Comparative analysis of geometrical configurations in aero-thermal panel systems

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of different collector geometries on the thermal and fluid dynamic performance of aero-thermal panels. Several configurations were analyzed, including single, two, five, and ten-panel systems, with a focus on temperature distribution, velocity fields, static pressure, turbulent kinetic energy, dissipation rate, and turbulent viscosity. Temperature profiles revealed that maximum temperatures were consistent across all geometries, reaching 328 K, but were distributed differently depending on the collector layout. The velocity distribution was found to be relatively uniform, with maximum velocities observed within the collectors, particularly in multi-panel systems. Static pressure showed uniformity across all configurations, with slight variations around the exhaust fan. Turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation rates were higher in systems with more collectors, indicating increased turbulence and energy dissipation due to larger surface areas and more complex flow patterns. Turbulent viscosity remained consistent across geometries, suggesting that the fundamental fluid dynamics in the collector air channel were not significantly altered by the number or shape of the collectors. Overall, the study highlights how varying the number and geometry of collectors impacts heat retention, fluid dynamics, and overall system performance, offering insights into the optimization of such systems for enhanced thermal efficiency.