Energy analysis of a solar air collector with rows of fins

The necessity for improving the thermal performances of the solar air collector, for some needs, encouraged us to carry out this study. Initially, to improve the efficiency factor of these solar collectors, we create an increasingly turbulent flow between the absorber and the back wooden plate. For that, we use obstacles of various forms. In this study, we chose rectangular plate tins inserted perpendicular to the flow. The fluid flows out through the interstices between fins in the same row, this allows a good distribution of the fluid and reduces the dead zones. Secondly, and for the same configuration, we undertake a study on the evaluation of the transfer coefficient. The results are compared with those obtained with a solar air collector without fins, using two types of absorbers selective (in coppersun) or not selective (black-painted aluminium). (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.