Experimental and numerical analysis of jet impingement solar air collector using circular tapered nozzle

Solar air collectors are main elements used in many thermal solar energy applications such as drying agriculture products and space heating. In this study, an experimental and CFD analysis was carried out on a jet impact plate solar air collector using a conical circular nozzle and the findings were compared with a flat absorber plate solar air collector. The experiments and CFD analysis were carried out for 3 and 4 cm distance between the glass surface and the absorber plate at different air flow rates. The results of CFD analysis are compared with that of experimental results. It was seen from experimental and numerical analysis that the thermal efficiency of jet impingement plate solar air collector using a conical circular nozzle is approximately 6.7% greater than the flat absorber plate solar air collector. The results show that jet impingement flow with conical tapered nozzles enhances heat transfer in solar air collector and therefore improves thermal efficiency and outlet temperature. It has also been observed that the distance between the glass cover and the absorber plate affects the thermal performance of the solar air collector. Furthermore, it was seen that the collector must be designed to avoid dead zones and maintain airflow for jet effect. It is thought that the findings will be useful for academic researchers and such performance-enhanced air collectors can be used in diverse industrial applications.