Thermal performance augmentation in a solar air heater with twisted multiple V–baffles

A 3D numerical investigation of thermal performance augmentation of a twisted multiple V–baffles in a solar air heater is presented. Two important functions of the twisted multiple V–baffles are to generate multiple impinging flows upon the wall to improve the convective heat transfer (compared with a smooth channel) and reduce the pressure drop (compared with a typical multiple V–baffles). These outcomes enhance thermal performance. The results of heat transfer (in terms of a Nusselt number ratio), pressure drop (in terms of a friction factor ratio) and thermal performance (in terms of a thermal enhancement factor) of a twisted multiple V–baffles were compared with both a smooth channel and a typical multiple V–baffles. Eighty–one cases including those with a pitch ratio of PR = 0.4–2.0; blockage ratio, BR = 0.10–0.20; angle of attack, α = 30^o – 60^o and a fixed number of twisted loops, n = 2, were investigated in turbulent flow. The results revealed that the twisted multiple V–baffles created multiple impinging jets at the heated wall and help accelerate heat transfer between the wall and the fluid. Compared to a typical multiple V–baffles, the friction factor showed a large decrease while the Nusselt number was slightly lower leading to better thermal performance. Over the study range, PR = 0.4, BR = 0.20, and α = 60^o appeared to yield the highest thermal enhancement factor, 2.81 at Re = 3000.