2D computational analysis is carried out to assess the comparative performance of the absorb-er plate of a solar air heater with T-shape rectangular roughness elements using commercial software packages Fluent 14.5 are investigated at the Reynolds number range from 4000-16000 in which solar air heater normally operate. The k- turbulence model is selected by comparing the predictions of different turbulence models with experimental results available in the literature. Using the selected turbulence model a computational analysis is carried out to predict the heat transfer performance and flow friction characteristics of absorb-er plates with T-shape and rectangular rib roughness elements.

Anurag Joshi is working with Manipal University Jaipur. Chitresh Nayak is working with Oriental Institute of Technology. Bhopal Hemant Raj Singh is working with Manipal University Jaipur.