Three-Dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling Using the RANS Approach of Indirect-Type Solar Dryers Based on Smooth and Corrugated Absorber Plates

Abstract Solar dryers are traditional devices used for drying various products. Different indirect solar dryer (ISD) geometries were theoretically examined using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This paper presents a numerical investigation of two indirect solar dryers using CFD simulation, comparing the velocity and thermal performance of dryers with smooth and corrugated absorber plates. The temperature values obtained by numerical simulations were compared to the experimental measurements and found a maximum variation difference of 1.26%. The maximum velocity in the solar air collector (SAC) and the value of average temperature at the SAC outlet were found to be 0.58 m/s and 336 K for the smooth absorber ISD, and 0.77 m/s and 350 K for the corrugated absorber ISD. It was observed that the corrugated absorber plate exhibited superior thermal performance and a higher maximum velocity compared to the smooth absorber plate. Within the cabinet, a uniform temperature profile was observed, particularly for the corrugated case. V-shaped absorber plates offer higher heat transfer rates, increased turbulence, and greater surface area for heat transfer, making them more efficient for drying processes compared to smooth absorber plates. Therefore, corrugated absorber plates in solar air collectors are a more efficient option than using smooth absorber plates.