This paper presents a mathematical model of a double flow solar air heater, in which air is flowing simultaneously over and under the absorbing plate. Based on the energy balance equations, the effect of fraction of mass flow rate in the upper or lower flow channel has been investigated analytically. The results show that there is air temperature rise, heat gain and efficiency has the maximum value when the optimal fraction of mass flow rate is 0.5; this means that air mass flow rate in both of the flow channels should be same. It is also observed from the results that performance of double flow solar air heater decreases when the value of fraction of mass flow rate increases or decreases from 0.5. Keywords: Double flow, solar air heater, fraction of mass flow rateCite this Article Som Nath Saha, S.P. Sharma. Analysis of the Fraction of Mass Flow Rate on the Performance of Double Flow Solar Air Heater. Journal of Thermal Engineering and Applications. 2017; 4(2): 18–26p.
