Performance comparison of thermal energy storage system for indirect solar dryer with and without finned copper tube

A novel numerical model is developed to identify the effect of fins on thermal energy storage (TES) device of indirect type solar dryer (ITSD). Two models have been developed to study the above behavior, one being TES device without fins (case - I) and the second one with fins (case - II). CFD simulations were carried out for four air velocity conditions and a comparative study was performed in both cases. It was found that both cases work fine with an air velocity of 1 m/s compared to higher air flow velocities (2 to 4 m/s). Both systems can work up to 10.00 pm with the help of TES device. The average outlet temperature of case - I from 4.00 to 10.00 pm is 5.47 K higher than the inlet temperature and it is better (9.1 K) for case - II during the air velocity at 1 m/s. The average phase change material (PCM) temperature and melting fraction of case - II is 3.7 K and 6.44%, respectively, higher than case - I at 1 m/s. Maximum heat gained by the air for case - II is 55.2% more compared to case - I at an air velocity of 1 m/s.