摘要
Solar energy is regarded as one of the promising renewable energy sources in the world.The main aim of this study is to use the Taguchi-Grey relational grade analysis to optimize the performance of two Solar Air Heaters(SAHs).A typical Grey–Taguchi method was applied.The Orthogonal Array,Signal-to-Noise ratio,Grey Relational Grade,and Analysis of Variance were employed to investigate the performance characteristics of SAH.Experimental observations were made in agreement with Jordanian climate 32°00′N latitude and 36°00′E longitude with a solar intensity of 500 W\m^(2).The operating factors selected for optimization are the tilt angle(T)with three levels(0°,22°,45°),inlet velocity(V)with two levels(1.2,1.8 m/s),and absorber plate material(M)with two levels(Aluminum,wood).In this study,the Grey–Taguchi approach is validated by performing 12 individual experiments.The results show that the process factors sequence required for a maximum SAH efficiency(SAHµ)is V>T>M.Using this approach,we combined the Orthogonal Array design with Grey Relational Analysis.As a result of that,the level of each operating conditions which optimizes both process responses(Temperature difference,ΔT and Solar air heater efficiency,SAHµ)can be specified with a minimum number of tests compared with classic Grey Relational Analysis.The optimal operating conditions of a SAH for multiple performance characteristics are determined as T2,M2,and V2,respectively,which are in congruence with the experimental results.