Performance modelling and analysis of double-pass packed-bed solar air heaters: an analytical framework

Abstract

In this paper, the thermal performance of double-pass packed-bed solar air heaters is investigated theoretically. A suitable computer program is developed for the analytical solution of the mathematical model which involves the energy balance equations for the different components of the air heaters. Three different characteristics of the double-pass packed-bed solar air heaters are considered for the analysis. The results obtained from the analytical models are compared with the experimental model data obtained from the previous works and showed that good agreement is achieved.

Keywords:

• packed bed
• model
• thermal performance