Thermodynamic performance analysis of a low-cost, recycled and energy-efficient solar air heater with waste beverage cans: an experimental research

Abstract

Solar air heaters are at the centre of interest owing to their widespread use for various purposes. In the study, thermal performance analysis of a solar air heater that can be easily produced from daily waste materials is done. The system has a low-cost structure with both waste material use and a simple design. The proposed system is tested under different climatic conditions, and the energetic and the exergetic performance figures are obtained for the first time in literature. It is observed from the experimental tests that the results are stable and coherent as well as in good accordance with the similar attempts in literature with some cost reductions and performance improvements. Thermodynamic performance analyses indicate that the maximum energy efficiency of the system is about 21%, whereas the exergy efficiency is 1.8%. The energetic and exergetic outputs of the system are also determined to be 27 W and 3 W, respectively, which is promising.