Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Thermal Science and Engineering Progress, cilt.48, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
This research conducts an experimental analysis of a solar air heater (SAH) with and without a porous wire mesh, focusing on energy, exergy, and enviro-economic aspects. Measurements are carried out using both a conventional solar air collector and modified one by adding a porous wire mesh. Various wire mesh lengths (20, 40, and 60 cm) are used to determine the optimum one considering different mass flow rates (ṁ = 0.022, 0.033, and 0.045 kg/s). The impact of specific loss sources on exergy efficiency, including exergy destruction between the environment and system components, between the fluid and absorber, and between the absorber and the sun is pointed out. The findings reveal a remarkable enhancement in thermal efficiency, reaching 86 % by using a 60 cm wire mesh atṁ = 0.045 kg/s. The integration of the wire mesh into the SAH results in reduced exergy efficiency due to increased losses and exergy destruction rates. Using 60 cm wire mesh yields beneficial effects on thermo-hydraulic performance by enhancing convection heat transfer and increasing the overall effectiveness of the collector. Enviro-economic analysis shows significant environmental benefits. In Case4, operating at ṁ = 0.045 kg/s, the highest embodied energy value is observed and the highest annual useful energy output of 5480 kWh/year at the lowest energy cost of 0.0105 ($/kWh) is achieved. Additionally, the incorporation of a 60 cm porous wire mesh leads to an annual mitigation of approximately 1370.21 tons of CO2 and an improved environmental cost of 68.51 $/year compared to the conventional solar air collector's cost (28.15 $/year).