Mathematical modeling and performance analysis of a solar air collector with slit-perforated corrugated plate

In this paper, a solar air collector with slit-perforated corrugated plate is put forward, which is a combination of transpired solar air collector and corrugated packing solar air collector. The slit-perforated corrugated plate can enlarge the heat collection area and reinforce the jet impingement largely. The mathematical model is developed to predict thermal performance of the collector. Simulation results of temperature distribution in the collector are verified by the experimental data with the average bias of 4.8%. The local resistance coefficient of the collector is obtained though experimental results. The effects of key parameters on thermal efficiency are analyzed. It can be found that the height of absorber plate has the largest effect on thermal performance among structure parameters. And when air velocity in the collector increases to 1.14 m/s, effective efficiency can reach the peak, 67.83%. Compared with other transpired solar air collectors, the present solar air collector has better thermal performance and lower resistance. Case study shows that the application of the present solar air collector can produce 820.7 MJ in the heating season, which can save 43.1 kg standard coal and reduce 102.1 kg carbon dioxide emission. Hence, there is application potential for space heating in the cold region.