DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF OFF GRID SOLAR AIR

HEATER INTEGRATED WITH PHASE CHANGE

MATERIAL (PCM)

By

USAMA IDREES
BME203026
MUHAMMAD ALI KALLU
BME193029
MUHAMMAD AHMED SOHAIL
BME203007

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Faculty of Engineering
Capital University of Science & Technology,
Islamabad
NOVEMBER, 2023
DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF OFF GRID SOLAR AIR
HEATER INTEGRATED WITH PHASE CHANGE
MATERIAL (PCM)

By

USAMA IDREES
BME203026
MUHAMMAD ALI KALLU
BME193029
MUHAMMAD AHMED SOHAIL
BME203007

A Project Report submitted to the

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
BACHELORS OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Faculty of Engineering
Capital University of Science & Technology,
Islamabad
NOVEMBER, 2023
 Copyright © 2023 by CUST Student
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form requires the prior written
permission of Usama Idrees, Muhammad Ali Kallu, and Muhammad Ahmed Sohail.

ii
 DECLARATION
It is declared that this is an original piece of our own work, except where otherwise acknowledged in
text and references. This work has not been submitted in any form for another degree or diploma at
any university or other institution for tertiary education and shall not be submitted by me in future for
obtaining any degree from this or any other university or institution.

Usama Idrees

BME203026

Muhammad Ali Kallu

BME193029

Muhammad Ahmed Sohail

BME203007

November, 2023

iii
 CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL
It is certified that the project titled “Design and Analysis of off grid Solar Air Heater Integrated with
Phase Change Material (PCM)” carried out by Usama Idrees, Reg. No. BME203026, Muhammad Ali
kallu, Reg. No. BME193029, Muhammad Ahmed Sohail, Reg. No. BME203007 under the supervision
of Mr. Saif Ullah , Capital University of Science & Technology, Islamabad, is fully adequate, in scope
and in quality, as a final year project for the degree of BS in Mechanical Engineering.

Supervisor: -------------------------
Mr. Saif Ullah
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering
Capital University of Science & Technology, Islamabad

HOD: ----------------------------
Dr. Muhammad Mahabat Khan
Associate Professor
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering
Capital University of Science & Technology, Islamabad

iv
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to thank our supervisor Mr. Saif Ullah who gave us the opportunity to start this project
and guided us throughout our research phase. While working on this project we got to learn about
many new things in the engineering field.

v
 ABSTRACT

This research investigates the performance of a solar air heater within the context of addressing energy
scarcity in a developing nation with substantial energy consumption, such as Pakistan. The focus is on
optimizing the system for the country's winter season, spanning from mid-November to mid-February,
marked by cold air from the west or northwest, low temperatures, clear skies, and minimal
precipitation. In the far northwest, late December and early January may witness minimum
temperatures occasionally dropping to 4°C, with daytime lasting around 10 hours. The challenge is
mitigating heat loss during the extended winter nights to compensate for the shorter days. The solar air
heater is meticulously designed to minimize heat loss, emphasizing the enhancement of radiation heat
while minimizing losses to the surroundings. Solar energy, being a promising and environmentally
friendly heat source, holds significant potential for addressing energy needs sustainably. However, its
intermittent and timedependent nature necessitates innovative solutions for consistent energy supply
during extreme weather conditions. In this regard, a thermal energy storage system utilizing Phase
Change Materials (PCMs) is explored. The objective of this project is to develop a solar thermal air
heater tailored for heating rooms during the winter season when atmospheric temperatures are
extremely low. Through meticulous calculations. Consequently, the design of the solar thermal air
heater is engineered to deliver the required heat output, aiming to achieve a comfortable indoor
temperature. The outcomes of this research suggest that the solar thermal air heater proves to be a
reliable and efficient heating source when compared to conventional electric or gas heaters.

vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION..................................................................................................iii
CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL..........................................................................iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.....................................................................................v
ABSTRACT.........................................................................................................vi
LIST OF FIGURES..............................................................................................ix
LIST OF TABLES.................................................................................................x
CHAPTER 1..........................................................................................................1
1. Introduction:.....................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Overview.....................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Classification of Solar heating systems........................................................................................2
1.2.1 Solar Air Heater without TES:...............................................................................................2
1.2.2 Solar Air Heater with TES:....................................................................................................3
1.3 Advantages and Disadvantages.....................................................................................................4
1.4 Applications of Solar Air Heater...............................................................................................4
1.5 Design Idea...................................................................................................................................5
1.8 Aims and Objectives.....................................................................................................................6
1.8.1 Good Health & Well-being (SDG # 3)..................................................................................6
1.8.2 Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG # 7)...............................................................................6
1.8.3 Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG # 8)...................................................................6
1.8.4 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG # 9)................................................................6
1.8.5 Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG # 11)..................................................................6
1.8.6 Climate Action (SDG # 13)...................................................................................................6
1.9 Greenhouse effect.........................................................................................................................7
1.10 Carbon footprint and cost reduction............................................................................................7
1.11 Project Plan.................................................................................................................................8
1.12 Specification of Project...............................................................................................................8
1.13 Report Organization....................................................................................................................9

CHAPTER 2........................................................................................................10
LITERATURE REVIEW....................................................................................10
2.1 History.........................................................................................................................................10
2.2 Previous Work on Solar Air Heater...............................................................................................11

vii
2.2.1 Double-Pass Solar Air Heater.....................................................................11
2.2.2 Natural circulation solar air heater.............................................................12
2.2.3 Performance of the v-Corrugated Plate Solar Air Heater with PCM.........12
CHAPTER 3........................................................................................................13
PROJECT DESIGN.............................................................................................13
3.1 Design of the Project Hardware..................................................................................................13
3.3 Hardware Detail..........................................................................................................................13
3.3.1 Absorber plate......................................................................................................................13
3.3.2 PCM container.....................................................................................................................14
3.3.3 Glass....................................................................................................................................14
3.4 Material Selection.......................................................................................................................14
3.5 Mathematical Modeling..............................................................................................................15

Chapter 4.............................................................................................................16
Conceptual Design..............................................................................................................................16
4.1 CAD Model...................................................................................................................................16

Reference.............................................................................................................17

viii
 LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Classification of Solar Air Heater...............................................................................................1
Figure 2 Solar Air Heater Without TES....................................................................................................2
Figure 3 Solar Air Heater With TES..........................................................................................................3
Figure 4 Sustainable Development Goals.................................................................................................6
Figure 5 Green House Effect.....................................................................................................................7
Figure 6 Project Plan.................................................................................................................................8
Figure 7 Dual Pass Solar Air Heater (1)...................................................................................................11
Figure 8 Hardware Detail.........................................................................................................................13
Figure 9 3D CAD Model of Solar Air Heater..........................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 10 Exploded View of Solar Air Heater.........................................................................................17

ix
 LIST OF TABLES
Table 1.2 Project specifications ............................................................................................... 11
Table 3.1 Glass Properties........................................................................................................ 20

x
 CHAPTER 1

1. Introduction:
1.1 Overview
A solar air heater is a smart device that uses the sun's energy to warm up the air around us. It works
by capturing sunlight and turning it into heat, which is then used to make the air inside a room
warmer. Imagine it like having a special sun-powered heater that helps keep your home cozy,
especially during colder times like winter. What makes it cool is that it doesn't need electricity or gas
– it's all about using sunlight in a clever way to make our homes warmer while being kind to the
environment. So, it's like having a little bit of sunshine helping to keep you warm inside.

There are many different designs and systems to enhance the performance of solar air heaters, which
may include fans to increase the flow rate of air. Based on the working principle, there are different
design methods of solar air heaters which are shown in Figure 1.1.

Figure 1 Classification of Solar Air Heater

1
1.2 Classification of Solar heating systems
1.2.1 Solar Air Heater without TES:
A solar air heater without thermal energy storage (TES) is a straightforward device that harnesses
sunlight to directly heat air without storing the thermal energy for later use. The fundamental
components include a collector surface, typically made of materials with high thermal conductivity
like black-painted metal, designed to efficiently absorb sunlight. The heated air circulation is
facilitated either by a fan or natural convection as it passes through the collector, absorbing thermal
energy along the way. This heated air is then directed to the intended space or process requiring
warmth. The simplicity and cost-effectiveness of these systems are evident, given their
uncomplicated design and absence of additional storage components.

However, there are trade-offs. While solar air heaters without TES are simpler to install and more
budget-friendly, their effectiveness is contingent on sunlight availability. These systems can only
provide heat when the sun is shining, making them less efficient during cloudy days or at night.
Additionally, the lack of thermal storage limits their flexibility, as they cannot supply heat beyond
sunny periods. Nevertheless, in sun-rich environments, these systems still represent a valuable and
energyefficient complement to heating solutions, despite their intermittent nature. Their practicality
hinges on factors like location, weather conditions, and the specific design of the system, offering an
eco-friendly alternative in climates where sunlight is abundant.

Figure 2 Solar Air Heater Without TES

2
1.2.2 Solar Air Heater with TES:
A Solar Air Heater with Thermal Energy Storage (TES) is a smart and eco-friendly system that uses
sunlight to heat air for various purposes, such as space heating. Imagine a setup with a special
collector that soaks up sunlight, consisting of an absorber plate, a transparent cover like glass, and
insulation to keep the heat in. When the sun is shining, this collector warms up the air that passes
through it, creating a flow of heated air. What makes this system even more clever is the inclusion of
Thermal Energy Storage. It has a storage tank or bed filled with a material, like paraffin wax, that can
capture and hold onto the excess heat generated during sunny periods. This stored thermal energy
becomes a valuable resource, especially when the sun isn't shining brightly. During the night or
cloudy days, the system can release the stored heat, ensuring a continuous and reliable supply of
warm air. This not only makes the Solar Air Heater efficient but also reduces the need for additional
heating sources during less sunny times. It's a sustainable solution that captures the power of the sun
and makes it available whenever you need a cozy and warm environment.

Figure 3 Solar Air Heater With TES

3
1.3 Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of Solar Air Heater Without TES
• Simplicity and Cost-Effectiveness
• Lower Maintenance
• Immediate Heat Supply
• Space Heating
Disadvantages of Solar Air Heater Without TES
• Intermittent Operation
• Limited Operation in Low Sunlight Conditions
• Dependence on Backup Systems
• Less Energy Utilization
• Less Suitable for Continuous Processes
Advantages of Solar Air Heater With TES
• Continuous Operation
• Increased Efficiency
• Energy Independence
• Flexibility in Energy Use
• Suitability for Off-Grid Applications
Disadvantages of Solar Air Heater With TES
• Complexity and Cost
• Maintenance Requirements
• Space Requirements
• Heat Losses
• Limited Storage Capacity

1.4 Applications of Solar Air Heater

• Residential Heating
Solar air heaters are often used in homes to supplement conventional heating systems. They
can provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for keeping indoor spaces warm
during colder months.
• Commercial Buildings
Solar air heaters are employed in commercial buildings, offices, and warehouses to contribute
to space heating requirements. These systems can be integrated into existing HVAC (Heating,
Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems to enhance energy efficiency.

• Industrial Processes
Industries utilize solar air heaters for preheating air in various industrial processes. Applications
include drying processes, curing of materials, and maintaining specific temperature conditions in
manufacturing.

4
 • Agricultural Drying
Solar air heaters are employed for drying agricultural products such as grains, fruits, and
vegetables. These systems help reduce moisture content in crops, aiding in preservation and
preventing spoilage.

• Greenhouses
Solar air heaters are used in greenhouse systems to maintain optimal temperatures for plant
growth. They contribute to creating a controlled environment that supports plant cultivation.

• Space Heating in Remote Areas

In off-grid or remote areas where access to conventional energy sources may be limited, solar
air heaters provide a sustainable solution for space heating.

• Swimming Pool Heating

Solar air heaters are employed to heat air that is then directed into systems that warm
swimming pool water. This application helps extend the swimming season and reduce the need
for conventional pool heating methods.

• Drying of Clothes
Solar air heaters can be used in clothes drying systems, providing a natural and energy-efficient
way to dry clothes.

• Solar Desalination
In certain applications, solar air heaters may be utilized in solar desalination processes where
heat is required to evaporate water for desalination purposes.

1.5 Design Idea

This research project focuses on optimizing a solar air heater system for efficient space heating,
employing transparent glass panels, an absorber plate, and a Phase Change Material (PCM) bed. The
collector captures and stores thermal energy during sunlight for use in the absence of direct sun
exposure, ensuring continuous space heating. Through a convection heat transfer process facilitated
by strategically placed vents, warm air rises, exits through upper vents, and cooler air enters through
lower vents. The primary goal is to enhance the system's efficiency by refining the design and
integration of the PCM storage, with iterative modifications, thermal analyses, and experimental
testing. Expected outcomes include improved thermal energy capture, enhanced space heating
performance, insights into design impact, and practical recommendations for broader applications,
contributing to advancements in renewable energy solutions.

5
1.8 Aims and Objectives
The aim of this project is to use the renewable energy technology in order to reduce the use of fossil
fuels for sustainable environment. Following sustainability development goals (SDGs) will be
addressed in our project:

1.8.1 Good Health & Well-being (SDG # 3)

Solar air heaters contribute to good health by providing clean and sustainable heating solutions,
reducing reliance on traditional energy sources associated with indoor air pollution. This improves
indoor air quality, reducing respiratory issues and promoting overall well-being.
1.8.2 Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG # 7)
Solar air heaters support SDG 7 by providing an affordable and clean energy source for space
heating. By harnessing solar energy, these systems contribute to sustainable energy practices,
reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and lowering energy costs.
1.8.3 Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG # 8)
The deployment, installation, and maintenance of solar air heater systems create job opportunities,
supporting SDG 8. The growth of the renewable energy sector, including solar technologies,
contributes to economic development and job creation.
1.8.4 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG # 9)
Solar air heaters embody innovation in renewable energy technology, aligning with SDG 9. The
development and integration of these systems contribute to building sustainable infrastructure and
promoting technological advancements.
1.8.5 Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG # 11)
Solar air heaters promote sustainability in urban and community settings. By reducing reliance on
nonrenewable energy sources, they contribute to sustainable urban development, aligning with SDG
11's goal of creating resilient and sustainable communities.
1.8.6 Climate Action (SDG # 13)
Solar air heaters directly contribute to climate action by harnessing clean and renewable solar energy.
These systems help mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with
conventional heating methods, aligning with SDG 13.

Figure 4 Sustainable Development Goals

6
1.9 Greenhouse effect
The greenhouse effect is the process through which heat is trapped near Earth's surface by substances
known as 'greenhouse gases.' Imagine these gases as a cozy blanket enveloping our planet, helping to
maintain a warmer temperature than it would have otherwise. Greenhouse gases consist of carbon
dioxide, methane, ozone, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and water vapor. Water vapor, which
reacts to temperature changes, is referred to as a 'feedback', because it amplifies the effect of forces
that initially caused the warming.

Figure 5 Green House Effect

1.10 Carbon footprint and cost reduction

The conventional heating methods employed in buildings, such as electric heaters and boilers, often
rely on fossil fuels, contributing to environmental pollution. In response to this challenge, alternative
energy-based heating systems, particularly solar air heaters, have emerged as a sustainable solution.
Solar air heaters utilize solar energy to provide eco-friendly and resource-unlimited power, mitigating
concerns about resource depletion and carbon dioxide emissions associated with fossil fuel
combustion. Notably, in regions with abundant solar resources like Iran, substituting carbon-based
fuels with solar heat in steam generators has demonstrated comparable performance with the added
environmental benefits. However, challenges arise in colder climates where insufficient solar
irradiance hinders efficient solar air heater use. Addressing this, enhancing sunlight absorption agility
and prolonging heat storage can mitigate these limitations. In countries like Pakistan with imperfectly
insulated buildings, leveraging solar air heaters to harness wasted solar energy for heating lower-floor
apartments presents an economical and sustainable solution. This approach proves especially valuable
in regions facing energy shortages and extreme winter conditions, contributing to reduced carbon
footprint and combating climate change by curbing emissions of heat-trapping gases. Overall,
implementing solar air heaters represents a practical and environmentally conscious strategy for
optimizing energy efficiency in building heating systems.
7
1.11 Project Plan
The plan of this project is shown in Figure 1.9.

Figure 6 Project Plan

1.12 Specification of Project

The specifications of our project are listed in Table 1.2.
Name Specifications

Collector length 1520 mm

Collector width 920 mm

Collector angle 30° south facing

Collector type Flat plate with triangular

ribs
Collector material Aluminum

Selective surface Matte black paint

Cover Material Glass

Insulation Material Styrofoam

Phase Change Material Paraffin Wax

Table 1.2 Project specifications

8
1.13 Report Organization
The report starts off with the abstract which gave a brief summary of the project. There are 4 chapters
in this report. Chapter 1 is an introductory chapter which gives an overview of the project, the
advantages and disadvantages of different methods of heating. In chapter 2, related technologies and
previous studies on solar thermal air heaters are discussed. In chapter 3, there is the mathematical
modelling and numerical methods used to calculate the heating load for the room. In chapter 4, we
have briefly describe the tools and techniques used to model and simulate the results. In chapter 5, we
have concluded our findings along with future recommendations for the design and development of
the solar air heaters.

9
CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 History
Solar heating systems have been utilized for an extended period. In 1877, Daniels and Duffie reported the
use of solar heat stored in iron, where the heated iron was employed to warm a home by blowing air over it.
The initial accredited solar air heating (SAH) system was designed by E. Morse in 1881, consisting of a
wall-hung wooden frame cabinet with a blackened metallic sheet covered by transparent glass. This system
operated on convection, emitting hot air through a solar absorber made of steel within the cabinet[1].

Although Morse's design received limited attention, variations were developed over the years. Between
1946 and 1949, two residences in Massachusetts experimented with solar air heating, using chemical
compounds that absorbed and released heat. This technology, now known as phase change materials
(PCMs), has numerous applications worldwide. MIT continued research on solar heated homes,
constructing three more houses up to 1978.

From 1949, modern research in solar heating at MIT began, aiming to carry two-thirds of winter heating
loads in Boston. Telkes and Baymond (1949) defined a solar home at MIT using southward-facing SAHs
and thermal energy storage (TES) with the heat of fusion of NaSH3. Bliss (1955) evaluated a fully solar-
heated house in the Arizona desert, Lof (1959) designed SAHS with transparent glass-plate type solar
collectors and a pebble bed for TES, and Close et al. (1968) described an SAHS in Australia.

Subsequently, various experimental air heating systems have been developed and tested since 1970. In
2003, Weiss discussed the design and optimization of European 'solar combisystems.' The trend towards
DIY solar heating systems for building or space heating has grown, with manufacturers recognizing the
demand for easy-to-install components[2].

10
2.2 Previous Work on Solar Air Heater

2.2.1 Double-Pass Solar Air Heater

In this study, an experimental investigation was undertaken to enhance the thermal efficiency of a double-
pass solar air heater (SAH) by incorporating phase change material (PCM) for thermal storage in the
climatic conditions of Baghdad, Iraq. The double-pass solar air heater, coupled with a thermal storage
system, was designed and tested to ensure the retention of heated air in the absence of sunlight. A
rectangular cavity filled with paraffin wax, serving as a latent heat storage medium, was integrated into the
lower channel of the solar air heater.
Experiments were conducted to assess the charging and discharging characteristics of two similarly
designed solar air collectors, one with PCM and the other without, maintaining a constant air mass flow rate
of 0.0375 kg/sec. Various parameters influencing the thermal performance of the SAH, such as solar
radiation, temperature differences, outlet air temperature, instantaneous thermal efficiency, and daily
efficiency, were evaluated. The experimental findings revealed that the use of PCM led to an enhancement
in the outlet air temperature, exceeding the ambient temperature by 1.5 to 6.5 °C for a 5-hour period after
sunset[3].
The results demonstrated that, with PCM utilization, the instantaneous thermal efficiency of the heater
exceeded 100% after sunset, attributed to the substantial heat released from the paraffin wax during the
discharge process. Additionally, the daily efficiency of the double-pass SAH, integrated with and without
the thermal energy storage unit, was found to be 56% and 47%, respectively[4].

Figure 7
Dual Pass Solar Air Heater

11
2.2.2 Natural circulation solar air heater
This study presents a transient thermal analysis of a natural convection solar air heater comprising a single-
glazed flat plate solar collector integrated with a phase change material (PCM) energy storage subsystem
using paraffin. The system includes a rectangular enclosure serving as the working chamber, and the PCM
is organized in modules evenly distributed across the absorber plate. The underside of the absorber plate
and the vertical sides of the PCM module container act as air heating vanes. The airflow through the system
occurs naturally through convection[4].
Energy balance equations are developed for each major component of the heater and are connected with
heat and mass balance equations for the heated air circulating through the system. The airflow rate is
determined by balancing the buoyancy head, arising from thermally induced density differences, and the
friction head due to various flow resistances. The predicted system performance is compared with
experimental data under daytime no-load conditions, covering an ambient temperature range of 19–41 °C
and daily global irradiation of 4.9–19.9 MJ m–2.
The predicted temperatures at specific locations on the absorber plate, heat exchanger plate, glazing, and
heated air closely align with experimental data, deviating by no more than 10, 6, 8, and 10 °C, respectively.
The maximum predicted cumulative useful and overall efficiencies of the system fall within the ranges of
2.5–13% and 7.5–18%, respectively. The study includes correlations for the predicted efficiencies.

2.2.3 Performance of the v-Corrugated Plate Solar Air Heater with PCM
The primary challenge associated with solar air heaters employing thermal energy storage is the dew
phenomenon in ambient air. The focus of this research was to address this issue by implementing a
straightforward solution – covering the upper side of the solar air heater with an insulated cover during the
night period. The study utilized a v-corrugated solar air heater integrated with phase change material
(PCM), recognized as one of the most efficient heaters according to existing literature. Experiments were
conducted with and without the use of an insulated upper cover during the night.
Results showed a notable increase in the glass cover temperature when the insulated upper cover was
employed during the night. Additionally, the absorber plate and PCM temperatures were slightly elevated
compared to their respective values obtained without the insulated upper cover. The use of the insulated
upper cover during the night led to an increase in the outlet air temperature and daily average efficiency by
2-4 °C and 6.6%, respectively. The study concluded that the operation time of the heater extended by 1.5
hours when the insulated upper cover was utilized[3].

12
CHAPTER 3

PROJECT DESIGN

3.1 Design of the Project Hardware

Our design consists of a clear glass panel through which light transmits on the absorber plate. The
absorber plate is made up of aluminum and it will be painted black to absorb maximum radiations
coming from the Sun. Phase change materials are used to store energy during a mild weather which
can be used in bad weather conditions or at night. An air channel will be made between the absorber
plate and a PCM container, when the air flows over the plate it will get heated and will be supplied to
the room.

3.3 Hardware Detail

Our project consists of absorber plate, glass, PCM container and prototype room as shown in figure
3.1.

Figure 8 Hardware Detail

13
3.3.1 Absorber plate
The absorber plate is made up of Aluminum and it has a dimension of 1520 × 920 × 152 mm. It is
painted matte black to absorb the maximum incident solar radiations, because matte black finish has
the absorptivity value of 0.95, which means it can absorb 95% of the total incident radiation.
3.3.2 PCM container
The PCM container lies beneath the absorber plate to receive heat by the conduction. The height of
PCM container is 20 mm and it is sealed to prevent the leakage of the phase change material.

3.3.3 Glass
The properties of glass used are given below:
Properties Values
Visible light transmission 78
(VLT)

Visible light reflectance 14

(VLR) internal
Visible light reflectance 14
(VLR) external
SHGC (Solar heat gain 0.74
coefficient)
U value 2.6 (W/𝑚𝑚2. 𝐾𝐾)
Table 3.1 Glass Properties

3.4 Material Selection

Absorber plate
For absorber plate aluminum was selected because; o
Its thermal conductivity is high.

o Corrosion resistive

o It is less expensive than copper. o It is easily available in

different sizes.

14
Phase change material
Paraffin wax was selected for phase change material because;

• Melting temperature = 54°C - 64°C.

• Good latent heat of absorption.
• Easily available in local market.

Insulation
For insulation Styrofoam was selected because of its;

• Moisture resistance
• Easy installation
• Odor less
• No biological growth

3.5 Mathematical Modeling

Heating load
Heating load was calculated in two parts, first for walls and then for windows.

(a) For Wall

15
Chapter 4
Conceptual Design
4.1 CAD Model

Figure 9 CAD Model of Solar Air Heater

16
 Figure 10 Exploded View of Solar Air Heater

Reference

[1] Enibe S. Thermal analysis of a natural circulation solar air heater with phase change material energy
storage. Renewable Energy. 2003;28:2269-99.
[2] Saxena A, El-Sebaii A. A thermodynamic review of solar air heaters. Renewable and Sustainable Energy
Reviews. 2015;43:863-90.

17
 [3] Shalaby S, Khalil A, Kabeel A, Zayed M. Improvement of the thermal performance of the v-corrugated
plate solar air heater with PCM by using insulated upper cover during night. 2018 IEEE international
conference on smart energy grid engineering (SEGE): IEEE; 2018. p. 346-50.
[4] Mahmood AS. Experimental study on double-pass solar air heater with and without using phase change
material. Journal of Engineering. 2019;25:1-17.

18