A numerical investigation of a plane solar air heater

Abstract

This study focuses on evaluating the thermal performance of a flat plate solar air heater (SAH) as a key component for harnessing solar thermal energy. The SAH operates by capturing solar energy and utilizing it to heat the air, making it an economically viable, environmentally friendly, and straightforward renewable energy system. MATLAB software is utilized to analyze various performance parameters, such as thermal efficiency, absorber plate area, convective heat transfer coefficient, mass flow rate, insulation thickness, side loss and bottom loss coefficients, and collector efficiency. A specific dimensional model is used for analysis. The influence of these performance parameters on the efficiency of the SAH is explored. Finally, it concludes with some final remarks and proposes work for future advancements for continued study on solar air heaters.