Thermal Analysis of Three Sides Artificially Roughened Solar Air Heaters

Artificial roughness have been provided under side of the absorber plate for improve in the friction factor, heat transfer and pumping power as compared to smooth one. Analysis and experimental investigation for fully developed turbulent flow of artificially roughened solar air heaters have been established to have a better performance as compared to smooth one under the similar operating conditions [1], [2]. Three sides glass covers with three sides artificially roughened solar air heater has been analyzed and investigated [3], [4], which result in enhancement of friction factor and heat transfer than existing one side artificially roughened ones. Three sides glass covers with three sides artificially roughened and existing one side artificially roughened collectors have been analyzed and optimized for maximum friction factor and heat transfer and minimum pumping power [5], [6], [7]. This paper represents an experimental investigation for the thermal analysis of three sides glass covers with three sides artificially roughened solar air heaters under actual outdoor conditions and compare well with smooth ones, also having three sides glass covers.