Design and Development of a Parabolic Trough Solar Air Heater for a Greenhouse Dryer

Design and Development of a Parabolic Trough Solar Air Heater (PTSAH) for a Greenhouse Dryer (GD) was done to improve the dryer’s performance. The materials used for the fabrication of the PTSAH included galvanized sheets covered with aluminium foil, an absorber tube made of GI pipe painted matt black to increase heat absorbance at the focal line, mild steel square tubes, shutter plywood, and an axial fan to push air through the absorber tube. Key geometrical parameters used for the design of the PTSAH were a rim angle of 98 degrees, focal length of 0.2608 m, height of 0.3451 m, length of 2 m, and an aperture width of 1.2 m. The PTSAH’s total aperture surface area was 2.4 m2, while its absorber tube surface area was 0.1587 m2. The PTSAH was experimentally tested to establish its thermal performance. It was found that the ambient air recorded an average value of 31.1˚C and that the air heater could increase the air temperature by 45.6˚C above ambient with a thermal efficiency of 5.3%. It can, therefore, be concluded that the PTSAH can significantly improve the performance of a GD by supplying the GD with air at a higher temperature than ambient.

Research and Development of Hot Primary Air Heater for Coal-Fired Boilers in Power Plant

The reasons of introducing cold air into pulverizer are analyzed for boilers with large capacity and high parameters. The temperature rises of the exhaust gas are calculated when varying the amount of the cold air. The hot primary air heater, a new technology, is developed to eliminate the cold air from the pulverized coal system. The applications, advantages and disadvantages are introduced in detail for the new device and system. It is concluded that introducing cold air into pulverizer is one of the major factors that causes the exhaust gas temperature of boilers with large capacity to be high. The amount of the cold air could be reduced signif icantly, even to zero in some cases by adopting the hot primary air heater, which drops the exhaust gas temperature of the boiler effectively. The hot primary air heater, which could play part roles of the steam-air heater or the hot air recirculation system, could also be used to adjust the exhaust gas temperature within the range of 20 ℃ by controlling the flow rate of the cooling medium. Moreover, the startup period of the steam-air heater or the hot air recirculation system will be shortened, which is a unique advantage of the hot primary air heater among the measures to drop the exhaust gas temperature.

Experimental Investigation on Turbulent Convection in Solar Air Heater Channel Fitted with Delta Winglet Vortex Generator

The paper presents an experimental study on the heat transfer and flow friction characteristics in a solar air heater channel fitted with delta-winglet type vortex generators （DWs）. The experiments are conducted by varying the airflow rate for Reynolds number in the range of 5000 to 24000 in the test section with a uniform heat-flux applied on the upper channel wall. Firstly, the DW pairs are mounted only at the entrance of the lower wall of the test channel （called DW-E） to create multiple vortex flows at the entry. The effect of two transverse pitches （Re= Pt/H= 1 and 2） at three attack angles （a= 30°, 45° and 60°） of the DW-E with its relative height, b/H= 0.5 （half height of channel） is examined. Secondly, the 30° DWs with three different relative heights （blH = 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5） are placed on the upper wall only （absorber plate, called DW-A） of the test channel. The experimental result reveals that in the first case, the 60° DW-E at Rp = 1 provides the highest heat transfer and friction factor while the 30° DW-E at Rp = 1 performs overall better than the others. In the second case, the 30° DW-A at b/H= 0.5 yields the highest heat transfer and friction factor but the best thermal performance is found at b/H = 0.4.

Using the Taguchi Method and Grey Relational Analysis to Optimize the Performance of a Solar Air Heater

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.

Experimental Performance Analysis of a Corrugation Type Solar Air Heater(CTSAH)

This paper explains the experimental performance evaluation of a Corrugated Type Solar Air Heater(CTSAH)for understanding its performance in a humid tropical climatic condition in Puducherry,India.This helps in understanding its effectiveness in using it for drying application of products like seafood,etc.Experiments were conducted at different mass flow rates and their effect on the heat gain,efficiency,friction factor heat transfer,etc.,was analyzed.Experiments were carried out at different mass flow rates,i.e.,M1=0.06 kg/s,M2=0.14 kg/s,M3=0.17 kg/s,M4=0.25 kg/s,M5=0.3 kg/s,and were conducted from 11:00 h to 14:00 h.The air inlet&air temperature is found to be at an average of 40°C whereas the incident solar radiation is at an average of 795 W/m2.Experimental results show that the optimum performance of the CTSAH is in the mass flow rate range of 0.14–0.25(kg/s).Also,the calculated useful heat produced,convective heat transfer coefficients,effective efficiency,optical efficiency provides knowledge on the potential use of the air heater.

Animal-Fats Biodiesel as a Heating Fuel for Agricultural Hot Air Heaters

Biodiesel （BD） was made from animal-fats reacting with methanol and potassium hydroxide in the laboratory. The biodiesel made in the laboratory was sent to K-petro, the government agency to inspect the quality of animal-fats biodiesel, of which generally the quality was acceptable for heating oil for agricultural hot air heater. Kinematic viscosity and calorific values of the biodiesels were measured. BD20（K）, kerosene based biodiesel, showed 18 cSt at -20 ~C. It seems that BD100 can not be suitable for heating fuel under some temperature. As BD content increased calorific value decreased up to 40,000 J/g for 100% BD （BD100） while, light oil calorific value was 45,567 J/g, showing difference of 5,567 J/g （about 12% difference）, Several different fuels including BD20 （biodiesel 20% ＋ light oil 80%）, BD50 （biodiesel 50% ＋ light oil 50%）, BD100 （biodiesel 100%） and light oil were prepared and tested for fuel combustion qualities for agricultural hot air heater and their combustion performances were compared and analyzed. Flame dimensions of biodiesels and light oil were almost same shape at the same combustion condition in the burner of the hot air heater. Generally, CO2 amounts of BDs were greater than light oil, but the differences were so small that it is hard to tell there was significant difference between the BDs combustion and light oil.

Temperature Profiles in the Flow Channel of a Natural Convection Solar Air Heater

An experimental investigation was conducted to measure the temperature variation across the flow channel and to determine the performance of a natural convection solar air heater at various tilt angles from 15, 30 and 45°. The results of the temperature profile across the air gap showed that heat transfer from the absorber plate to the air stream was mainly by convection. At a particular section, mean air temperature could be calculated from the arithmetic mean of the temperature profile across the air gap to within ± 2 ℃. The axial air temperature distribution was non linear and did not increase much beyond 1 m of collector length. It tended to decrease towards the end of the collector. Overall glass, absorber plate and mean air temperatures over the entire length of the solar air heater could be determined by averaging the mean axial temperatures to within ± 2 ℃. The heater performed better as inclination increased.

Numerical analysis of the return flow solar air heater(RF-SAH)with assimilation of V-type artificial roughness

A novel design of Return Flow Solar Air Heater(RFSAH)with different arrangements of baffles especially V-Type Artificial roughness is simulated and numerically analyzed with energy balance equations.To enhance the effectiveness of baffles,numerous studies have been conducted.The performance of the RFSAH is studied in terms of thermal efficiency,thermo-hydraulic efficiency,and optimization of baffle parameters.Maximum Thermal efficiency and thermo-hydraulic efficiency are found in RFSAH with baffle on both sides of the absorber plate and mass flow rate above 0.2kg/s.Sensitivity analysis of the influencing parameters is carried out and reported the best performance of the system on selective geometrical parameters(ψ=0.7,β=20%,e/H=1,p/e=0.8,α=60°).The results obtained from the present model are validated with the published experimental results and have been found in quite reasonable agreement with an average error of 16.45%.Thermal and Thermohydraulic efficiency of RFSAH with a baffle on both sides of the absorber plate is maximum among baffles below,above,and on both sides of the absorber plate.It is observed that the thermal efficiency of RFSAH is greater than SF-SAH.The proposed optimum baffles roughness is suggested to increase the air upholding time period for more efficient output.

Application of Response Surface Methodology for Analysing and Optimizing the Finned Solar Air Heater

In this research paper,a solar air heater with triangular fins has been experimentally analysed and optimized.Initially,an experimental set-up of a solar air heater having triangular fins has been developed at the location of 28.10°N,78.23°E.The heat transfer rate through fins and fins efficiency has been determined by the Finite Difference Method model equations.The experimental data and modeled data of response parameters have been optimized in MINITAB-17 software by the Response Surface Methodology tool.For creating the response surface design,three input parameters have been selected namely solar intensity,Reynolds number,and fin base-to-height ratio.The range of solar intensity,Reynolds number,and fin base-to-height ratio is 600 to 1000W/m^(2),4000 to 6000,and 0.4 to 0.8 respectively.The response surface design has been analyzed by calculating the outlet temperature,friction factor,Nusselt number,fin efficiency,thermal performance factor,and exergy efficiency.The optimum settings of input parameters:solar intensity is 1000 W/m^(2);Reynolds number is 4969.7,and the fin base to height ratio is 0.6060,on which these response:namely outlet temperature of 92.531℃,friction factor of 0.2350,Nusselt number of 127.761,thermal efficiency of 50.836%,thermal performance factor of 1.4947,and exergy efficiency of 8.762%.

A comprehensive review of rectangular duct solar air heaters featuring artificial roughness

Solar air heaters(SAHs)are widely used solar thermal systems with applications in diverse sectors.However,its effectiveness is re-strained by low convective heat transfer(HT)coefficients at the absorber plate,leading to inefficient HT,and the elevated temperature of the absorber plate causes significant heat losses,reducing thermal efficiency.This study addresses these challenges by introducing ribs or roughness on the absorber plate creating turbulence in the airflow,resulting in significant improvements.The research inves-tigates various rib configurations,the influence of rib parameters,performance methods,and arrangements to evaluate their HT and friction characteristics.Among these rib configurations,a comparative analysis is done on various factors such as the Nusselt number ratio,thermal enhancement factor,friction factor ratio,and thermal efficiency to optimize distinct roughness parameters and rib ar-rangement patterns.This study also provides valuable recommendations from existing literature,offering insights into the effective design,prospects,and implementation of SAH systems.

Thermodynamic Performance Analysis of a Low-Cost,Recycled and Energy-Efficient Solar Air Heater with Waste Beverage Cans:An Experimental Research

Solar air heaters are at the centre of interest owing to their widespread use for various purposes.In the study,thermal performance analysis of a solar air heater that can be easily produced from daily waste materials is done.The system has a low-cost structure with both waste material use and a simple design.The proposed system is tested under different climatic conditions,and the energetic and the exergetic performance figures are obtained for the first time in literature.It is observed from the experimental tests that the results are stable and coherent as well as in good accordance with the similar attempts in literature with some cost reductions and performance improvements.Thermodynamic performance analyses indicate that the maximum energy efficiency of the system is about 21%,whereas the exergy efficiency is 1.8%.The energetic and exergetic outputs of the system are also determined to be 27 W and 3 W,respectively,which is promising.

Development and Experimental Study of Air Source Heat Pump Water Heater

The principle and development prospect of air source heat pump water heat were introduced,as well as the designation of condenser (storage water tank),experimental study on installations was also carried out.The results showed that air source heat pump water heater was superior to conventional system.Under the operation of cooling and heating,heat pump comprehensive utilization equipment could improve heating performance,reduce energy consumption,and recycle condensing heat to provide hot water.

射流式太阳能空气集热器性能的数值模拟研究

为了提高太阳能空气集热器的性能,建立了射流太阳能空气集热器的数学模型,并分析了空气射流对太阳能空气集热器性能的影响。结果表明:在太阳能空气集热器内设置折流板形成射流流动,不仅可以增加集热板近壁面处的流动速度,还能减小垂直于空气流动方向的速度梯度。射流流动优化了流道内的速度分布,从而有效提高了空气与集热板的对流传热系数。与普通太阳能空气集热器相比,射流太阳能空气集热器的集热效率明显更高。当入口速度从0.5 m/s增加到3.0 m/s时,两者集热效率的差距从5.01%增加到15.38%。然而,射流太阳能空气集热器的压力损失较大,因此其有效效率随空气流量的增加呈现先增加后减小的趋势。在入口速度为2.5 m/s时,有效效率达到了极值63.75%,比普通太阳能空气集热器提高了11.21%。综上所述,利用折流板形成射流能显著提高太阳能空气集热器的集热效率与有效效率。

前置暖风器电站锅炉烟气余热回收系统多参数设计与变工况运行策略

针对前置暖风器烟气余热回收系统,建立了多参数设计优化与变工况特性计算模型,开展了系统的多参数优化,并提出了运行参数控制策略。结果表明:多参数优化后系统在设计工况下的节煤率为3.67 g/(kW·h);多参数优化后的系统在变工况下虽能保持较高的节煤率,但系统的安全性受到环境温度和负荷的严重制约;采用所提出的控制策略可使系统在100%额定负荷下,安全运行的环境温度下限从24℃扩展至-3℃,显著提高了系统优化的综合效果。

探究燃尽风对墙式对冲锅炉主再热汽温的影响

本文探究了燃尽风对墙式对冲燃烧锅炉主再热汽温的影响。关小燃尽风燃烧器拉杆,可以提高该区域的整体壁温,反之亦然。利用这一规律,可以有效调节主汽温度和再热汽温。

某空气预热器钢板内部缺陷分析

某空气预热器Q235B牌号的钢板发现内部裂纹缺陷。对该钢板开展超声波探伤、化学成分分析、力学性能、宏观检查及金相分析。试验结果及分析表明:该钢板的力学性能和化学成分符合GB/T700-2006标准中Q235B的要求,金相组织和晶粒度符合材质特征,但内部存在宽度约为20mm的条带状缺陷,该缺陷为严重超标的A类夹杂物。

带气液调配蒸发器空气源热泵热水器的实验研究

气液调配蒸发器通过调整干度和质量流速实现传热性能提升。分别将两个管程布置为4-2-4-6-4(蒸发器1)和5-4-3-4-4(蒸发器2)的气液调配蒸发器用于热泵热水器中(分别为系统A和系统B)进行实验,并进行了对比研究。结果表明:相比于蒸发器1,蒸发器2制冷剂分布更均匀,且蒸发器侧压降减小了10.91%。在名义工况下,相比于系统A,系统B制热量减少1.69%,功率也减少1.45%,两个系统COP基本相同。系统B的排气压力比系统A小26.35~84.78 kPa,更有利于压缩机的安全运行;在不同的环境温度下,系统B的压缩机功耗均小于系统A,当环境温度为30℃时,系统B的性能比系统A提高了2.1%。

面向新型电力负荷管理的混杂负荷集群协同管控

针对新型电力负荷管理中负荷协同控制问题,提出了面向新型电力负荷管理的混杂集群协同管控方法。以空调和电热水器混杂负荷集群为控制对象,分析了空调和电热水器负荷的物理和响应特性,分别建立了适用于空调和电热水器的聚合控制模型。基于空调和电热水器负荷的聚合响应特性,利用电热水器负荷和空调负荷响应特性上的优势和互补特性,构建了空调集群和电热水器集群的协同管控模型,控制大量负荷输出稳定响应。最后,设置不同的清洁能源发电场景,基于上述算法对清洁能源出力进行跟踪仿真,结果表明所提负荷集群协同算法在不同场景下的跟踪误差都控制在±0.04%之内,验证了该算法的有效性。

几种家用大功率负荷精细化建模研究

该文基于家用负荷的物理模型、用户的使用习惯和用户的舒适度要求,提出了家用大功率负荷的精细化建模方法,该方法可应用于家庭能量管理系统,具有良好的应用前景。首先,建立考虑电热水器负荷的精细化热力学动态模型,考虑气温、墙体等因素的空调房间的精细化热力学动态模型和电动汽车负荷的精细化储能模型;然后,建立这三种负荷的精细化控制模型,通过自定义家庭算例将不同个性化的精细化参数模型对比分析。MATLAB仿真结果表明,该文建立的精细化动态模型能够准确描述用户的用电规律,对用户积极参与到电力系统需求响应中去起到促进作用。

考虑经济性的北方农村地区低碳清洁取暖策略研究

大力推广清洁取暖是关系国计民生的重要工作,然而清洁取暖不是单纯的能源替代,特别在农村地区,同时需要考虑经济性和可推广性等。为此,提出了加装保温窗帘降低建筑整体热负荷,利用符合生活习惯的电热炕来满足局部热舒适需求,以及引入热泵热风机进行总体环境控制的策略。以山西农村某典型农宅为研究对象,利用TRNSYS对提出的清洁取暖方案进行模拟分析。结果表明,在取暖初期、室外温度最低时、取暖末期3个典型日均能够满足人体舒适性要求;在整个取暖期年运行费用可节约37.9%,费用年值没有显著的差异;同时SO_(2)、NO_(x)、PM_(2.5)和CO_(2)排放量分别降低了99.1%、92.1%、98.9%、89.4%。可为北方农村地区推广清洁取暖提供路线指导。