Estimation of Heat Transfer Coefficient and Pressure Drop in a Solar Collector Using Fresnel Lenses

Prakash R. Tripathi, Mahesh G. Bhong

Abstract: The paper presents the experimental investigation, dimensional analysis and mathematical modeling of the solar collector that uses Fresnel lenses for the heating of air. Two passes have been compared under the forced flow. The heated air can be used for a number of applications including solar drying of fruits and vegetables agricultural crop drying, food processing, dairy industries, seasoning of wood, textile industries and many more. The use of solar energy and its effect on the heat transfer coefficient as well as pressure drop of the collector are analyzed mathematically.

Keywords: Fresnel lens, single pass, double pass, hot air