Acta Universitatis Sapientiae

Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, 16 (2024) 2637

DOI: 10.47745/auseme-2024-0003

Numerical Analysis of Efficiency Improvement in Flat

Plate Solar Collectors using Offset Strip Fins
Mohamed Chakib MALTI1, Zakaria SARI HASSOUN1,
Khaled ALIANE1, Younes REKIOUK3, Bastien DI PIERRO2,
Mohammed Abdelbassit KHERRAFI3
1 MECACOMP Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Technology,
Abou Bekr Belkaid University, Tlemcen, Algeria
2 Fluid Mechanics and Acoustics Laboratory, Claude Bernard University, Lyon 1,

UMR 5509, Lyon; France

3 ETAP Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Technology,

Abou Bekr Belkaid University, Tlemcen, Algeria

Manuscript received October 15, 2024; revised November 06, 2024

Abstract: This study aims to enhance the efficiency of flat plate solar collectors by
integrating offset strip fins and utilizing Ansys Fluent for numerical analysis, validating
results from a SolidWorks-designed solar air dryer. It outlines system components and
objectives based on a standard model, supporting both theoretical and experimental
analyses for applications in air conditioning and agro-food drying. Key boundary
conditions, such as inlet temperature, air velocity, and absorber emissivity, were defined
while maintaining experimental dimensions. Mesh tests ensured simulation accuracy for
essential thermodynamic parameters, including outlet temperature and pressure, using
the realizable k-epsilon turbulence model. The advanced model features obstacles that
increase the heat transfer area by 53.6 % and create secondary turbulent flow. Staggered
offset strip fins improved temperature by 12.6 % at an air velocity of 0.92 m/s (Re =
6000), significantly enhancing the overall effectiveness of the solar collector.

Keywords: Flat plate solar collectors, offset strip fins, temperature, velocity.

1. Introduction
The swift advancement of industrialization and rising energy demands strain
limited fossil fuel resources and the environment. Therefore, it is essential to
investigate all avenues for renewable energy generation. Among renewable
sources, solar energy presents significant potential for fulfilling energy
requirements sustainably. Consequently, various technologies have been
developed and are being enhanced to utilize this potential effectively [1]. The

26
 Numerical Analysis of Efficiency Improvement in Flat Plate Solar Collectors … 27

sun provides the most plentiful and accessible energy on Earth through direct
solar irradiance and indirect forms like wind and hydro. Hence, solar energy
stands as a viable, eco-friendly alternative that is readily available and can
satisfy both present and future global energy needs without adverse effects [2].
Solar collectors are crucial for efficiently capturing Earth’s abundant solar
energy [3], with flat plate air collectors frequently employed for low to medium
temperature applications due to their simplicity and ease of maintenance.
Nonetheless, their relatively low efficiency poses challenges in justifying the
initial costs over extended periods [4]. This paper emphasizes recent research
efforts aimed at enhancing the efficiency of flat plate air collectors through
design optimization, addressing the dual challenge of maximizing solar energy
absorption at minimal cost while ensuring energy availability at night [5].

2. Technics of increasing the performance of a flat air solar collector

A flat plate air collector captures solar radiation for fluid heating using a
dark absorber sheet that converts solar energy into heat, which is then
transferred to circulating fluid. The absorber sheets, made from metals like
copper or aluminum, are coated for better absorption, while integrated pipes
carry the fluid. Glazing, typically glass or plastic, allows solar radiation in while
minimizing heat loss, with insulation materials used to further reduce losses [6-
9]. Experimental investigation by A. E. Kabeel et al [10] about thermal
performance of flat and V-corrugated plate solar air heaters with and without
Phase Change Materials as thermal energy storage, the authors integrated
paraffin to the solar collectors for optimizing the global yield, they finally
concluded that The V-corrugated solar air heater with PCM maintains outlet
temperatures 1.5–7.2 °C higher than ambient for 3.5 hours after sunset at a flow
rate of 0.062 kg/s, compared to 1–5.5 °C for the flat plate heater over 2.5 hours.
At a lower flow rate of 0.009 kg/s, the V-corrugated heater stays 2–13 °C above
ambient for 7.5 hours, while the flat plate heater remains 1.5–10 °C higher for 6
hours. M. A. Kherrafi et al [11] studied an indirect solar dryer, concluding it
enhanced economic efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions [12].
Furthermore H. Alsammarraie et al [13] explored nanofluid characteristics and
their effects on heat transfer, identifying key factors like particle size and
concentration. M. Nejlaoui et al [14] optimized flat plate solar collector
performance in Qassim, achieving higher efficiency with a smaller collector
area. Vednath P. Kalbande et al [15] reviewed nanofluid-based solar collectors
integrated with thermal energy storage, noting that nanofluid properties
significantly enhance system performance. P. Visconti et al [16] found that
Al2O3-based nanofluids improved traditional solar thermal collector efficiency.
Finally, Kamel Haine and Dagnija Blumberga [17] evaluated solar energy
28 M.C. Malti, Z. Sari Hassoun, K. Aliane, Y. Rekiouk, B. Dipierro, M.A. Kherrafi

efficiency across continents, emphasizing the importance of technical and social

factors in enhancing solar energy efficiency.

3. Materials and methods

3.1 Solar panel

The convective heat exchange in a covered solar collector, involving the
glass pane, absorber surface, and external environment, is illustrated in Fig. 1a.
Additionally, Fig. 1b depicts the heat fluxes and thermal losses associated with
a flat-plate solar collector [18].

(1a) (1b)

Figure 1: Different heat exchanges and most important components

in a flat plate solar collector

3.2 Modeling equations of fluid flow

The system model is governed by averaged equations (1), (2) and (3) [19-21]:
𝜕𝑈𝑖
=0, (1)
𝜕𝑥𝑖

𝜕𝑈𝑖 𝜕𝑈 1 𝜕𝑃 𝜇 𝜕2 𝑈
𝜕𝑡
+ 𝑈𝑗 · 𝜕𝑥 𝑖 = − 𝜌 · 𝜕𝑥 + 𝜌
· 𝜕𝑥 2𝑖 , (2)
𝑗 𝑖 𝑖

𝜕𝑇 𝜕𝑇 𝜕 𝜇 𝜇 𝜕𝑇 1
𝜕𝑡
+ 𝑈𝑗 · 𝜕𝑋 = 𝜕𝑥 [(𝑃𝑟 + 𝑃𝑟𝑡 ) · 𝜕𝑥 ] + 𝜌·𝐶 · 𝜑 , (3)
𝐽 𝑗 𝑡 𝑗 𝑝

where the unknown Ui is the velocity field (m·s-1), P is the pressure (Pa), and T
is the temperature (K). The physical parameters are ρ which is the density
 Numerical Analysis of Efficiency Improvement in Flat Plate Solar Collectors … 29

(kg·m-3), µ represents the dynamic viscosity (Pa·s-1), and Cp the specific heat
capacity (J·kg-1·K-1).
The equation (1) represents the conservation of mass for an incompressible
fluid, the equation (2) describes conservation of momentum, and equation (3)
illustrates energy conservation.

4. Validation and results discussion

4.1 Physical model

The boundary conditions that have been defined are as follows: Inlet
temperature Tin = 300 K, inlet velocity Vin = Vi, i = 1…5, thermal flux
Q = 800 W/m², dark aluminum absorber emissivity is 0,9. Simulation
parameters are gathered in the Table 1.

Table 1: Air properties

Air properties ρ (Kg.m-3) µ (kg·m-1·s-1) λ (W·m-1·K-1) Pr

Value 1,225 0,00001789 0,0242 0,744

On one hand the Nusselt number can be calculated by Petukhov formula

[22]:
(𝑓/8)·(𝑅𝑒−1000)·𝑃𝑟
𝑁𝑢𝑝 = 1 2 , (4)
1 +12.7·(𝑓/8)2 ·(𝑃𝑟 3 −1)

𝑓 = (0,79 · ln(𝑅𝑒) – 1.64)−2 , (5)

𝑉·𝐷ℎ
𝑅𝑒 = 𝜈
. (6)
The equation (4) is valid when: 0,5 < Pr < 2000 and 3000 < Re < 5×106 [22].
Equation (5) and (6) illustrate the friction factor and the Reynolds number
respectively.
From another part, the theoretical equation of Nusselt number is defined by:
ℎ·𝐷ℎ
𝑁𝑢𝐷 = . (7)
𝑘
h is known to be the heat transfer coefficient (W·m-²·K-1), Dh is the hydraulic
diameter (m), k is the thermal conductivity (W·m-1·K-1), V is the air velocity
(m·s-1) and ν is the kinematic viscosity (m·s-2), and Pr is the Prandtl number
(dimensionless). Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 describe the isometric and top views of the
collector’s section, while Table 2 provides the length, width and thickness of
30 M.C. Malti, Z. Sari Hassoun, K. Aliane, Y. Rekiouk, B. Dipierro, M.A. Kherrafi

this one. The hydraulic diameter for a rectangular duct is defined by a specific
formula that is shown in equation (8) [23,24]:
4·𝑙·ℎ
𝐷ℎ = 2·(𝑙+ℎ)
, (8)

where l is the width (m), and h is the thickness (m).

Table 2: Solar collector dimensions

Dimensions L l h Dh
Value (mm) 2000 1000 50 95

Figure 2: Top view of the solar collector

Figure 3: Isometric view of the solar collector

In order to stabilize the fluid flow and obtain a compatible pressure value in
the interesting area, also to be able to calculate the performance coefficient
(PEC), a calming section of up to three times the length of the hydraulic
diameter (Dh) has been made at the entrance of the solar collector. Whereas a
length almost equal to half of the hydraulic diameter has been established at the
 Numerical Analysis of Efficiency Improvement in Flat Plate Solar Collectors … 31

outlet of the collector to make sure that the fluid interacts only with the
obstacles as well as the wall of the flat plate solar collector.

4.2 Mesh
The mesh was selected based on the number of elements, skewness, and
orthogonal quality to ensure accurate numerical results. Fig. 4 illustrates the
mesh structure applied to the collector’s geometry.

Figure 4: Orthogonal and skewness mesh quality scale

To demonstrate that the results are independent of the mesh used, various
meshes were created and presented in Table 3 and Fig. 4. The parameters
32 M.C. Malti, Z. Sari Hassoun, K. Aliane, Y. Rekiouk, B. Dipierro, M.A. Kherrafi

monitored included the air temperature at the solar collector’s outlet and the
pressure in the (zx) plane, with the air velocity maintained at 0.61 m/s
(Re = 4000).

Table 3: Outlet temperature and pressure variation as function of number of elements

Meshes 1 2 3 4
Size of the elements 0.01 0.006 0.005 0.004
Number of elements 223088 1035358 1767860 3570060
Tout (K) 307.2428 307.0313 306.9700 306.8016
Temperature relative 0.0688 0.01996 0.0548
error (%)
Pressure (Pa) 0.1131 0.1068 0.1051 0.1006
Pressure relative 5.5702 1.5917 4.2816
error (%)

The graph indicates that the temperature and pressure remain nearly constant
across different element counts. The relative errors listed in Table 3 are
negligible, leading to the selection of the smallest number of elements for the
numerical study due to its quick calculation and accurate results.

Figure 5: Outlet temperature variation as function of the size of elements used

Numerical validation involves varying air inlet velocity, calculating the

Nusselt number using the Petukhov correlation (4) [25], and comparing it with
simulation results for model validation (6), as shown in Table 4 and Figure 5.
 Numerical Analysis of Efficiency Improvement in Flat Plate Solar Collectors … 33

Table 4: Variation of NuD and NuP as function of Reynolds number

Vin (m/s) 0.92 1.23 1.54 1.85 2.15

Reynolds number 6000 8000 10000 12000 14000
h (W/m².K) 5.61 6.65 7.54 8.44 9.11
NuD (6) 22.02 26.10 29.60 33.73 35.76
NuP (4) 20.06 25.60 30.72 35.52 40.28
Relative error (%) 9.77 1.95 3.65 6.72 11.22

Figure 6: Variation of the Nusselt numbers as function of Reynolds number

The graph shows that the Nusselt number (NuD) varies proportionally with
the Reynolds number (NuP) between 6000 and 14000. The model is validated
for Reynolds numbers 7000 to 12000, with low relative errors (1.95% to
6.72%). However, it is unreliable outside this range, showing errors over 9% at
Re = 6000 and over 11% at Re = 14000.

5. Personal contribution and efficiency enhancement

To enhance solar air collector efficiency, 10 rows of 12 staggered metallic
offset strip fins were added, increasing the heat transfer area by 53.6%. Fig. 7
illustrates the dimensions of these aluminum obstacles.
34 M.C. Malti, Z. Sari Hassoun, K. Aliane, Y. Rekiouk, B. Dipierro, M.A. Kherrafi

Figure 7: Isometric view of the offset strip fins

Figure 8: Temperature’s contour in Figure 9: Temperature’s contour in

offset strip fins solar collector smooth solar collector

Figure 10: Pressure’s contour in offset Figure 11: Pressure’s contour in smooth
strip fins solar collector solar collector
 Numerical Analysis of Efficiency Improvement in Flat Plate Solar Collectors … 35

Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show temperature contours for offset strip fins (OSF) and
smooth solar collectors respectively, at Tin = 300 K, Q = 900 W/m², and
Vin = 0.92 m/s (Re = 6000). The fluid flow goes from left to right. The
maximum temperature of the smooth collector reaches 389 K, while the
maximum temperature of the OSF model reaches 438 K, improving thermal
efficiency by 12.6 %. Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 indicate that adding strip fins causes
significant pressure drops – 0.496 Pa to 0 Pa for the smooth collector and 1.462
Pa to -0.107 Pa for the OSF – due to increased friction force. This analysis helps
calculate the performance coefficient (PEC), confirming the OSF model’s
thermal and geometric validity.
The performance coefficient formula is represented by [26]:
𝑁𝑢/𝑁𝑢𝑠
𝑃𝐸𝐶 = 1 , (7)
(𝑓/𝑓𝑠 )3

where the index s refers to the smooth surface, Nu and f are Nusselt and friction
factor, respectively [27].
𝛥𝑃
𝑓= 𝐿 𝜌𝑉2
. (8)
.
𝐷ℎ 2

Table 5. below gathered inlet and outlet air pressures to evaluate the PEC
number at an inlet velocity of 0.92 m·s-1 (Re = 6000).

Table 5: Inlet and outlet pressures in both OSF and simple solar collectors

Required Friction Nusselt

Collector type Pin (Pa) Pout (Pa)
parameters factor Number
OSF solar collector 1.93 0.85 0.035 51.88
Smooth solar collector 0.56 0.029 0.017 29.32
PEC 1.39

General conclusion
This research involved a 3D numerical comparative analysis of a smooth
solar air collector and one with offset strip fins (OSF). It began with an
introduction to global energy demand and an overview of solar collectors,
discussing their components, recent studies, and mathematical models. The
analysis highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of thermal solar
collectors, we then highlighted the simple model validation, and suggested a
brand-new model by adding offset strip fins increasing heat transfer area by
53.6 %, which systematically led to enhance the collector’s efficiency. The
findings concluded that integrating obstacles into a simple solar air collector
36 M.C. Malti, Z. Sari Hassoun, K. Aliane, Y. Rekiouk, B. Dipierro, M.A. Kherrafi

enhances its yield, reaching a performance coefficient of 1.39 for a Reynolds

number of 6000, and a maximum temperature increase of approximately
12.6 %, demonstrating the superiority of the improved model, suitable for
various applications, both industrial and domestic.

Acknowledgments
The support from Abou Bekr Belkaid University, Tlemcen, is fully
acknowledged for giving me the original versions of the software used for this
study.

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