAC
system, drying crops, space heating, and textile industries[4]. Geometry of solar air heater is very
simple and its main component is collector which convert solar radiation into thermal energy of
air[5]. Other parts of solar air heater are glass cover, back insulated cover and blower as shown
in Fig.
Glass cover is used to minimize the heat through top of absorber plate and it transparent to
incoming solar radiation[6]. Back insulated cover is used to minimize heat losses through
backside of the duct[7]. Air is passed through the duct having three insulated sides and top side
which is collector. Generally, conventional solar air heater has very low thermal performance
because smooth absorber plate offers low convective heat transfer to flowing air, leading to high
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heat losses to environment. The performance of solar air heater can be improved by mainly tow
techniques: 1. reducing the top heat losses to environment, 2. enhancing the convective heat
transfer coefficients at absorber plate[8]. Second technique is the most popular due to its wide
applicability. Various techniques are available to enhance the heat transfer rate which depend on
the applications. The most auspicious technique is to increase the heat transfer rate using
roughened surfaces instead of smooth surface[9]. Artificial roughness create turbulence on the
heated surface and help to break the thermal boundary layer[10]. Enhanced heat transfer is also
accompanied with higher pressure drop, which is undesirable. The researcher always try to
optimize the roughness which provide high heat transfer at low pressure drop penalty[11]. In this
article, an attempt has been made to summarize previous investigations based on artificial
roughness used in solar air heater duct[12].
Solar air heater (SAH) is a device in which energy from sun is captured by absorbing surface and
the thermal energy is extracted by the air flowing over it[13]. SAH is the cheapest way of solar
energy conversion and used for various applications as space heating, drying of crops, and other
industrial applications. A typical SAH is simply de-signed and requires less maintenance.
However, they have poor heat transport between absorber and fluid due to development of
laminar sublayer which results in a lower efficiency[14]. The heat transfer coefficient can be
significantly improved by disrupting the laminar sublayer and inducing turbulence adjacent to
the absorber plate by providing artificial roughness[15]. However, it is done at the cost of extra
pressure drop which upturns the pumping power requirements. The use of repeated ribs as
roughness elements underside the absorber is one of the convenient and most efficient method
for heat transfer augmentation[16]. A lot of experimental as well as few Computational Fluid
Dynamics (CFD) explorations are reported so far to evaluate the influence of roughness elements
on the thermal and frictional performance of roughened SAH duct. Further, attempts had been
made to optimize the rib roughness parameters[17]. This article presents a comprehensive review
of various investigations carried out with the purpose of obtaining maximum heat transfer
improvement and least pumping power penalty[18]. The outcomes of these investigations are
discussed along with the optimum parameters obtained and the reported correlations of Nusselt
number and friction factor[19].
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3.METHODOLOGY
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4.4 Friction Factor:
A dimensionless quantity that characterizes the resistance to flow caused by the roughness of the
surface.
4.5 Nusselt Number:
A dimensionless parameter used to quantify the convective heat transfer coefficient between the
absorber plate and the airflow.
4.6 Flow Structure:
The arrangement and behavior of the airflow within the solar air heater duct, influenced by the
roughness elements and other design factors.
4.7 Heat Transfer Mechanisms:
The processes by which heat is transferred from the absorber plate to the airflow, including
conduction, convection, and radiation.
Thermohydraulic Performance: The overall efficiency and effectiveness of the solar air heater in
terms of both heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics.
4.8 Correlations:
Relationships or equations derived from experimental data to predict parameters such as Nusselt
number and friction factor based on specific conditions and design parameters.
4.9 Optimization:
The process of adjusting various design parameters, such as roughness shape and arrangement,
to maximize the performance of the solar air heater while considering factors such as cost and
practicality.
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5. WORKING PRINCIPLE OF SOLAR AIR HEATER:
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6. WORKING OF SOLAR AIR HEATER
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7. APPLICATIONS
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8. SOCIAL IMPACTS
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9. MODIFICATIONS AND FUTURE IMPROVEMENT
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9.6 Hybrid Systems:
Integration of solar air heaters with other renewable energy technologies, such as solar
photovoltaic panels or solar thermal collectors, can create hybrid heating systems that leverage
multiple energy sources for increased reliability and efficiency. Hybrid systems can also utilize
waste heat from other processes or sources to further enhance overall energy utilization.
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10. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the project of developing a solar air heater offers a promising solution for
harnessing renewable energy to meet heating needs sustainably. Through the utilization of
innovative design, advanced materials, and optimized systems, solar air heaters have the
potential to significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and
improve energy access and affordability for communities.
By leveraging the principles of solar energy conversion and heat transfer, coupled with ongoing
research and development efforts, solar air heaters can be enhanced to achieve higher efficiency,
reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Integration with smart controls, energy storage, and hybrid
systems further increases the versatility and resilience of solar air heater applications, enabling
them to adapt to varying environmental conditions and user requirements.
Moreover, the social impacts of solar air heaters extend beyond mere energy provision,
encompassing benefits such as improved indoor air quality, job creation, climate change
mitigation, community resilience, and public awareness of renewable energy technologies. These
positive outcomes contribute to the creation of more sustainable and equitable societies, fostering
economic development and environmental stewardship.
In light of these considerations, the project of solar air heater development represents a
significant opportunity to advance clean energy solutions and address pressing challenges related
to energy security, climate change, and social well-being. Continued collaboration among
researchers, engineers, policymakers, and communities will be essential to realize the full
potential of solar air heaters and accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable energy
future.
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11. REFERENCES
[1] Simpson, T. B. (2002, October 11). Improved Methods for Conversion of Our Fossil
Resources to Fuels. Energy & Fuels, 16(6), 1599–1600. https://doi.org/10.1021/ef0201432
[2] Wada, H., & Habe, K. (2011, September). Neutrophil elastase affects not only tissue damage,
but it also regulates hematopoiesis. Thrombosis Research, 128(3), 205–206.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.thromres.2011.06.021
[3] Schmelzer, M., & Büttner, M. (2024, March). Fossil mentalities: How fossil fuels have
shaped social imaginaries. Geoforum, 150, 103981.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2024.103981
[4] Tan, T., Zhang, H., Yang, M., & Baeyens, J. (2024, March). Energy-efficient crumb rubber
drying by heat recovery and solar air heating. Industrial Crops and Products, 209, 117970.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2023.117970
[5] Eismann, R. (2015, December). Accurate analytical modeling of flat plate solar collectors:
Extended correlation for convective heat loss across the air gap between absorber and cover
plate. Solar Energy, 122, 1214–1224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2015.10.037
[6] Eismann, R. (2015, December). Accurate analytical modeling of flat plate solar collectors:
Extended correlation for convective heat loss across the air gap between absorber and cover
plate. Solar Energy, 122, 1214–1224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2015.10.037
[7] Agrawal, A., Kumar, A., & Parekh, A. (2023, October). Experimental investigation of
atmospheric air to water generation based on both end open evacuated tube collector solar air
heater. Solar Energy, 263, 111953. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2023.111953
[8] Eismann, R. (2015, December). Accurate analytical modeling of flat plate solar collectors:
Extended correlation for convective heat loss across the air gap between absorber and cover
plate. Solar Energy, 122, 1214–1224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2015.10.037
[9] Eismann, R. (2015, December). Accurate analytical modeling of flat plate solar collectors:
Extended correlation for convective heat loss across the air gap between absorber and cover
plate. Solar Energy, 122, 1214–1224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2015.10.037
[10] Abkar, M., & Porté-Agel, F. (2012, January). A new boundary condition for large-eddy
simulation of boundary-layer flow over surface roughness transitions. Journal of Turbulence, 13,
N23. https://doi.org/10.1080/14685248.2012.695077
[11] Everts, M., & Mahomed, F. (2024, May 4). The effect of high values of relative surface
roughness on heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics in the laminar, transitional, quasi-
turbulent and turbulent flow regimes. Heat and Mass Transfer. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00231-
024-03472-1
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[12] Exergy based analysis of solar air heater duct with W-shaped rib roughness on the absorber
plate. (2023, July 26). Archives of Thermodynamics. https://doi.org/10.24425/ather.2019.130006
[13] Agrawal, A., & Kumar, A. (2023, December). Harvesting freshwater from atmospheric air
using thermal energy storage enabled solar air heater. Journal of Energy Storage, 73, 109008.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2023.109008
[14] Tan, T., Zhang, H., Yang, M., & Baeyens, J. (2024, March). Energy-efficient crumb rubber
drying by heat recovery and solar air heating. Industrial Crops and Products, 209, 117970.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2023.117970
[15] Nanjundappa, M. (2021, May 25). Nusselt number and friction factor correlations for the
solar air heater duct furnished with artificial cube shaped roughness elements on the absorber
plate. Heat and Mass Transfer, 57(12), 1997–2013. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00231-021-03067-0
[16] Hou, T., & Chen, Y. (2020, February 20). Pressure Drop and Heat Transfer Performance of
Microchannel Heat Exchanger With Circular Reentrant Cavities and Ribs. Journal of Heat
Transfer, 142(4). https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4045759
[18] Khargotra, R., Kumar, R., Nadda, R., & Singh, T. (2021, June 18). Withdrawal Notice:
Effect of Various Twisted Tape and Tube Configura-tions on Thermal Hydraulic Performance in
a Roughened Heat Transfer Device: A Comprehensive Review. Recent Patents on Engineering,
15. https://doi.org/10.2174/1872212115666210618105329
[19] Hedau, A., & Singal, S. (2023, November). Development of Nusselt number and friction
factor correlations for double-pass solar air heater duct. Applied Thermal Engineering, 234,
121227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2023.121227
[20] https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Schematic-diagram-of-conventional-solar-air-
heater_fig1_322737180
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