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Mathematical Modeling, Energy and Exergy Analysis of a Solar Air Collector under Variable Operating and Climatic Conditions

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Karshi state technical university, Karshi, Uzbekistan
  • 2Karshi state technical university, Karshi, Uzbekistan
  • 3Karshi state technical university, Karshi, Uzbekistan

Int. Res. J. Environment Sci., Volume 15, Issue (4), Pages 75-84, October,22 (2026)

Abstract

This research presents a mathematical model for assessing the energy and exergy performance of a turbulator-equipped solar air heater (SAH) subjected to changing climatic and operating conditions. The model incorporates variations in solar irradiance, ambient temperature, and air mass flow rate, together with thermal losses, heat exchange between the absorber and air, and airflow resistance. Simulations were conducted for Qarshi from 08:00 to 18:00 using meteorological data for 15 June, 15 July, 15 August, and 15 September 2024. The corresponding peak solar irradiance values were 988.9, 945.3, 961.7, and 793.3 W/m2. On 15 July, the absorber and outlet air temperatures reached 79.5℃ and 72.2℃, respectively; by 15 September, they had fallen to 70.9℃ and 63.7℃. The exergy calculations indicated that increasing the air mass flow rate from 0.002 to 0.023 kg/s reduced external exergy losses from 183 W to 17 W. Over the same flow-rate range, exergy destruction due to absorber-to-air heat transfer declined from a maximum of 11.5 W to 1 W, whereas friction-related exergy destruction rose from 1 W to 4.9 W. These results highlight the importance of evaluating both energy performance and exergy-related losses and irreversibility when assessing SAH operation.

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