Three-dimensional simulation on the thermal performance of a novel Trombe wall with venetian blind structure

• 3D CFD simulations for thermal behavior and flow in the novel wall.
• The model accuracy was validated by experiment giving less than 2% in error.
• The optimum of the distance between the glass and the venetian blind is 0.09 m.
• The width of the air duct is suggested to be 0.14 m.
• The suitable area of the inlet/outlet vent is 0.60 m width × 0.10 m height.

A complete three-dimensional CFD model was developed to investigate the flow and thermal transport in a novel Trombe wall equipped with a venetian blind. The model was involved in flow and heat transfer in the Trombe wall, which was conjugated with heat conduction in the venetian blind. An experimental rig was constructed and utilized to validate the CFD prediction. It was found that the established model is able to predict the operational performance of the system at a reasonable accuracy. Effect of structural parameters of the Trombe wall was investigated in details under the specific operational condition. The present study indicates that the position of the venetian blind, the width of the air duct and the area of the inlet and outlet vents influence the thermal performance of the system. The results predicted that the optimum of the distance between the glass and the venetian blind is 0.09 m for an air duct of 0.14 m width, the width of the air duct is 0.14 m and the area of each vent is 0.60 m width × 0.10 m height. The research results would assist in developing a high efficient solar air heating system and thus help reduce fossil fuel consumption in the building sector.