ABSTRACT
Solar energy is a sustainable and abundant source of renewable energy, making solar air heaters an efficient means of utilizing solar thermal power. In this study, a solar air heater integrated with phase change material (PCM) is analyzed to enhance thermal energy storage capabilities. The modeling of the air heater is carried out using CATIA software, while the analysis is performed using ANSYS software. Two configurations of the airflow duct—one with fins and one without—are considered to evaluate their impact on heat storage efficiency. Additionally, the effect of varying air velocity on the thermal performance of the system is studied.
A transient thermal analysis is conducted to determine the heat absorption and storage behavior of the PCM over time. The simulation is carried out for a duration of one hour to observe the heat retention characteristics of the PCM under different operating conditions. The presence of fins in the airflow duct enhances heat transfer by increasing the surface area for heat exchange. The with and without fins are analyzed to understand their influence on the rate of heat absorption and storage in the PCM. The results indicate that a lower airflow velocity leads to greater heat storage in the PCM, as it allows for more efficient heat transfer from the solar-heated air. The finned duct configuration further improves heat retention by facilitating better thermal conduction. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing airflow velocity and duct design to enhance the efficiency of solar air heaters with PCM. The study contributes to the development of more effective thermal energy storage solutions for solar heating applications
