Finite Element Modeling Of Finned Double-Pass Solar Air Heaters

Modeling of three-dimensional (3D) finned double-pass solar air heater using the finite element method (FEM) based simulation program COMSOL Multiphysics is proposed and compared with the mathematical model. This model is used to analyze and simulate the performance of a finned double pass solar air heater. A non-isothermal conjugate heat transfer is used for coupling between heat transfer in the solid domain and fluid flow domain. The turbulent flow (k-ω) and a high Reynolds number are applied for high accuracy results. The results are presented in terms of temperature and velocity distribution along with the solar air heater, outlet air temperature, and thermal efficiency of the finned double-pass solar air heater. The FEM simulation results are compared with mathematical results as well as validated with the experimental results. The comparison results in percentage relative error between the experimental results and FEM simulation results is less than between the experimental results and mathematical model results for the outlet temperature and thermal efficiency.