Review of Thermal Performance of Solar Air Heaters: Influence of Composite Materials and Advanced Thermal Storage Techniques

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 05 | Page : 488 506
    By

    Santosh Katkade,

  • Ankur Vasava,

  • Vishal Sulakhe,

  • Kiran Kaware,

  • Arif Mansuri,

  • Rakesh Dubey,

  1. Reserach Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SOET, Sandip University, Nashik, Maharashtra, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SOET, Sandip University, Nashik, Maharashtra, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SOET, Sandip University, Nashik, Maharashtra, India
  4. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SOET, Sandip University, Nashik, Maharashtra, India
  5. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SOET, Sandip University, Nashik, Maharashtra, India
  6. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sandip Institute of Technology and research Centre, Nashik, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Solar air heaters (SAHs) are essential devices for capturing solar energy and converting it into heat, finding applications in steam generation, refrigeration, agricultural drying, and space and water heating in residential and commercial environments. However, the thermal performance of SAHs is often limited by the low heat transfer coefficient of air and the absence of solar energy during nighttime, impacting efficiency and reliability. To address these challenges, this study explores the fabrication of advanced composite materials designed to enhance the thermal efficiency of SAHs while maintaining cost-effectiveness. The use of innovative absorber plate surface geometries, including various fin designs and artificial roughness techniques, has shown potential in boosting heat transfer rates. By integrating composite materials such as polymer-based matrices and nano-enhanced fillers, SAH designs can achieve improved thermal conductivity, durability, and structural integrity. Additionally, the incorporation of phase change materials (PCMs) within composite structures offers a practical solution for energy storage, enabling heat release during non-sunlight hours. Materials such as paraffin, sodium carbonate decahydrate, and lauric acid are examined for their thermal storage capabilities, contributing to consistent heating performance even after sunset. This comprehensive review evaluates various composite fabrication techniques, including reinforced polymer composites, nano-composites, and hybrid materials, focusing on cost-effective production methods and enhanced thermal performance.

Keywords: Solar air heater (SAH), composite materials, phase change material, thermal performance, heat transfer rate.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

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How to cite this article:
Santosh Katkade, Ankur Vasava, Vishal Sulakhe, Kiran Kaware, Arif Mansuri, Rakesh Dubey. Review of Thermal Performance of Solar Air Heaters: Influence of Composite Materials and Advanced Thermal Storage Techniques. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):488-506.
How to cite this URL:
Santosh Katkade, Ankur Vasava, Vishal Sulakhe, Kiran Kaware, Arif Mansuri, Rakesh Dubey. Review of Thermal Performance of Solar Air Heaters: Influence of Composite Materials and Advanced Thermal Storage Techniques. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):488-506. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=217044


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Special Issue 05
Received 16/01/2025
Accepted 22/04/2025
Published 18/07/2025
Publication Time 183 Days
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