Simulation Evaluation of Thermal Performance of SAH using Artificial Roughness

This work is based on CFD investigation of artificial roughness at regular interval in from of rib. CFD is a powerful tool to solve design problem by applying mathematical models. The objective of this article is to analysis of new design with simulation techniques. SAH is a device to convert solar energy to thermal energy by the use of artificial roughness. Ribs are use for producing artificial roughness. These ribs proposed to enhancement of thermal efficiency and heat transfer rate. Analysis is based on Bhilwara city in Rajasthan state. Bhilwara city is situated at 25.359854°N and 74.652791°E. The average altitude of 421 meters (1381 feet). Rib is formed three internal sides of rectangular box. CFD is a tool to identifying optimal use of new design and finding fluid flow parameters like heat transfer, system efficiency, prediction of heat etc. In this work the complete analysis is performed on discrete-W (D-W) rib. Solar air heater related Reynolds number is adopted (3000-17000). The present simulation analyses demonstrate that the RNG k- ε model provides better results. Result gives major improvement in thermal efficiency and heat transfer with respect to smooth surface.