Thermal Performance Analysis Of Solar Air Heaters

Abstract

A computer routine to calculate the thermal performance of several different low temperature types of flat-plate air heaters is to be discussed. Analysis of each type is also described. The programme accepts as input real or simulated flux, collector geometry, air flow rate and enviromental data. It computes temperatures and extracts energy as a function of time of the day. The programme evaluates radiation,convection, conduction and wind losses, and the radiation exchange with the enviromental conditions.The procedure used in the derivation of the governing equations is also described. The prediction of performance provided by this programme is particularly useful in comparing performances of different collectors and for studying a specific collector's performance with changes in enviroment and design parameters which can be controlled to some extent by the designer.