A Comparative Investigation of Two Types of MHPA Flat-Plate Solar Air Collector Based on Exergy Analysis

Abstract

In this study, a comparative investigation of two types of microheat pipe array (MHPA) flat-plate solar air collectors (FPSAC) based on exergy analysis has been conducted. The thermal performance of MHPA-type solar air collectors (SACs) with two different shaped fins is experimentally evaluated. A detailed parametric study is also conducted to examine the effects of various fins, operation parameters, and inlet air temperature at different mass flow rates on thermal and exergy efficiencies. Results indicated that using V-shaped slotted fins at the specified range of mass flow rates can enhance exergy efficiency. Exergy efficiency can be considered as the main criterion to evaluate the performance of MHPA FPSACs. Attaching V-shaped slotted fins on the condenser section of MHPA is more effective than attaching rectangular fins at high mass flow rates. By contrast, the latter is more effective than the former at low mass flow rates.