Research and parameter optimization of SAH enhanced heat transfer characteristics based on sinusoidal corrugated heat absorb plate

Liang Wang; Wenke Zhang; Xiaole Wang; Binguang Jia; Liang Wang; Wenke Zhang; Xiaole Wang; Binguang Jia

doi:10.3934/energy.2026050

AIMS Energy

2026, Volume 14, Issue 5: 1276-1298. doi: 10.3934/energy.2026050

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Research article Topical Sections

Research and parameter optimization of SAH enhanced heat transfer characteristics based on sinusoidal corrugated heat absorb plate

1.
Shandong Huayu University of Technology, College of Energy and Building Engineering, Dezhou, 253034, China
2.
School of Thermal Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, Shandong 250101, China
3.
School of Energy and Machinery, Dezhou University, Dezhou, 253023, China
4.
Shandong Engineering Research Center of Low-Carbon Energy Internet of Things Technology, Dezhou, 253034, China

Received: 27 July 2026 Revised: 26 September 2026 Accepted: 20 October 2026 Published: 28 October 2026

The thermal performance of solar air heater (SAH) is the standard for evaluating SAH. To enhance the thermal performance of SAH, we proposed the novel configuration incorporating the sinusoidal corrugated absorb plate. The thermal characteristics of sinusoidal-corrugated SAH were systematically investigated using the combined approach of numerical simulation and theoretical analysis. First, comparative study with conventional triangular-corrugated SAH was conducted, demonstrating the superior comprehensive performance of the sinusoidal plate in enhancing heat transfer while mitigating flow resistance. Second, the effects of key geometric parameters of the sinusoidal corrugation (wavelength and wave height) on the collector efficiency and pressure drop were thoroughly analyzed, leading to the identification of optimized parameter range. Furthermore, the double-layer sinusoidal-corrugated SAH model was developed to explore its synergistic heat transfer enhancement mechanism. The results indicated that the sinusoidal corrugation effectively disrupted the thermal boundary layer and induced secondary flows, which has higher heat collection efficiency and lower pressure drop and heat dissipation coefficient. The optimal wavelength was 20 mm, and the optimal wave height was 15 mm, the maximum heat collection efficiency was 61.58%, and the minimum heat dissipation coefficient was 4.66 W/m·K. The double-layer structure further enhanced the heat output. Based on simulated data, the high-precision fitting relationship (R² > 0.98) was established between the heat collection efficiency and inlet air Reynolds number (Re). This study provides theoretical basis and data support for the design and optimization of high-efficiency SAH.
- SAH,
- sinusoidal corrugated plate,
- heat transfer enhancement,
- parameter optimization,
- heat collection performance
Citation: Liang Wang, Wenke Zhang, Xiaole Wang, Binguang Jia. Research and parameter optimization of SAH enhanced heat transfer characteristics based on sinusoidal corrugated heat absorb plate[J]. AIMS Energy, 2026, 14(5): 1276-1298. doi: 10.3934/energy.2026050

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Abstract

The thermal performance of solar air heater (SAH) is the standard for evaluating SAH. To enhance the thermal performance of SAH, we proposed the novel configuration incorporating the sinusoidal corrugated absorb plate. The thermal characteristics of sinusoidal-corrugated SAH were systematically investigated using the combined approach of numerical simulation and theoretical analysis. First, comparative study with conventional triangular-corrugated SAH was conducted, demonstrating the superior comprehensive performance of the sinusoidal plate in enhancing heat transfer while mitigating flow resistance. Second, the effects of key geometric parameters of the sinusoidal corrugation (wavelength and wave height) on the collector efficiency and pressure drop were thoroughly analyzed, leading to the identification of optimized parameter range. Furthermore, the double-layer sinusoidal-corrugated SAH model was developed to explore its synergistic heat transfer enhancement mechanism. The results indicated that the sinusoidal corrugation effectively disrupted the thermal boundary layer and induced secondary flows, which has higher heat collection efficiency and lower pressure drop and heat dissipation coefficient. The optimal wavelength was 20 mm, and the optimal wave height was 15 mm, the maximum heat collection efficiency was 61.58%, and the minimum heat dissipation coefficient was 4.66 W/m·K. The double-layer structure further enhanced the heat output. Based on simulated data, the high-precision fitting relationship (R² > 0.98) was established between the heat collection efficiency and inlet air Reynolds number (Re). This study provides theoretical basis and data support for the design and optimization of high-efficiency SAH.

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