Numerical Simulation of Arrangement of Diamond Shaped Fins in Double Pass Solar Air Heater for Drying Application

This research demonstrates the overall energy efficiency of a double pass solar air heater using fins with three different configuration arrangement positions: a. double pass solar air heater with diamond shaped fins in the upper channel b. double pass solar air heater with diamond shaped fins in the lower channel c. double pass solar air heater with diamond shaped fins in the upper lower channel. A total of forty diamond shaped fins were used in the study with variations of air mass flow rates and solar irradiances. The results show that there are improvements in the thermal performance when increasing the mass flow rates and solar irradiances. However, increasing the mass flow rates has reduced the value of outlet temperatures for three different configuration arrangement positions. Based on the results, it shows that fins in the upper channel arrangement position have obtained the highest outlet temperature and thermal efficiency of 40.86°C and 54.83% using 0.0104kg/s and 1000W/m² for mass flow rates and solar irradiance, respectively compared to the other two. The lowest outlet temperature and thermal efficiency obtained was 32.84°C and 23.10% (fins in the lower channel arrangement), followed by 36.68°C and 38.29% (fins in the upper lower channel arrangement) using same operating conditions. This can be concluded that using the results obtained, it is suitable for low and medium temperature applications such as drying agricultures.