Experimental and CFD Analysis of a Solar Air Heater Integrated with Ribs Filled with PCM Materials: Drying applications
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Abstract
The major challenge of renewable energies, including solar, is their intermittent nature. Therefore, the issue of energy storage becomes crucial to meet demand when the main source is not available. In this context, this article aims to improve the thermal performance of a solar air collector by integrating a latent heat storage system. Both numerical and experimental procedures were achieved, allowing the characterization of the conventional solar air heater’s operation and highlighting its efficiency dependence on solar radiation. A 2D transient numerical analysis using an enthalpy-based phase change model, based on the finite volume method (ANSYS Fluent), was conducted to compare two collectors: the first without storage and the second with PCM storage. Experimental data on solar radiation and ambient temperature were introduced as time-varying boundary conditions to account for the intermittency of real weather conditions. The results highlighted the charging and discharging phases of the storage system. It was observed that the use of phase change materials (PCM) improves the solar collector’s performance during the afternoon (when solar radiation intensity decreases) by improving its efficiency and extending its operating period for drying purposes.
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