Thermohydraulic performance augmentation in a solar air heater using a perforated circular segment vortex generator.

Hybrid turbulators have been introduced as a feasible solution to improve heat transfer in fluid channels. In this study, a perforated circular segment was used as a vortex generator to enhance the heat transfer rate in an air collector duct. The effects of key parameters, including Reynolds numbers ranging from 6000 to 18,000 (four values), angles of attack from 30 to 90° (five values), and inline and staggered segment arrangements, on heat transfer, pressure loss, and thermohydraulic performance were investigated.