energies

Review
A Descriptive Review to Access the Most Suitable Rib’s
Configuration of Roughness for the Maximum Performance of
Solar Air Heater
Karmveer 1, *, Naveen Kumar Gupta 1, *, Tabish Alam 2, *, Raffaello Cozzolino 3, * and Gino Bella 3

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, GLA University, Mathura 281406, Uttar Pradesh, India
2 CSIR—Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India
3 Department of Engineering, University of Rome Niccolò Cusano, 00166 Roma, Italy; [email protected]
* Correspondence: [email protected] (K.); [email protected] (N.K.G.); [email protected] (T.A.);
[email protected] (R.C.)

Abstract: Solar air heater is considered to be the most popular and widely used solar thermal system.
Solar air heater (SAH) can be used in many applications, ranging from domestic to industrial purposes.
However, it seems that the viability of SAH is not feasible due to the following two reasons: (i) the
low convective heat transfer coefficient at the absorber plate is the reason that causes a low heat
transfer rate to the flowing air, and (ii) the high temperature of the absorber plate insists on high heat
losses, thus, reducing the thermal efficiency. The convective coefficient can be augmented by placing
turbulators/roughness on the absorber plate, which induces turbulence in the flow passage near the
absorber plate by disrupting and destabilizing the laminar sublayer. This comprehensive review has
been presented to summarize the studies on artificial roughness/turbulators geometries to enhance
the heat transfer rate. Various rib configurations (such as grits, grooves, blockages, baffles, winglets,



protrusions, twisted taps, dimples, and mesh wires) and distinct arrangements of rib roughness


(such as inclined, transverse, V shape, with gap) have been reviewed to present heat transfer and
Citation: Karmveer; Gupta, N.K.;
friction characteristics. Additionally, thermal efficiency and thermohydraulic efficiency (in terms of
Alam, T.; Cozzolino, R.; Bella, G. A
Descriptive Review to Access the
net effective efficiency) of various artificial roughnesses and rib configurations are presented under
Most Suitable Rib’s Configuration of distinct operating conditions for comparing purposes. This comparative study has been presented
Roughness for the Maximum to assess the most desirable ribs and their configurations. On the basis of net effective efficiency,
Performance of Solar Air Heater. a multiarc rib with gaps is found to be the best configuration among all and have the highest thermal
Energies 2022, 15, 2800. https:// and net effective efficiency of around 79%.
doi.org/10.3390/en15082800

Academic Editor: Philippe Leclère

Keywords: roughness; performance; solar air heater; friction factor; Nusselt number; augmentation

Received: 20 February 2022

Accepted: 6 April 2022
Published: 11 April 2022 1. Introduction
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral The consumption and demand for energy increased globally due to the drastic rise
with regard to jurisdictional claims in in industrialization, population, and economic growth of nations. In this respect, the
published maps and institutional affil- researchers developed various energy-saving techniques as a new source of energy in the
iations. field of energy production and saving; various conventional fossil fuels, such as petroleum
products, crude oil, coal, and nuclear fuel, are used for energy production, which are very
exhaustible and also have adversely affected the nature and surrounding environment.
However, many investigators have performed a lot of work to minimize the effect of fossil
Copyright: © 2022 by the authors.
fuel emission, such as NOx and CO2 , in the environment. Solar energy is an indigenous
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
and most promising energy source available worldwide. Among all available renewable
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
sources of energy, solar energy is an infinite source of energy and also has the largest
conditions of the Creative Commons
potential to fulfill the energy demand on earth. Solar energy can be converted into heat
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// energy by using solar collector devices. Solar air heater (SAH) is the best example of these
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ solar collector devices. The SAH heats the flowing air by absorbing direct and diffused
4.0/). solar radiation from low to moderate temperature for distinct applications, such as building

Energies 2022, 15, 2800. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15082800 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

Energies 2022, 15, 2800 2 of 46

heating, drying of vegetables, drying of fruits, timber seasoning, crop drying, space heating,
and many other industrial and domestic purposes. It is free from problems related to
freezing and corrosion. SAH can also be used to increase the efficiency and performance of
a conventional drying system by integrating these systems in many applications, such as
conveyer and fluidized bed drying systems.
SAHs are widely used in the world for heating purposes because they are very simple
in design, economical, and almost maintenance-free. The main components are the collector
plate, transparent cover of high transmissivity, back insulations, side edges, and blower/fan,
as shown in Figure 1. The SAH has poor performance due to the low convective heat
transfer coefficient of the absorber plate and high heat losses from the top glass cover.
Due to the development of the laminar sublayer at the absorber plate because of the
thermal resistance generated near the plate retards’ heat transfer. The convective coefficient
can be augmented by using turbulators, which induce turbulence in the duct near the
absorber plate by disrupting and destabilizing the laminar sublayer. The viscous sub-layer
can be disrupted by using irregular-shape obstacles, called artificial roughness, in distinct
form of grits, groove, baffles, ribs, winglet, protrusions, twisted taps, dimples, perforation,
mesh wire, and so on [1]. The roughness may be in a square, rectangular, triangular,
conical, spherical, or chamfered shape or in a hybrid shape. The turbulence promoters also
increase friction losses, which leads to higher power consumption in the pumping of air,
which is not desirable. Therefore, the turbulence zone should be within the region of the
viscous sublayer.

Figure 1. Component of SAH.

The objective of this review paper is to summarize the works carried out for the
performance enfacement of SAH, exploiting the artificial roughness/turbulators of differ-
ent configurations. Additionally, a performance analysis of various rib configurations is
presented to assess the best rib configuration. This study will be helpful to readers who are
working in heat transfer enhancement. In the following subsection, the concept of artificial
roughness and their corresponding effect are discussed. Additionally, the performance of
SAH having artificial roughness is discussed in detail.
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 3 of 46

2. Performance of SAH
2.1. Heat Transfer Performance
It can be evaluated with the help of an equation proposed by Bliss [2], which is given as:

qu = FR { I (τ.α) − Uo ( Ti − Ta )} (1)

Further, the efficiency of a SAH is given as:

" #
( T f − Ta )
ηth = FR (τα − Uo (2)
I

2.2. Hydraulic Performance

It is totally concerned with pressure drop, which leads to excessive power consumption
to run the blower or fan. The pressure drop inside the duct in relation to the friction factor
is given as:
2 f LρV 2
∆P = (3)
Dh
The overall performance should be evaluated with the help of various considerations
of thermohydraulic performance. The thermohydraulic performance is helpful in the
selection of a parameter and solar collector design. The collector should transfer a maximum
amount of heat energy with minimum power consumption in the blower. The parameter for
augmentation in the thermal performance of a rough duct in comparison with a smooth duct
in terms of friction factor and Nu was developed by Lewis et al. [3], called thermohydraulic
performance parameter (η), which is given below.
" #
( Nu/Nus )
η= (4)
( f / f s )1/3

3. Historical Background of Conceptualization of Artificial Roughness in SAH

The SAH is a simple, compact, and economical thermal heating system that has wide
applications in so many fields, such as the domestic, industrial, automobile, and agriculture
fields. Solar radiations are converted into thermal energy with the help of an absorber
plate in the SAH. The flat plate collectors are mainly used in the SAH for distinct heating
applications in a wide span. The thermal performance of a SAH is weaker due to a small
value of the convection coefficient. This is due to the development of a laminar sublayer
adjacent to the absorber plate, which offers thermal resistance to the convection. Therefore,
it is imperative to augment the performance of the SAH by adopting a desirable technique
of heat transfer augmentation. The convective coefficient can be augmented by installing
turbulators on the wall of the duct, which induces turbulence in the flow passage near the
absorber plate by disrupting and destabilizing the laminar sublayer. The artificial roughness
revivifies the fluid flow pattern adjacent to the absorber plate in the region of a viscous
sublayer. The artificial roughness may be in any suitable shape, such as square, rectangular,
triangular, conical, spherical, chamfered, or hybrid shape. The roughness geometries used
by many researchers are grits, grooves, blockages, baffles, winglets, protrusions, twisted
taps, dimples, mesh wires and so on. Alam et al. [1] reviewed distinct arrangements of rib
roughness that have been investigated previously, such as V-rib, W-shape rib, chamfered
rib, rib with grooves, staggered rib, transverse rib, and discrete rib. The effect of flow due
the various rib arrangements is discussed in detail.
The separation and reattachment of flow occur due to roughness in between consecu-
tive roughnesses, which leads to an increment in local wall turbulence, thereby enhancing
the convection coefficient. Okamoto et al. [4] analyzed that the value of a local convective
coefficient is maximum at the reattachment point as the turbulence intensity is highest just
downstream this point. Sparrow et al. [5] showed both experimentally and numerically that
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 4 of 46

the point of reattachment of the flow and position of the maximum convection coefficient
is quite close to each other. Cortes and Piacentini [6] developed a performance assess-
ment parameter of the SAH with the help of a numerical model called effective efficiency.
They also showed that the effective efficiency of a collector may be enhanced with the
help of perturbations. The obstacles also increase air pumping power requirements. Niku-
radse [7] studied the turbulent flow of fluids with a distinct degree of relative roughness
and developed the temperature and velocity distributions of a sand-grain-roughened pipe
for a large span of roughness Re (e+ ).
r
+ e f
e = Re (5)
D 2
Roughness Re is a parameter that combines both the roughness height and Re. Niku-
radse [7] identified three regions of fluid flow based on variation in f for a wide span of e+ ,
which are shown in Figure 2.
In the hydrodynamically smooth flow region, the value of f for a small range of
roughness Re (5 > e+ > 0) is the same for a smooth and rough pipe, and the roughness exists
entirely within the laminar sublayer. In the transitionally rough flow region, the magnitude
of f increases with the rise in roughness Re as the value of f is a function of roughness Re
in this range (70 > e+ > 5). The thickness of the laminar sublayer is the same as the height
of the roughness element in this region. Additionally, in the fully rough flow region, the
value of f is not depending on the roughness Re in this range (e+ > 70). The friction factor
follows the quadratic law of resistance. The height of the roughness extends through the
laminar sublayer.
Dipprey and Sabersky [8] developed a wall similarity law that is applicable for both
smooth and rough tubes. Webb et al. [9] developed a correlation of heat transfer and f for a
repeated rib roughness in case of turbulent flow within the tube. The correlation of heat
transfer is based on heat momentum transfer analogy as previously used by Dipprey and
Sabersky [8], and friction correlations are based on the wall similarity law as previously
used by Nikuradse [7] in the case of the sand grain type of artificial roughness.

( f /2St − 1)
g(e+ , Pr) = ue + + p (6)
f /2

The ability of the heat transfer of an artificially rough surface is shown by g(e+ , Pr).
Webb et al. [10] further extended the range of validity of these correlations and pro-
posed that the justified value of e+ is greater than 35. Vilemas and Simonis [11] experi-
mentally investigated friction and convective heat transfer in inner rough tubes for Re
numbers 5000 to 500,000. They also developed correlations for friction and heat transfer as
given below;
For a fully rough flow condition with rectangular roughness in annular channels:

Nu = 0.029Re0.84 Pr0.6 ψn (7)

For a partially rough flow condition with rectangular roughness in annular channels
at e/De ≥ 0.0025:
Nu = (0.0053 − 0.14e/De )Re0.95+7e/D Pr0.6 ψn (8)
where √
n = −(0.29 + 0.03e51 (e/De )
Re−24e/De (1 − e−0.16x/De )
The friction factor for channels with rectangular roughness:

f = (0.053 + 1.85e/De )Re−0.07 (9)

Han et al. [12] experimentally investigated the effect of a distinct rib roughness of
various shapes, sizes, and cross sections on heat transfer and f. Both St and f have the best
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 5 of 46

value corresponding to p/e = 10. The heat transfer and f correlation are developed based
on heat momentum transfer analogy and the wall similarity law, as previously used by
Dipprey and Sabersky [8]. They studied four angles of attack between rib roughness and
mainstream flow as 20◦ , 45◦ , 75◦ , and 90◦ . The value of α = 45◦ has superior convective
performance in comparison with others. The correlation for the friction factor:
" #
b
+ + a ◦ 0.35 0.57 10
Re = 4.9(e /35) / ( ϕ/90 ) (α/45) ( ) (10)
p/e

where,
a = −0.4 when e+ < 35 and a = 0 when e+ ≥ 35
b = −0.13 when p/e < 10 and b = 0.53(α/90◦ )0.71 when p/e ≥ 10

Figure 2. Flow patterns due to distinct relative rib height [13].

The correlation for heat transfer:

i
Qe+ = 10(e+ /35) /[α/45◦ ] j (11)

where,
i = 0 when e+ < 35 and i = 0.28 when e+ ≥ 35
j = 0.5 when α < 45◦ and j = −0.45 when α ≥ 45◦
Prasad and Saini [13] experimentally studied that for specific values of p/e and e/Dh ,
a geometrically similar roughness has the same effect on the convection coefficient and
f. The convective coefficient decreases, and the value of f increases as e/Dh increases.
Gupta et al. [14] experimentally investigated that as the relative height of artificial rough-
ness escalates, the optimum flow rate shifts to a lower value. They studied that the Stanton
number increases up to Re = 12,000 and decreases after further increment in the value of Re.

4. Effect of Distinct Roughness Parameters

The geometrical parameter of roughness has significant effects on the performance
of the SAH. Artificial roughness can be in a distinct shape and size and also in different
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 6 of 46

orientations. According to Lewis [3], the heat transfer and momentum loss function of
roughness depend on various parameters of artificial roughness and duct.

g = g(e+ , Pr, p/e, e/b, Cd , e/Dh , c/e, α,shape, duct cross − sec tion) (12)

R = R(e+ , p/e, Cd , e/b, e/Dh , c/e, α,shape, duct cross − sec tion) (13)
The effects of distinct types of rib roughness and various parameters investigated by
various researchers are discussed below.

4.1. Effect of Relative Rib Height

The performance of a roughened duct remarkably depends on e/Dh. The value of
the friction factor increases, and Nu decreases with the increase in e/Dh. On the other
hand, the rate of increase in average Nu decreases with an increase in e/Dh. Prasad and
Saini [13] analyzed the effects of e/Dh on the thermohydraulic performance of the SAH.
The reattachment occurs only for a small value of e/Dh and does not take place for higher
values. The separation and reattachment of flow produced maximum convective heat
transfer within a laminar sublayer region. Reattachment occurs only for a small value of
e/Dh (Figure 2). Amel Boulemtafes-Boukadoum et al. [15] investigated the performance of
the SAH with the help of transverse ribs and also distributed ribs on heat transfer in the
upward SAH. They used nondimensional heights of ribs as 66 and 50. The values of e/Dh
at which the highest rate of heat transfer was achieved for distinct roughness geometries
are shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Values of e/Dh at which the highest rate of heat transfer for distinct roughness geometries is
investigated in the SAH duct.

S. No. Researchers Geometry of Artificial Roughness Value of e/Dh

1 Prasad and Saini [13] Continuous transverse rib 0.0333
2 Singh et al. [16] Nonuniform saw-tooth-shaped rib 0.043
3 Aharwal et al. [17] Inclined rib with gap 0.0377
4 Singh et al. [18,19] V-shaped with gap 0.043
5 Sahu and Bhagoria [20] Broken transverse rib 0.0338
6 Yadav and Bhagoria [21] Triangular-shaped rib 0.042
7 Yadav and Bhagoria [22] Square-shaped rib 0.042
8 Gupta et al. [23] Continuous inclined rib 0.033
9 Momin et al. [24] V-shaped continuous rib 0.034
10 Maithani and Saini [25] V-shaped rib with symmetrical gap 0.043
11 Deo et al. [26] Multi-V-shaped rib with gap combined with staggered rib 0.044
12 Patil et al. [27] V-rib with gaps combined with staggered rib 0.0433
13 Hans et al. [28] Continuous multi-V-rib 0.043
14 Kumar et al. [29] Multi-V-rib with gap 0.043
15 Saini and Saini [30] Arc rib 0.0422
16 Sethi et al. [31] Dimple rib in arc pattern 0.036
17 Yadav et al. [32] Dimple rib in arc pattern 0.030
18 Hans et al. [33] Brocken arc rib 0.043
19 Pandey et al. [34] Multiarc rib with gaps 0.044
20 Singh et al. [35] Multiarc rib 0.045
21 Lanjewar et al. [36,37] Continuous W-rib 0.03375
22 Kumar et al. [38] Discrete W-rib 0.03375
23 Gawande et al. [39] L-shaped rib 0.042
24 Kumar et al. [40] S-shaped rib 0.043
25 Bhushan and Singh [41] Protrusion roughness 0.030
26 Singh I and Singh S [42] Transverse rib with square wave profile 0.043
27 Saini and Saini [43] Expanded metal mesh 0.039
28 Karmare and Tikekar [44] Metal grit 0.044

4.2. Effect of Relative Rib Pitch

The friction factor and Nu enhance with the increase in p/e. For a high rate of heat
transfer, p/e should lie between 8 and 10. Prasad and Saini [13] experimentally investigated
the effects of p/e on the thermohydraulic performance of the SAH by using the same e/Dh
and varying the value of pitch, as shown in Figure 3. The reattachment occurs only when
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 7 of 46

the value of p/e is more than 8. The convection coefficient has the highest values near the
reattachment point. The values of p/e at which highest rate of heat transfer was achieved
for distinct roughness geometries are shown in Table 2.

Figure 3. Flow pattern due to distinct p/e [13].

Table 2. Values of p/e at which the highest rate of heat transfer for distinct roughness geometries is
investigated in the SAH duct.

S. No. Investigators Type of Roughness p/e

1 Prasad and Saini [13] Continuous transverse rib 10
2 Singh et al. [16] Nonuniform saw-tooth-shaped rib 8
3 Aharwal et al. [17] Inclined rib with gap 10
4 Singh et al. [18,19] V-shaped with gap 8
6 Yadav and Bhagoria [21] Triangular-shaped rib 7.14
7 Yadav and Bhagoria [22] Square-shaped rib 7.14
8 Gupta et al. [23] Continuous inclined rib 10
9 Momin et al. [24] V-shaped continuous rib 10
10 Karwa [45] Transverse rib 10
11 Maithani and Saini [25] V-shaped rib with symmetrical gap 10
12 Deo et al. [26] Multi-V-shaped rib with gap combined with staggered rib 12
13 Patil et al. [27] V-shaped rib with gap combined with staggered rib 10
14 Saini and Verma [46] Dimple-shaped 10
15 Hans et al. [28] Continuous multi-V-rib 8
16 Kumar et al. [29] Multi-V-ribs with gap 10
17 Saini and Saini [30] Arc ribs 10
18 Sethi et al. [31] Dimple rib in arc pattern 10
19 Yadav et al. [32] Dimple rib in arc pattern 12
20 Hans et al. [33] Brocken arc rib 8
21 Pandey et al. [34] Multiarc rib with gaps 8
22 Singh et al. [35] Multiarc rib 8
23 Lanjewar et al. [36,37] Continuous W-rib 10
24 Kumar et al. [38] Discrete W-rib 10
25 Gawande et al. [39] L-shaped rib 7.14
26 Kumar et al. [40] S-shaped rib 8
27 Bhagoria et al. [47] Wedge-shaped rib 7.57
28 Karmare and Tikekar [44] Metal grit 17.5
29 Layek et al. [48] Chamfered rib combined with groove 6
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 8 of 46

4.3. Effect of the Cross Section of Rib

The rib cross section has a remarkable impact on thermohydraulic characteristics.
Singh et al. [16] studied the performance of the SAH with the help of 3D computational
fluid dynamics (CFD) investigations. They studied a roughened duct with an uneven cross-
section transvers rib of saw tooth type. This type of roughness shows a higher convection
coefficient at Re more than 7000 due to disruption in recirculation. The variation in Nusselt
number of surface in comparison with other cross sections w.r.t. to Re is shown in Figure 4.
Experiments have been carried to study the thermal performance of five types of ribs that
have different cross sections, shapes, and sizes [49]. The sharp cross-sectional rib, such
as pentagonal, wedge, square, rectangular, triangular, or trapezoidal, produced radial
fluctuating components in the turbulence region. The level of turbulence and reattachment
profile is different for different cross sections. The circular or arc-type cross section produces
a low level of turbulence because of continuous surface and low-pressure drop.

Figure 4. Nu vs. Re for various cross sections of rib roughness [16].

4.4. Effect of Angle of Attack

The value of α has a remarkable impact on the performance of the SAH. The inclined rib
induces a secondary flow in the mainstream along the roughness. Dipprey and Sabersky [8]
studied four angles of attack between rib roughness with respect to the stream of flow
as 20◦ , 45◦ , 75◦ , and 90◦ . Among these, α = 45◦ has superior thermal performance in
comparison with others. Taslim et al. [50] experimentally studied the effect of inclined
ribs (Figure 5) on the performance of the SAH. The inclined ribs induce vortices just after
the application of roughness at the leading edge. After that, it advances along the span of
the rib. These vortices increase the turbulence, which results in a high heat transfer rate.
They also reported that 45◦ ribs have the highest thermal performance. A high convection
coefficient region occurs at the leading edge, and a low region of convection occurs at the
trailing edge. The values of α at which the highest rate of heat transfer was achieved for
distinct roughness geometries are shown in Table 3.

Figure 5. Vortices due to 45◦ angled rib [51].

Energies 2022, 15, 2800 9 of 46

4.5. Effect of Relative Gaps in Continuous Rib

The performance of the SAH also depends on the gaps between the continuous ribs.
The large gap between the continuous ribs retards the flow, and the small gap has less space
to flow. The gaps between the continuous ribs, released a secondary flow and mixed with
mainstream. The generated vortices and flow pattern of these inclined and discrete ribs are
shown in Figure 6. Sahu and Gandhi [52] also numerically studied the thermohydraulic
performance of inclined continuous ribs with a gap in the SAH duct. Aharwal et al. [53]
further investigated inclined ribs with a c/e of 1.0. This arrangement of roughness shows
the highest thermal performance.

Figure 6. Flow pattern of inclined discrete–continuous ribs [54].

4.6. Effect of Reynolds Number

The upstream artificial roughness enhances the turbulence level by reducing the
reattachment length of the flow. This is due to a decrement in the momentum of flow
and mass flux due to which the recirculation zone behind the roughness decreases. The
reattachment region shows the highest heat transfer rate in comparison with the region
before the reattachment point. Therefore, the reattachment distance from the roughness
element decreases as Re increases for a particular boundary layer thickness to a roughness
height ratio. The reattachment length varies from 1.4 e to 4 e. The reattachment length
strongly depends upon Re up to 8500 and weakly depends on Re above 8500 [55,56].

5. Artificial Roughness/Turbulators
Many researchers have investigated distinct types of artificial roughness arrangements,
which have remarkable effects on the performance of the SAH. The distinct artificial
arrangement used in different SAH ducts are discussed as follows:

5.1. Transverse Ribs

These ribs disrupt the laminar sublayer and divert the secondary flow towards the
sidewall of the duct. Various researchers have studied numerically and experimentally the
effect of transverse ribs on the thermohydraulic performance for different rib arrangements.
Prasad and Saini [13] studied the effect of a transverse rib on the performance of a SAH for
Re ranging from 5000 to 50,000. They used a wire of small diameter as roughness. They
reported that as the value of e/Dh increases, convective heat transfer goes on decreasing,
and the value of f increases. The f and Nu are augmented 4.25 and 2.38 times, respectively,
in comparison with a smooth duct. Gupta et al. [14] also experimentally investigated the
thermohydraulic performance at p/e = 10 by using transverse roughness at Re varying
from 3000 to 18,000; the aspect ratio of the duct varied from 6.8 to 11.5, and e/Dh = 0.018
to 0.052. The St number increases up to Re = 12,000 and decreases for a higher value of
Re. Singh et. al. [57] studied the effect of broken transverse ribs on the performance of
the SAH for Re ranging from 3000 to 18,000. They used rib parameters of e/Dh equal to
0.043 and p/e equal to 10. The maximum THPP is 2.10 at Re of 15,000. The highest value of
thermal efficiency for smooth ducts and with multiple broken ribs is 44.26% and 72.25%,
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 10 of 46

respectively. Additionally, the maximum effective efficiency is 44.25% and 69.15%, respec-
tively. Prasad and Mullick [58] studied the effect of a small-diameter wire as roughness
in transverse direction to the direction of the flow. The protruding wires as a roughness
element augment the convection coefficient. The collector efficiency factor increases from
0.68 to 0.72 corresponding to the enhancement in thermohydraulic performance equal to
14% at Re = 40,000.
Karwa et al. [59] studied the effect of repeated chamfered ribs (Figure 7) on the
performance of a SAH at Re ranging from 3750 to 16,350. They applied artificial roughness
in transverse direction to the flow from one sidewall to the other end of the duct. Nu and
the friction factor enhanced from 50% to 120% and 80% to 290%, respectively. The thermal
efficiency of the SAH increased from 10% to 40%. Verma and Prasad [60] experimentally
investigated the thermohydraulic performance of a SAH by using small-diameter wires
as roughness elements in the transverse direction with p/e values varying from 10 to
40 and e/Dh values from 001 to 0.03 at Re values of 5000 to 20,000. The value of e+
varied from 8 to 42. They obtained an optimum performance of 71% at e+ value of 24.
Sahu and Bhagoria [20] studied the effects of a transverse broken rib (Figure 8) on the
thermohydraulic performance of the SAH with e/Dh = 0.0338 and a p/e range of 10–30. The
height of the roughness was 15 mm, and values of Re = 3000–12,000. They reported that
the value of Nu is the maximum for p/e = 20 and also studied that the smooth duct shows
better thermal performance at low Re (i.e., below 5000 in comparison with a roughened
duct). The heat transfer was augmented in the range of 1.25 to 1.40.

Figure 7. Chamfered transverse rib roughness [61].

Figure 8. Transverse broken ribs [54].

Behura et al. [62] investigated the effects of a three-side transverse type of roughness
on the thermohydraulic performance of the SAH by using a wire with 20, 22, and 24 SWG
dimensions at Re ranging from 5000 to 13,000. The heat transfer factor increased by 0.3%
to 0.4%.
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 11 of 46

5.2. Inclined Ribs

Various researchers numerically and experimentally studied the effect of an inclined
rib on thermohydraulic performance with respect to the flow of air and the arrangement of
a rib attachment. Gupta et al. [23] analyzed the effect of incline repeated ribs of circular
cross section (Figure 9) on the performance of the SAH. The value of p/e was fixed at 10, Re
ranged from 3000 to 19,000, and the value of e/Dh ranged from 0.023 to 0.050. The thermal
efficiency was enhanced 1.16 to 1.25 times over the smooth duct. Aharwal et al. [63] studied
the effect of a square cross-section inclined repeated rib with gaps (Figure 10) on the SAH
for the value of e/Dh equal to 0.0337, α equal to 60◦ , and p/e equal to 10 at Re ranging
from 3000 to 18,000. The gap in inclined ribs generates a secondary flow, which creates
extra turbulence and thermal performance. The friction factor and Nu were augmented
up to 2.87 and 2.59 times, respectively, over the smooth duct. Further, Aharwal et al. [17]
analyzed the performance by varying different parameters, such as e/Dh, α, p/e, and the
relative gap position. The e/Dh, p/e, and α varied from 4 to 10, 0.018 to 0.0337, and 30◦
to 90◦ , respectively. The f and Nu were augmented up to 3.6 and 2.83 times, respectively,
over the smooth duct for e/Dh = 0.037, gap position = 0.25, and a gap width of 1. The flow
over inclined ribs is shown in Figure 11. Lu and Jiang [64] experimentally investigated the
effect of an inclined rib at α = 45◦ on the performance of the SAH in a rectangular duct.
Further, they numerically investigated the thermohydraulic performance of an inclined
rib with inclination angles as 0◦ , 10◦ , 20◦ , 30◦ , 45◦ , 60◦ , and 90◦ . The 60◦ inclined rib
showed the highest convective heat transfer, and the 20◦ inclined rib showed the best
thermohydraulic performance.

Figure 9. Inclined repeated ribs [65].

Figure 10. Inclined continuous repeated ribs with a gap [17].

Energies 2022, 15, 2800 12 of 46

Figure 11. Flow over inclined ribs [66].

5.3. V-Shaped Ribs

Various researchers have experimentally and numerically investigated the effect of a
V-shaped rib on thermohydraulic performance with respect to the flow and distinct attach-
ment arrangement of roughness. Momin et al. [24] studied the effect of various geometric
parameters of V-shaped artificial rib roughness (Figure 12) on the thermohydraulic perfor-
mance of a rectangular duct at Re ranging from 2500 to 18,000. The p/e remained fixed at
10, e/Dh varied from 0.02 to 0.034, and α varied from 30 to 90◦ . The friction factor and Nu
decreased and increased, respectively, with an increase in Re. The highest augmentation in
the friction factor and Nu was found at α = 60◦ at 2.83 and 2.30 times, respectively, in com-
parison with a smooth duct. V-shape ribs are advantageous in comparison with inclined
ribs. They show a value of Nu 1.14 times more at a Re value of 17,034 in comparison with
inclined ribs.

Figure 12. V-shaped type of rib roughness [24].

Singh et al. [19,67] analyzed the performance of a roughened duct by using a V-shaped
down discrete rib (Figure 13) type of roughness. The experimental parameters Re, e/Dh,
p/e, α, g/e, and d/x varied in the range of 3000–15,000, 4–12, 0.015–0.043, 30◦ –75◦ , 0.5–2.0,
and 0.20–0.80, respectively. The highest augmentation in friction factor Nu was 3.11 and
3.04 times over the smooth duct, which occurred at α equal to 60◦ . The highest value of
THPP was 2.06. The effective efficiency was enhanced up to 91% as that of the SAH with
a smooth duct. According to Alam et al. [51], the geometrical parameter of roughness
has significant effects on the thermohydraulic performance of the SAH. Singh et al. [68]
further investigated the effect of a V-shaped down rib with a gap on the performance of the
SAH. The highest values of f and Nu were achieved at p/e = 8. The value of THPP ranged
from 1.27 to 1.93. Karwa et al. [45,69] analyzed the effect of a repeated rib in a rectangular
cross-section V-discontinuous and V-discrete arrangement. The relative roughness length
and α varied from 3 to 6 and 45◦ to 60◦ , respectively. The discrete V-shaped ribs with α = 60◦
showed better performance in comparison with discrete V-shaped ribs with α = 45◦ . The V-
down arrangement of ribs showed better performance in comparison with the V-up pattern.
Hans et al. [28] also studied the effect of a continuous multi-V-rib shown in Figure 14.
Maithani and Saini [25] analyzed effect of a V-shaped rib with multiple symmetrical
gaps (Figure 15) on the thermohydraulic performance of the SAH. The thermohydraulic
performance of the SAH was studied for Re 18,000, whereas p/e varied from 6 to 12 with
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 13 of 46

symmetrical gaps in one limb of V-rib varying from 1–5, g/e varied from 1–5, and α varied
from 30◦ to 75◦ , however, e/Dh is kept fixed at 0.043. The thermohydraulic performance
of the SAH strongly depends on the number of symmetrical gaps and g/e in the limbs.
The f and Nu was augmented 3.67 and 3.6 times, respectively. The highest value of Nu
is achieved at three symmetrical gaps and further, incremented in the number of gaps,
degrading the thermal performance. The value of Nu increased up to g/e equal to 4 and
thereafter decreased. Deo et al. [26] analyzed the effect of a multigap V-shaped down-rib
combined with a staggered rib (Figure 16) on the performance of the SAH.

Figure 13. V-down discrete rib [19].

Figure 14. Multi-V-rib roughness [28].

Energies 2022, 15, 2800 14 of 46

Figure 15. V-shaped rib with multiple symmetrical gaps [25].

Figure 16. Multiple-gap V-shapes down-rib combined with a staggered rib [26].

The experimental parameter ranges were Re = 4000–12,000; α = 40◦ –80◦ , and p/e = 4–14.
The parameters w/e = 4.5 and g/e = 1 were fixed. The maximum increments in THPP and
Nu were 2.45 and 3.34 times, respectively, over the smooth duct. The best value of THPP
was achieved near a Re of 12,000. Patil et al. [27] analyzed the effect of V-shaped broken
ribs combined with a staggered rib (Figure 17) on the performance of the SAH. The studies
encompassed parameter ranges of Re = 3000–17,000; p’/p = 0.2–0.8; and r/e = 1–2.5 for a
fixed value of e/Dh = 0.043, g/e = 1, α = 60◦ , and p/e = 10. The highest augmentation in
Nu was found up to 3.18 times over the smooth duct. Jain and Lanjewar [70] analyzed the
thermohydraulic performance of the SAH by using a V-shaped rib with symmetrical gaps
combined with staggered ribs. The parameters p/e and Re varied from 10 to 16 and 3000
to 14,000, respectively, for a fixed value of p’/p = 0.65, α = 60◦ , and r/e = 4. The highest
augmentations in the friction factor and Nu were 3.13 and 2.30, respectively, for p/e = 12.
Kumar and Kim [71,72] studied the effect of various ribs in V-form on the performance
of the SAH in the Re range of 5000–20,000. The various V-form ribs include V-rib. They used
parameter values of α = 60◦ and e/Dh = 0.040. They reported that a V-shaped rib combined
with grooves shows the highest value of THPP as that of other investigated V-ribs of
different arrangements. Nidhul et al. [73] used CFD and exergy analysis to study the effect
of a secondary flow in the duct generated due to a V-shaped rib on the thermohydraulic
performance of an SAH duct. Re ranged from 5000 to 20,000. The value of e/Dh = 0.05,
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 15 of 46

and p/e = 10. The reported value of the highest augmentation in Nu was 2.41 times over
the smooth surface at Re = 7500 and α = 45◦ , and the maximum value of f was 2.53 times
over the smooth surface at Re = 17,500 and α = 60◦ . Mishra et al. [74] used CFD analysis
for a V-shaped down rib with multigap and turbulence promoters (Figure 18) to study the
performance of a triangular-duct SAH in the Re range of 4000–20,000. The investigation
covered an α range of 45◦ to 60◦ and a p/e range of 8 to 14. The maximum thermal perfor-
mance was achieved at p/e = 10 and α = 45◦ . The THPP increased as Re increased from
4000 to 10,000, then thereafter decreased in the upper range of Re. Patel and Lanjewar [75]
experimentally and numerically studied the effect of novel V-shaped ribs on the perfor-
mance of the SAH. The study parameter varied as p/e = 6–14 whereas other parameters
viz. p’/p = 4, r/e = 4, g/e = 4, α = 60◦ , e/Dh = 0.043 and Ng = 3 with Reynolds number in
the range of 4000 to 14,500. The highest augmentation took place in Nu = 1.55 to 2.26 and
the friction factor = 2.63 to 3.40 at p/e equaling 10 and 8, respectively, in comparison with a
smooth surface. The highest value of THPP = 1.59 was achieved at p/e = 10 and Re = 12,364.
Further, Patel and Lanjewar [76] analyzed the effect of a V-shaped roughness geometry with
staggered elements using additional gaps in symmetrically arranged elements of roughness
(Figure 19) on the performance of the SAH. The distinct experimental parameters varied as
e/Dh equaled 0.043, g/e equaled 4, p/e equaled 10, p0 /p equaled 0.4, Ng equaled 4, d/w
equaled 0.25 to 0.85, and Re equaled 4000–15,000. The highest value of the THPP parameter
was 1.82 at d/w equaling 0.65 and Re = 12,524. Alam et al. [77–80] experimentally analyzed
the effect of V-shaped perforated blocks (Figure 20) on the performance of the SAH. The
study encompassed parameter ranges of e/H = 0.4 to 1.0, p/e = 4 to 12, α = 60◦ , and
Re = 2000 to 20,000. The highest augmentations in Nu and f were 6.76 and 28.84 over the
smooth duct at e/H = 0.8 and p/e = 8. Further, Alam et al. [81] experimentally studied the
effects of different types of perforation shapes on the performance of the SAH. They used
square, rectangular, and circular types of perforation shapes in a 1–0.6 range of circularity.
The value of α varied from 30◦ to 75◦ . The highest values of Nu and f were achieved at
α = 60◦ . The noncircular shapes of perforation showed a higher thermal performance than
that of circular shapes.

Figure 17. V-shaped broken rib combined with staggered ribs [82].
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 16 of 46

Figure 18. V-shaped rib with multiple gaps and turbulators [74].

Figure 19. V-shaped roughness geometry with staggered elements [76].

Figure 20. V-shaped perforated blocks [80].

5.4. Multi-V-Shaped Ribs

Singh et al. [83] analyzed effect of a multi-V-rib with multi uniform gaps on the
performance of the SAH. The friction factor and Nu were augmented 5.67 and 6.46 times in
comparison with a smooth duct at e/w = 0.866, x/w = 0.25, W/w = 6, and e/Dh = 0.0454.
The highest value of THPP equaling 4.24 was achieved. Kumar et al. [29] investigated
the effect of a multi-V-shaped rib with gaps on the performance of a rectangular duct in
a SAH, as shown in Figure 21. The ranges of various parameters were Re varying from
2000 to 20,000 and g/e = 0.5–1.5. The fixed value of α = 60◦ , e/Dh = 0.043, and p/e = 10.
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 17 of 46

The friction factor and Nu were augmented 6.13 and 6.32 times, respectively, in comparison
with a smooth duct. The best value of THPP was achieved at g/e = 1 and d/x = 0.69.
Further, Kumar et al. [84,85] studied the performance of this artificial roughness with the
parameter’s W/w = 6, W/e = 12, e/Dh = 0.0433, and g/e = 1.0. The value of α ranged from
30◦ to 75◦ . They reported that f and Nu are strong functions of α, and also, they have a
maximum value at α = 60◦ . Jin et al. [86–88] numerically analyzed the effect of an inline and
staggered multi-V-shaped rib on the performance of the SAH. The staggered arrangement
had highest enhancement of 26% and 18% in Nu and THPP, respectively, over the inline
arrangement of ribs. The maximum value of THPP was 2.43. Promvonge and Skullon [89]
studied the effect of V-shaped flap-baffle and chamfered-grove vortex generators (VG)
on the performance of a roughened duct, as shown in Figure 22. Both the flap baffle and
VG were at α equal to 45◦ , and the experiment was performed in both the apex-up and
apex-down pattern of a V-shaped flap baffle in the range of Re = 5290–22,600. The apex-up
pattern had better performance in comparison with the apex-down pattern of V-shaped
flap baffles. Nu and the friction factor were enhanced remarkably by using this type of
roughness. They reported that the maximum value of TEF was 2.68 at Re = 5290.

Figure 21. Multi-V-shaped rib with gap [29].

Figure 22. V-shaped flap-baffle and chamfered-grove vortex generators [89].

Energies 2022, 15, 2800 18 of 46

5.5. Arc-Shaped Ribs

Various researchers have numerically and experimentally investigated effect of arc-
shaped ribs on performance with respect to the flowing fluid and pattern of ribs on the
duct surface. Yadav et al. [32] studied the effect of a circular protrusion that is in an
angular arc pattern (Figure 23) for various parameters varying as p/e equal to 12–24 and
α’ equal to 45◦ –75◦ and re varying from 3600 to 18,100. The highest increments in f and
Nu were reported to be 2.93 and 2.89 times, respectively, for p/e = 12 and e/Dh = 0.03.
Sahu and Prasad et al. [90] investigated effect of an arc-shaped wire type of roughness on
the performance of the SAH by using exergy efficiency analysis, as shown in Figure 24.
The maximum augmentation in the exergetic efficiency corresponding to e/Dh equaled
0.0422, which was 56% as that of the smooth-plate SAH. The exergetic efficiency strongly
depends on the various roughness parameters and Re. Gill et al. [91,92] investigated the
effect of a broken-arc rib combined with staggered rib pieces on the performance of the
SAH. The experimental parameters encompassed r/g = 1 to 6, α/90 = 0.333, p’/p = 0.4,
W1/w = 0.65, e/Dh = 0.043, and Re = 2000 to 16,000. The f and Nu were augmented 2.50
and 3.06 times as that of the smooth duct and 2.77 and 2.60 times over the broken-arc-
type-rib roughened duct. The highest value of THPP was achieved at r/g = 4. On the
same type of roughness, Hans et al. [33] further studied the effect of broken-arc-shaped
artificial roughness (Figure 25) on the thermohydraulic performance of the SAH. The
study encompassed parameters of p/e equal to 4–12, g/e equal to 0.5–2.5, e/Dh equal to
0.022–0.043, d/x equal to 0.2–0.8, α’ equal to 15◦ –75◦ , and Re varying from 2000 to 16,000.

Figure 23. Arc-shaped protrusions as artificial roughness [32].

Figure 24. Arc-shaped artificial roughness [90].

Figure 25. Brocken-arc-shaped roughness [33].

Energies 2022, 15, 2800 19 of 46

The augmentations in f and Nu were reported to be 2.44 and 2.63 times as that of
the smooth duct. The corresponding values over the continuous arc-shaped rib were
1.19 and 1.14 times, respectively. Ghritlahre et al. [93] studied the performance of an arc-
shaped artificially roughened duct with an apex-down and apex-up flow of air. They took
a values of p/e equal to 10, arc angle = 60◦ , and e/Dh = 0.0395. The highest efficiency
of the apex-up pattern was achieved at 73.2%, and for the apex-down pattern, it was
69.2%. The apex-up pattern performed 33.2% better in comparison with the apex-down
arrangement. The thermal performance of the apex-up pattern was better as compared with
the apex-down pattern of an arc-shaped artificially roughened duct. Yadav and Prasad [94]
theoretically studied the effect of arc-shaped wire roughness on the performance of a
parallel-flow SAH. The thermal efficiency of a roughened parallel-flow SAH was 8% to
10% higher in comparison with a smooth SAH. Ambade and Lanjewar [95] experimentally
studied the effect of a symmetrical gap with arc-shaped roughness and a staggered element
on the performance of the SAH at Re equal to 3000–15,000 and p/e equal to 6–14. The fixed
parameters were p’/p = 3, g/e = 4, r/e equal to 4, Ng equal to 3, and α’ equal to 30◦ . They
compared this geometry with the smooth duct and the duct having broken-arc-shaped rib
roughness with staggered elements. The arc-shaped roughness with a new symmetrical gap
augmented the friction factor and Nu up to 4.15 and 2.04 times, respectively, over the broken-
arc-shaped roughness with a staggered element, while augmentation in Nusselt number
and friction factor were 2.18 and 3.88 times, respectively with corresponding smooth duct.
Azad et al. [96] investigated the effect of a discrete-symmetrical arc type of rib roughness
on the performance of the SAH. The values of the experimental parameters covered in the
study were e/Dh = 0.045, g/e = 2–5, Ng = 3, p/e = 10, α’ = 30◦ , and Re = 3000 to 14,000.
The value of g/e had a remarkable effect on the performance. The highest enhancement
reported in Nu was equal to 3.88 over the smooth duct at g/e = 4. The value of THPP
ranged from 1.4 to 1.68 at g/e = 4, and the best value of THPP was 1.68 at Re equal to
14,000. Gill et al. [97] analyzed the effect of staggered broken-arc hybrid-rib roughness
on the thermohydraulic performance of the SAH. The parameters of the study ranged as
e/Dh = 0.022–0.043, α’ = 15–75◦ , p/e = 4–12, and Re = 2000–16,000. The f and Nu were
augmented 2.57 and 3.16 times over the broken-arc roughened duct. The highest value of
THPP was reported to be 2.33. Sureandhar et al. [98] studied the effect of arc-rib fin-type
roughness on the performance of the SAH. The experimental parameters of the study
varied as e/Dh = 0.04222–0.0541, α/90 = 0.3333, and p/e = 10. Nu and THPP increased as
the mass flow rate increased, while the friction factor decreased.

5.6. Multi-Arc-Shaped Ribs

Various researchers numerically and experimentally analyzed the effect of a multi-
arc-shaped rib on thermohydraulic performance with respect to the flowing fluid and
attachment arrangement of roughness on the duct surface. Kumar et al. [99] experimentally
analyzed the effect of a discrete arc-shaped rib on the performance of the SAH. The ranges
of the parameters in the study were g/e = 0.5–1.5, number of gaps = 1–3, and d/x = 0.3–0.9.
The optimum value of THPP was equal to 3.85 achieved at W/w = 1, d/x = 0.6, and
number of gaps = 3. Saravankumar et al. [100] investigated the effect of arc-shaped ribs
with fins and baffles on the performance of the SAH. They reported that the exergy and
effective efficiency were augmented by 28.3% and 27.1%, respectively, in comparison with
the SAH duct with an arc-shaped rib. Further, Saravankumar et al. [101] studied the
exergetic performance of the SAH duct with arc-shaped roughness with fins and baffles.
They reported the exergy efficiency to be equal to 5.2% in the optimum conditions. Agrawal
and Bhagoria [102] experimentally investigated the effect of a discrete type of roughness
without a gap in a double-reverse arc pattern on the thermohydraulic performance of the
SAH. They considered experimental parameters of, first, p/e = 6.67 to 11.67 and α’ = 60◦ ,
and after that, p/e = 8.33 and α’ = 30◦ to 75◦ . They reported the highest augmentation
value of Nu = 134.63 at α’ = 60◦ , e/Dh = 0.027, and Re = 3010. The friction factor at
α’ = 60◦ , e/Dh = 0.027, and Re = 3010 was 0.0342. Hassan et al. [103] studied the effect of
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 20 of 46

a multiarc dimple-shaped roughness (Figure 26) on the performance of the SAH. They
covered experimental parameters of p/e equal to 4–16, W/w equal to 1–5, e/Dh equal
to 0.018–0.036, α’ equal to 30◦ –75◦ , and Re equal to 2000–18,000. They reported that the
highest value of Nu was 3.19 to 5.56 times that of the smooth duct at p/e equal to 12. The
value of Nu increased up to e/Dh equal to 0.036; after that, it decreased. The enhancement
in the friction factor equaled 1.36 to 2.27 times in comparison with the smooth duct at e/Dh
equal to 0.045. Agrawal et al. [104] experimentally investigated the effect of a double-arc
reverse rib with even gaps on the performance of a solar collector. The values of the fixed
parameters were e/Dh = 0.027, W/H = 8, and I = 1000 W/m2. The value of the variable
parameter varied as p/e equal to 10, α equal to 30◦ –75◦ , and Re equal to 3000–14,000. The
maximum augmentations in f and Nu were found to be 2.42 and 2.85 times over the smooth
surface. The highest value of THPP equal to 2.41 was noticed at p/e = 10 and e/Dh = 0.0270.

Figure 26. Multiarc dimple-shaped roughness [103].

5.7. W-Shaped Ribs

Various researchers numerically and experimentally analyzed the effect of W-shaped
ribs on performance with respect to the flow of air and the attachment pattern of a rib on
the surface an SAH duct. Lanjewar et al. [36] studied the performance of a SAH duct with
a W-shaped rib type of roughness in both a W-down and W-up pattern of the artificial
roughness. The values of various parameters taken were e/Dh equal to 0.03375, Re range of
2300–14,000, and p/e equal to 10. The ranges of THPP were 1.21 to 1.73 and 1.46 to 1.95,
respectively, for top-up and top-down patterns. The W-down pattern of artificial roughness
had better performance in comparison with the W-up pattern. Kumar et al. [38] studied
the effects of a discrete-W-shaped rib (Figure 27) on the performance of the SAH in the
Re range of 3000 to 15,000. The value of the parameter p/e was fixed at 10, e/Dh varied
from 0.0168 to 0.0338, and α varied from 30◦ to 75◦ during the experiment. The highest
augmentations in the friction factor and Nu were found to be 2.75 and 2.16 at e/Dh = 0.0338
and α = 60◦ . Kumar et al. [105] investigated the effect of W-shaped ribs with a booster
mirror on the performance of the SAH. The combination of W-shaped roughness with a
booster mirror enhanced Nu, St, and the friction factor by 29–38%, 31–39%, and 23–29% in
comparison with that without a booster mirror.

Figure 27. W-shaped artificial roughness [106].

5.8. L-Shaped Ribs

Gawande et al. [39] studied the effect of reverse L-shaped repeated rib artificial rough-
ness on the convective performance of the SAH through experimentation and CFD analysis,
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 21 of 46

as shown in Figure 28. The effect of L-shaped roughness was studied in the ranges of
parameters of p/e = 7.14–17.86 and Re = 3800–18,000; however, the value of e/Dh was fixed
at 0.042. The highest enhancement in Nu was found up to 2.827 times as that of the smooth
duct at p/e = 7.14 and Re = 15,000. The highest augmentation in the friction factor was
found up to 3.424 times over the smooth duct at e/Dh = 0.042, Re = 3800, and p/e = 7.14.
THPP was found to be in the range of 1.92 to 1.90 by using this repeated roughness.

Figure 28. L-shaped artificial roughness [39].

5.9. S-Shaped Ribs

Kumar et al. [40] studied the effect of an arc-shaped wire rib arranged in an ‘S’ type of
pattern (Figure 29) on the performance of the SAH. The study considered various parameter
ranges of e/Dh = 0.022–0.054, p/e = 4–16, W/w = 1–4, α = 30◦ –75◦ , and Re = 2400–20,000.
The utilization of arc-shaped roughness in an ‘S’ type of pattern augmented the friction
factor and Nu 2.71 and 4.64 times, respectively, in comparison with a smooth duct at the
parameter’s p/e, W/w, and α at 8, 3, and 60◦ respectively. Wang et al. [107] analyzed the
effect of an S-shaped rib with gaps (Figure 30) on the performance of the SAH. The various
parameters varied as Re = 2000 to 20,000, p/e = 20 to 30, e/Dh = 0.023 to 0.036, W/w = 3 to
5, and g/e = 1 to 2. The highest increase in Nu was found 5.42 times as that of the smooth
duct at the parameters p/e = 20, W/w = 4, and Re = 19,258. The highest increase in f was
5.87 times over the smooth duct.

Figure 29. Arc-shaped wire ribs arranged in an ‘S’ type of pattern [40].

Figure 30. S-shaped ribs with gaps [107].

Energies 2022, 15, 2800 22 of 46

5.10. Delta Winglet-Shaped Ribs

Baissi et al. [108] studied the effect of a longitudinally curved delta-shaped vortex gen-
erator with perforation and without perforation type of roughness on the performance of
the SAH. The experimental parameters covered a range of parameters as Re = 2500–12,000,
e/Dh = 0.8, and α = 45◦ . The friction factor and Nu were augmented 45.83 and 6.94 times in
comparison with a smooth duct. The best value of TEF was equal to 2.26 at Re = 11,382.
Kumar and Layek [109,110] analyzed the performance of a SAH duct with the help of
winglet types of vortex generators (Figure 31). The experimental parameters covered
the ranges of parameters as p/e = 5–12, α = 30◦ –75◦ , W/w = 3–7, and Re = 3000–22,000.
The optimum value of Nu was achieved at α = 60◦ and p/e = 8. Kumar et al. [111] analyzed
the performance of the SAH by using delta-shaped winglets with perforation. The ther-
mohydraulic performance had a maximum value of 3.14 at Re = 12,000 and with a zero
spacer length. The f and Nu were augmented 4.52 and 5.17 times, respectively, as that of
the smooth duct. Promvonge et al. [112] analyzed the effect of a punched delta-shaped
winglet type of roughness in the duct of the SAH. The experimental parameters covered
the ranges of parameters as PR varying from 1 to 2, dR varying from 0 to 0.583, Re varying
from 4000 to 24,000, and angle of attack equal to 30◦ . Nu was enhanced in the range of 17.1
to 78.21, and the friction factor was augmented in the range of 3.92 to 5.9 in comparison
with a smooth duct.

Figure 31. Winglet types of vortex generator [109].

5.11. Quarter Circular-Shaped Ribs

Mahanand and Senapati [113] numerically studied the performance of the SAH by
using quarter circular-shaped ribs. The p/e varied from 7.14–17.86, Re varied from 3800 to
38,000 and e/Dh = 0.042. Nu and f were augmented 2.7816 and 3.4355 times at Re equal to
15,000 and 3800 and p/e equal to 7.14, respectively. The thermal augmentation ratio had a
maximum value of 1.88 at e/Dh equal to 0.042, Re equal to 15,000, and p/e equal to 7.14.

5.12. Dimple/Protrusion-Shaped Roughness

Bhushan and Singh [41] studied the effect of a protrusion type of roughness (Figure 32)
on the performance of the SAH. The study parameters encompassed S/e = 18.75 to 37.50,
L/e = 25.00 to 37.50, e/Dh = 0.03, W/H = 10, d’/D = 0.147–0.367, and Re = 4000 to 20,000.
The protruded duct surface had a higher value of convection coefficient in comparison with
a smooth duct. The highest values of f and Nu were 2.2 and 3.8 times as that of the smooth
duct. The highest augmentation in convection coefficient occurred at L/e = 31.25 and
d/D = 0. 294. Gilani et al. [114] experimentally investigated the effect of pin-type protru-
sions of conical shape on the performance of the SAH. The staggered arrangement pattern
of protrusion was much more effective compared with the inline pattern arrangement by
up to 15% at Ra = 50,000 to 75,000. They tested three types of conical pin protrusions of 2,
3, and 4-mm height. The experiment was performed at pith values of 16, 32, and 48 mm.
The highest value of Nu was achieved at p = 16 mm, and the efficiency was enhanced
by 26.5% at this pith value. Perwez and Kumar [115] analyzed the thermal performance
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 23 of 46

of the SAH with spherical dimple-shaped roughness at the absorber plate at Re vary-
ing from 1900 to 6000. The maximum value of convection coefficient was 20.23 W/m2 K,
and the instantaneous thermal efficiency was 23.45–35.50% higher in comparison with a
smooth duct.

5.13. Pentagonal Shape Ribs

Debnath et al. [116] analyzed the thermal performance of pentagonal rib roughness on
the performance of a SAH duct with the help of a CFD code. The values of various investi-
gation parameters were taken as Re = 12,633–62,842, e/Dh = 0.045–0.084, and p/e = 6.43–8.
The optimum configurations of various parameters were found as e/Dh equal to 0.045
and Re equal to 38,414. The augmentations in the friction factor and Nu at optimum
configuration were 67.2% and 70%, respectively, over the smooth duct.

5.14. Stepped Cylinder Ribs

Antony et al. [117] numerically analyzed the effect of stepped-cylinder-rib-type rough-
ness on the performance of the SAH in the Re range of 3000 to 24,000. The core diameter of
the artificial roughness varied from 3 mm to 7 mm with a step of 1 mm. The experimental
parameters encompassed the range of parameters as p/e = 11.11–27.78 and number of steps
in the roughness varying from 1 to 3. The maximum augmentation in Nu number was
found to be 76.41 at Re = 24,000. A TEP and THPP of 1.14 and 1.49 were achieved at Re of
15,000 and 18,000, respectively.

Figure 32. Protrusion-type roughness [41].

5.15. NACA Profile Ribs

Patel et al. [118] analyzed the effect of reverse NACA 0040 type of profile rib on the
performance of the SAH in the Re range of 6000 to 18,000. a THPP of 2.53 was achieved at
Re = 6000. A maximum value of Nu of 104.45 was achieved at Re = 18,000.

5.16. C-Type Rib Roughness

Gabhane and Kanase-Patil [119] analyzed the effect of multi-C-type rib roughness
(Figure 33) on the performance of the SAH. The experimental parameters covered the
ranges of parameters as p/e = 8 to 40, Re = 3000 to 15,000, and α = 30◦ to 60◦ . The values of
rib height, duct aspect ratio, and e/Dh were 2 mm, 10, and 0.02, respectively. The highest
value of Nu was found to be 415 at Re = 15,000 and p/e = 24. The value of THPP was
equal to 3.48. Saravanan et al. [120] studied the effect of the staggered multi-C-shape
finned surface of the absorber on the performance of the SAH. They investigated both
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 24 of 46

perforated and nonperforated surfaces of the absorber. The experimental parameters varied
as p/g = 3.4–3.8 and Re = 3000–27,000. The secondary flow generated along the surface of
the fin and the mixing of the secondary flow developed in the duct with the mainstream of
flow enhanced the level of turbulence remarkably. In the case of perforated surface, the
friction factor Nu was augmented 5.34 and 2.67 times as that of the smooth duct at p/g = 3.8.
In the case of a nonperforated surface, the friction factor and Nu were augmented 5.93 and
2.61 times over the smooth duct.

Figure 33. Multi-C-type rib roughness [119].

5.17. Twisted Tapes

Kumar and Layek [121,122] analyzed the effects of twisted ribs on the performance
of the SAH for Re of 3500 to 21,000. The experimental parameter varied as α = 30–90◦ ,
p/e = 6–10, and y/e = 3 to 7. The highest augmentations in f and Nu were 1.78 and
2.58 times over the smooth duct. Further, Kumar and Layek [123] also performed numerical
analysis for optimizing the exergetic efficiency and energetic efficiency by using the same
type of rib roughness. The highest augmentation ineffective efficiency, thermal efficiency,
and exergetic efficiency were equal to 1.79, 1.81, and 1.81 times over the smooth duct at a
twist ratio equal to 3 and p/e = 8.

5.18. Hyperbolic-Shaped Ribs

Thakur et al. [124] analyzed the performance of the SAH by using hyperbolic-shaped
(Figure 34) artificial roughness with the help of a CFD code. They analyzed the performance
in the parameter range of p equal to 10 to 20 mm and e equal to 0.5 to 2 mm. The best
performance of the SAH was achieved at e = 1 mm, p = 10 mm, and Re = 6000.

Figure 34. Hyperbolic-shaped ribs [124].

5.19. Wedge-Shaped Rib

Bhagoria et al. [46] investigated the effect of wedge-shaped ribs (Figure 35) in trans-
verse arrangement on the performance of the SAH. The experimental parameter ranged
as e/Dh = 0.015–0.033, Re = 3000–18,000, p/e = 60.17φ−1.0264 < p/e < 12.12, and α = 8◦ –15◦ .
The friction factor and Nu were augmented 5.3 and 2.4 times, respectively. The highest heat
transfer performance was achieved at φ about 10◦ and p/e = 7.57. Nu decreased on both
sides of this wedge angle.
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 25 of 46

Figure 35. Wedge-shaped roughness [46].

5.20. Spherical-Ball-Type Roughness

Manjunath et al. [15] numerically investigated the effect of spherical turbulators
(Figure 36) on the performance of the SAH. The study parameter encompassed a turbulator
diameter varying from 5 to 25 mm, Re ranging from 4000 to 25,000, and p/e varying from
3 to 12. The thermal efficiency increased as the value of p/e decreased and also as the
diameter of the sphere increased. The maximum value of Nu was equal to 2.5 times as
compared with the smooth duct at p/e = 3 and Re = 23,560. The thermal efficiency increased
up to 23.4% over the smooth surface. Kumar and Murmu [125,126] experimentally studied
the effect of a spherical ball type of roughness in an inclined pattern (Figure 37) on the
performance of a roughened duct. The experimental parameter varied as p/e = 9 to 18,
α = 35 to 75◦ , e/db = 0.5 to 2, and Re = 2500 to 18,500. They reported that the highest
thermal efficiency achieved was 81.30% at α = 55◦ , e/db = 1, and p/e = 15. The lowest
thermal efficiency was achieved at p/e = 9.

Figure 36. Spherical turbulators [125].

Figure 37. Spherical ball type of roughness in an inclined pattern [126].

Energies 2022, 15, 2800 26 of 46

5.21. Combination of Different Types of Ribs

Promvonge et al. [127] investigated the effect of a V-shaped rib and delta groove on the
performance of the SAH. Re ranged from 7000 to 30,000, and α was equal to 60◦ . The highest
value of thermal performance was achieved at e/H = 0.108 and p/H = 1.0. Sharma and
Kalamkar [128] experimentally and numerically studied the effects of distinct arrangements
of ribs on the performance of the SAH. For one pitch length, two truncated and two thin-
transverse-continuous ribs were used. The study parameters encompassed e/H = 0.1,
e/Dh = 0.055, α = 90◦ , Re = 4000–16,000, and p/e = 10. Rib arrangement in a roughened
duct had a remarkable effect on the performance of the SAH. Case 1 of rib arrangement
showed the highest augmentation in average Nu equal to 49.28. Case 4 showed the highest
augmentation in friction factor equal to 2.88 to 7.18 over the smooth duct.
Prakash and Saini [129] studied the effect of a special type of roughness containing
spherical protrusion along with inclined-rib protrusions on the performance of the SAH.
The inclined-rib protrusions lay in between the spherical protrusions. The experimental
parameter varied as p/e = 15–30, Re = 2000–20,000, g/e = 14, e/Dh = 0.04, and α = 60◦ . The
augmentations in f and Nu were reported as 1.58 and 2.88 times as that of the smooth duct.
The highest value of THPP was equal to 3.66 at p/e = 25. Luo et al. [130] numerically studied
the effect of a delta winglet vortex generator combined with a dimple type of roughness on
the performance of the SAH. Re ranged from 4000 to 40,000. The f and heat transfer were
enhanced by 36.29% and 36.23%, respectively. Skullong et al. [131] experimentally studied
the effect of wavy-rib-grove turbulators (Figure 38) on the heat transfer performance of the
SAH. The experimental parameter varied as e/H = 0.25, p/H = 0.5 to 2, and Re = 4000 to
21,000. The wavy rib was at α = 45◦ with respect to the flow stream. The rib-grove pattern
on the upper and lower walls of the duct showed the highest performance at p/H = 0.5.
Kumar et al. [132] numerically studied the effect of polygon- and trapezoid-shaped ribs
on the performance of the SAH. The value of the parameter e/Dh ranged from 3.33 to
20, p/e from 0.03 to 0.09, and Re from 3800 to 18,000. The highest augmentation in Nu
equal to 2.483 was achieved in comparison with a smooth surface. The highest value of
THPP equal to 1.89 was achieved at e/Dh = 0.06 and p/e = 10. Tanda and Satta et al. [133]
analyzed the effect of 45◦ angled and intersecting rib roughness on the performance of a
rectangular duct as shown in Figure 39. The intersecting ribs were parallel to the stream
of flow. The intersecting ribs enhanced the turbulence level in the duct due to which the
thermohydraulic performance improved. The augmentation in Nu was slightly larger
when two intersecting ribs were used instead of one intersecting rib. Farhan et al. [134]
numerically studied the effect of a V-shape rib corrugated surface integrated with a twisted
tape type of roughness (Figure 40) on the exergetic and energetic efficiency of the SAH. The
thermal performance with twisted tape inserts in the channels had a remarkable increase in
comparison with that without a twisted tape insert. It was 74.42% at Re = 12,000 and 68%
in the case of that without a twisted tape insert.

Figure 38. Wavy-rib-grove turbulators [135].

Energies 2022, 15, 2800 27 of 46

Figure 39. 45◦ angled and intersecting rib roughness [133].

Figure 40. V-shaped rib corrugated surface integrated with twisted tape [134].

5.22. Other Roughnesses

Singh and Singh [42] studied the effect of transverse ribs with a square wave type
of profile (Figure 41) on the thermohydraulic performance of the SAH by using a CFD
code. The value of Re varied from 3000 to 15,000, and p/e varied from 4 to 30. The value of
e/Dh = 0.043 was fixed. The highest augmentations in friction factor and Nu were found to
be 3.55 and 2.14 times that of the smooth duct at Re = 15,000. They reported the highest
value of THPP as 1.43 at Re = 12,000 and p/e = 10. Ansari and Bazargan [136] investigated
the effect of L/H, e/Dh, p/e, and W/H on the heat transfer performance of the SAH. They
reported that the optimum value of e/Dh incremented as the value of the rate of flow
decreased. The overall efficiency of the SAH was enhanced by more than 9% with the
help of a ribbed surface. Alfarawi et al. [137] analyzed the effect of hybrid-rib roughness
of rectangular and semicircular cross sections on the performance of the SAH. The study
parameters encompassed p/e = 6.6 to 53.3 and Re = 12,500 to 86,500. The enhancements
in the friction factor and Nu were 1.8 to 4.2 and 1.3 to 2.14, respectively. The highest
increase in heat transfer was achieved at p/e = 6.6 in the case of hybrid ribs. Alam and
Kim [138] numerically investigated the effect of a semi-elliptical-shaped obstacle type of
roughness in a V-down pattern on the performance of the SAH. The parameter varied as
α = 30◦ –90◦ and Re = 6000–18,000. The pattern of obstacles on the duct surface and α had a
remarkable impact on thermal performance due to a high level of turbulence. The highest
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 28 of 46

augmentations in f and Nu were 6.93 and 2.05, respectively, at α = 75◦ for a staggered
pattern. Xiao et al. [139] numerically investigated the effect of inclined trapezoid-shape
turbulators on the thermohydraulic performance of the SAH. Nu increased significantly,
and energy efficiency was augmented by 24% and exergy efficiency was augmented by
31% over the smooth duct.

Table 3. Values of α at which the highest heat transfer rate for distinct geometries of roughness is
investigated in the SAH duct.

S. No. Investigators Type of Roughness Value of α

1 Aharwal et al. [17] Inclined rib with gaps 60
2 Gupta et al. [23] Continuous inclined rib 60
3 Momin et al. [24] V-shaped continuous rib 60
4 Maithani and Saini [25] V-shaped rib with symmetrical gaps 60
Multi-V-shaped rib with gaps
5 Deo et al. [26] 60
combined with staggered rib
V-shaped rib with gaps combined
6 Patil et al. [27] 60
with staggered rib
7 Hans et al. [28] Continuous multi-V-rib 60
8 Kumar et al. [29] Multi-V-shaped rib with gap 60
9 Sethi et al. [31] Dimple rib in arc pattern 60
10 Yadav et al. [32] Dimple rib in arc pattern 60
11 Pandey et al. [34] Multiarc rib with gap 60
12 Singh et al. [35] Multiarc rib 60
13 Lanjewar et al. [36,37] Continuous W-rib 60
14 Kumar et al. [38] Discrete W-rib 60
15 Kumar et al. [40] S-shaped rib 60
16 Saini and Saini [43] Expanded metal mesh 61.9

Figure 41. Transverse rib with square wave type of profile [42].

Manjunath et al. [140] numerically investigated the effect of a sinusoidal profile type of
a duct surface on the performance of the SAH. Re varied from 4000 to 24,000. The sinusoidal
type of the surface enhanced the level of turbulence significantly, which led to a remarkable
increment in convection coefficient. The thermal efficiency increased up to 12.5% over the
smooth surface at the aspect ratio of the duct equaling 1.5. Bezbaruah et al. [141] studied
the effect of a conical vortex generator type of artificial roughness on the performance
of the SAH. They used experimental parameters as e/Dh = 0.17–0.34, Re = 3000–16,000,
and p/e = 8–15. The highest value of Nu = 142.4 was achieved at e/Dh = 0.34, p/e = 8,
and Re = 16,000 as that of a smooth duct. The highest value of f equaled 0.167 reported
at p/e = 8, e/Dh = 0.34, and Re = 3500. The heat transfer performance was augmented
by 192.2%. Dong et al. [142] numerically investigated the effect of an incline-grove ripple
type of roughness on the performance of the SAH at Re in the range of 12,000–24,000.
The incline-grove on the ripple surface enhanced the level of turbulence remarkably. The
optimum value of α was near 45◦ to 60◦ .
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 29 of 46

Nu was augmented 1.04 to 1.946 times over the smooth surface. Alam et al. [143,144]
numerically investigated the effects of conical protrusions on the thermohydraulic per-
formance of the SAH. The study parameter varied as e/Dh = 0.02 to 0.044 and p/e = 6 to
12. The conical protrusion type of artificial rib roughness had a remarkable effect on the
effective efficiency of the SAH. They reported the maximum value of effective efficiency
as 70.92% at e/Dh = 0.0289 and p/e = 10. Kumar and Goel [145,146] analyzed the effects
of a distinct type of rib roughness on the thermohydraulic performance of the SAH by
using a triangular cross-section channel. The performance of the SAH strongly depended
on the cross section of artificial roughness and also the cross section of a flow passage. A
rectangular cross-section rib with forwarding chamfering showed the highest THPP at 2.75.
Further, Goel et al. [147] analyzed the effect of the hemispherical dimple cavity type of
roughness on the performance of the SAH by using a triangular cross-section channel. The
leading edge of the dimple-cavity-type roughness showed lower heat transfer than that
of a trailing edge. The highest augmentation value of Nu equal to 5.33 was achieved at
Re = 2160. The value of THPP was equal to 3.48. Xi et al. [148] numerically studied a ribbed
channel for Re ranging from 10,000 to 90,000. The study parameter ranged as e/D varying
from 0.05 to 0.15 and rib angle varying from 30◦ to 90◦ .

6. Performance Evaluation Parameters

A large number of rib roughness geometries have been investigated by researchers,
which are employed in the SAH [149–151]. The maximum augmentation in Nusselt number
and friction factor is listed in Table 4 for ready reference. A Nusselt number and friction
factor correlation were developed in terms of Reynolds number and roughness parameters
for various rib configurations; the details are given in Table 5. The performance of a
roughened duct depends on many parameters, such as e/Dh, α, p/e, Re, e/H, d/w, and
W/H, and also on duct shape and size. These parameters are important for determining
the Nu, friction factor, and THPP characteristic of the flow process in the duct of the SAH.

Table 4. Early studies of friction factor and Nusselt number augmentation.

Investigators Type of Roughness Parameter Used Augmentation

e/D = 0.02–0.033 Nu/Nus = 2.35
Prasad and Saini [13] Continuous transverse rib
p/e = 10–20 f /fs = 4.25
e/Dh = 0.043, p/e = 8 Nu/Nus = 1.78
Singh et al. [16] Nonuniform saw-tooth-shaped rib
Re = 3000–15,000 f /fs = 2.49
g/e = 0.5–2
e/Dh = 0.018–0.0377
Nu/Nus = 2.83
Aharwal et al. [17] Inclined rib with gaps α = 30◦ –90◦
f /fs = 3.60
d/W = 0.16–0.67
p/e = 4–10
e/Dh = 0.015–0.043
d/w = 0.2–0.8
Nu/Nus = 3.04
Singh et al. [18,19] V-shape with gap g/e = 0.5–2.0
f /fs = 3.11
p/e = 4–12
α = 30◦ –75◦
p = 10–30 mm
Sahu and Bhagoria [20] Broken transvers ribs h/hs = 1.25–1.4
e/D = 0.0338
Re = 800–18,000 Nu/Nus = 3.07
Yadav and Bhagoria [21] Triangular-shaped ribs
p/e = 7.14–35.71 f /fs = 3.35
e/Dh = 0.021–0.042,
Nu/Nus = 2.86
Yadav and Bhagoria [22] Square shape ribs Re = 000–18,000,
f /fs = 3.84
p/e = 7.14–35.71
W/H = 6.8–11.5
Gupta et al. [23] Continuous inclined ribs e/D = 0.023–0.050 η/ηs = 1.16–1.25
α = 60◦
p/e = 4–10
Nu/Nus = 2.30
Momin et al. [24] V-shaped continuous rib e/Dh = 0.02–0.034
f /fs = 2.89
α = 30◦ –90◦
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 30 of 46

Table 4. Cont.

Investigators Type of Roughness Parameter Used Augmentation

α= 30◦ –75◦
Ng = 1–5 Nu/Nus = 3.6
Maithani and Saini [25] V-rib with symmetrical gaps
g/e = 1–5 f /fs = 3.67
p/e = 6–12
n=2
e/Dh = 0.026–0.057
w/e = 4.5
Multiple V-rib with gaps combined with Nu/Nus = 3.34
Deo et al. [26] p/e = 4–14
staggered rib f /fs = 2.45
p/P = 4.5
g/e = 1
α = 60◦
e/D = 0.0433
p’/p = 0.2–0.8
V-ribs with gap combined with s’/s = 0.2–0.8
Patil et al. [27] Nu/Nus = 3.18
staggered rib p/e = 10
r/e = 1–2.5
α = 60◦
W/w = 1–10, e/D = 0.019–0.043 Nu/Nus ~ 6
Hans et al. [28] Continuous multiple V-rib
α = 30◦ –75◦ , p/e = 6–12 f /fs ~ 4.3
g/e = 0.5–1.5
Gd /Lv = 0.24–0.80
Nu/Nus = 6.74
Kumar et al. [29] Multi-V-ribs with gaps e/D = 0.019–0.043
f /fs = 6.37
W/w = 1–10, p/e = 6–12
α = 30◦ –75◦
p/e = 3–20, e/Dh = 0.03–0.11 α = 30◦ –75◦ ,
Jin et al. [86] Multiple V-shaped ribs THPPmax = 1.93
Re = 8000–20,000
e/D = 0.0213–0.0422
Nu/Nus = 3.8
Saini and Saini [30] Arc rib α/90 = 0.333–0.666
f/fs = 1.75
p/e = 10
e/d = 0.5
e/Dh = 0.021–0.036
Sethi et al. [31] Dimple rib in arc fashion η = 1.10–1.887
α = 45◦ –75◦
p/e = 10–20
α = 45◦ –75◦
Nu/Nus = 2.89,
Yadav et al. [32] Dimple rib in arc pattern e/Dh = 0.015–0.030
f /fs = 2.93
p/e = 12–24
e/Dh = 0.022–0.043
d/w = 0.2–0.8
Nu/Nus = 2.63
Hans et al. [33] Brocken arc rib g/e = 0.5–2.5
f /fs = 2.44
p/e = 4–12
Re = 2000–16,000
W/w = 1–7
e/D = 0.016–0.044
d/x = 0.25–0.85 Nu/Nus = 5.85
Pandey et al. [34] Multiple-arc rib with gaps
g/e = 0.5–2 f /fs = 4.96
p/e = 4–16
α = 30◦ –75◦
e/D = 0.018–0.045
p/e = 4–16 Nu/Nus = 5.07
Singh et al. [35] Multiple-arc rib
W/w = 1–7 f /fs = 3.71
α = 30◦ –75◦
e/Dh = 0.018–0.03375
Nu/Nus = 2.36
Lanjewar et al. [36,37] Continuous W-rib α = 30◦ –75◦
f /fs = 2.01
p/e = 10
e/Dh = 0.018–0.03375 Nu/Nus = 2.16
Kumar et al. [38] Discrete W-rib
α = 30◦ –75◦ , p/e = 10 f /fs = 2.75
e/D = 0.042 Nu/Nus = 2.827
Gawande et al. [39] L-shaped rib
p/e = 7.14–17.86 f /fs = 2.434
e/Dh = 0.022–0.054
α = 30◦ –75◦
Nu/Nus = 4.64
Kumar et al. [40] S-shaped rib W/w = 1–4
f /fs = 2.71
p/e = 4–16
Re = 2400–20,000
e/D = 0.03
L/e = 25–37.5 Nu/Nus = 3.8
Bhushan and Singh [41] Protrusion roughness
S/e = 18.75–37.5 f /fs = 2.2
d/D = 0.0147–0.0367
e/Dh = 0.015–0.033 Nu/Nus = 2.4
Bhagoria et al. [47] Wedge-shaped ribs
φ = 8◦ –15◦ , p/e = 4.7–12.12 f /fs = 5.3
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 31 of 46

Table 4. Cont.

Investigators Type of Roughness Parameter Used Augmentation

p/e = 4–30, e/Dh = 0.043, Re = Nu/Nus = 2.14
Singh I and Singh S [42] Transverse rib with square wave profile
3000–15,000 f /fs = 3.55
Nu/Nus = 2.05
Alam and Kim [137] Semiellipse-shaped obstacle p/e = 3.5, α = 30◦ –90◦ , Re = 6000–18,000
f /fs = 5.3
e/Dh = 0.035–0.044 Nu/Nus =1.87
Karmare and Tikekar [44] Metal grit
l/s = 1–1.72, p/e = 12.5–36 f /fs = 6.93
g/p = 0.3–0.6
e/Dh = 0.022–0.04 Nu/Nus = 3.24
Layek et al. [48] Chamfered rib combined with groove
φ = 5◦ –30◦ f /fs = 3.74
p/e = 4.5–10

Table 5. Correlations developed by researchers for different roughened surfaces.

Investigators Roughness Correlations

hn n ooi
0.51
Nu = 0.0102(e/Dh ) Re 1.148
1 − (0.25 − d/w)2 0.01(1 − g/e)2
Aharwal et al. [17] (2009) Inclined rib with gap
f = 0.5(e/Dh )0.72 Re−0.0836
Nu = 0.0731Pr0.4 f s0.5 Re0.918
Verma and Prasad [60] (2000) Wire roughness
f = 0.245(e/Dh )0.243 ( p/e)−0.206 Re−1.25 h i
Ebrahim-Momin et al. [24] Nu = 0.067Re0.888 (α/60)−0.077 (e/Dh )0.424 exp −0.728{ln(α/60)}2
V-shaped continuous ribs
(2002)
h i
f = 6.266Re−0.425 (α/60)−0.093 (e/Dh )0.565 exp −0.719{ln(α/60)}2
h i
Nu = 0.016Re0.891 (α/90)−1.123 exp −1.107{ln(α/90)}2
Istanto et al. [152] (2016) V-shaped rib h i
f = 31.589Re−0.759 (α/90)−1.385 exp −1.318{ln(α/90)}2
−0.043
Nu = 2.36 × 10−3 (hp/e)3.50 Re0.90 (e/D 0.47
i h ) (d/wh ) (α/60)−i0.023
( g/e)−0.014 exp −0.84{ln( p/e)}2 × exp −0.05{ln(d/w)}2
h i h i
Singh et al. [19] (2011) V-shape with gap × exp −0.72{ln(α/60)}2 × exp −0.15{ln( g/e)}2
−0.058
f = 4.13 × 10−2hRe−0.126 (e/Dh )0.7 ( p/e 2.74
i ) (hd/w) (α/60)−0.034
i
( g/e)0.31 exp −0.685{ln( p/e)}2 × exp −0.058{ln(d/w)}2
h i h i
× exp −0.93{ln(α/60)}2 × exp −0.21{ln( g/e)}2
Nu = 1.8 × h10−6 Re0.9635 ( g/e)0.111
i ( Ng )h
0.126
(α/60)0.1307 i
5.7419 2
× exp −0.0401{ln( g/e)}2

( p/e) × exp −0.055 ln( Ng )
V-ribs with symmetrical
h i h i
Maithani and Saini [25] (2016) × exp −1.299{ln( p/e)}2 × exp −0.895{ln(α/60)}2
gap
f = 3.6 ×h10−7 Re−0.1512 (α/60i)0.07 ( g/e
h)
0.072
( Ng )0.1484 i
9.24 2
× exp −0.0249{ln( g/e)}2

( p/e) × exp −0.0763 ln( Ng )
h i h i
× exp −2.08{ln( p/e)}2 × exp −0.3364{ln(α/60)}2
Nu = 0.02253Re0.98 (e/Dh )0.18 ( p/e)−0.06 (α/60)0.04
Deo et al. [26] (2016) Multi-gap-V-down rib
f = 0.3715Re−0.15 (e/Dh )0.65 ( p/e)0.21 (α/60)0.57
3.15 0.033
Nu −4
h = 5.2 × 10 ( p/e)i (e/D h h) (Re)1.27 i
Saini and Verma [46] (2008) Dimple shape × exp −1.30{ln(e/Dh )}2 × exp −2.12{ln( p/e)}2
−0.423 −0.0214 −0.465
f =
h 0.642(Re) (e/D
i h ) h ( p/e) i
× exp 0.840{ln(e/Dh )} × exp 0.054{ln( p/e)}2
2

0.77 8.54 −0.49

Nu = 3.35 × 10−5 Re0.92 (e/D
h h ) ( p/e) (α/90
i )
(W/w)0.043 × exp −0.61{ln(α/90)}2
h i h i
Hans et al. [28] (2010) Continuous multi-V-ribs × exp −2.0407{ln( p/e)}2 × exp −0.1177{ln(W/w)}2
−0.39
f = 4.47 × 10−4 Re−0.3188 (hp/e)8.9 (e/Dh )0.73 (α/90
i )
(W/w)0.22 × exp −0.52{ln(α/90)}2
h i h i
× exp −2.133{ln( p/e)}2 × exp −0.1177{ln(W/w)}2
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 32 of 46

Table 5. Cont.

Investigators Roughness Correlations

−0.6586
Nu = 0.0187Re 1.176
× ( p/e) × (e/Dh )0.4927
0.033 0.0659 0.1753
×(e/wh) × (W/w) i× ( g/e)h × ( x/w)0.1147i
× exp −0.011{ln(W/w)}2 × exp 0.1837{ln( p/e)}2
h i h i
Multi-V-ribs with × exp 0.0775{ln( x/w}2 × exp 0.0869{ln(e/w)}2
Singh et al. [83] (2021) h i
uniform gap × exp 0.2413{ln( g/e)}2
f = 1.3601Re−0.434 × ( p/e)−0.7032 × (e/Dh )0.0863
×(e/w)h0.0229 × (W/w)0.0858i× ( g/e)h0.1436 × ( x/w)−1.3003
i
× exp 0.0098{ln(W/w)}2 × exp 0.1925{ln( p/e)}2
h i h i
× exp −0.4762{ln( x/w}2 × exp −0.0556{ln(e/w)}2
h i
× exp 0.0455{ln( g/e)}2
Nu = 8.532 × 10−3 Re0.932 (e/Dh )0.175 ( p/e h)
1.196
(α/60)−0.0239 i
−0.0708 0.506 −0.0348
( g/e) (W/w) ( Gd /Lv ) exp −0.2805{ln( p/e)}2
h i h i
× exp −0.0753{ln(W/w)} × exp −0.1153{ln(α/60)}2
2

Kumar et al. [85] (2013) Multi-V-ribs with gap

h i h i
× exp −0.0653{ln( Gd /Lv )}2 × exp −0.223{ln( g/e)}2
−0.7941
f = 3.1934Re−0.3151 (e/Dh )0.268 (α/60)0.1553
h ( p/e) i
( g/e)−0.1769 (W/w)0.1132 ( Gd /Lv )0.0610 exp 0.1486{ln( p/e)}2
h i h i
× exp 0.0974{ln(W/w)}2 × exp −0.1527{ln(α/60)}2
h i h i
× exp −0.1065{ln( Gd /Lv )}2 × exp −0.6349{ln( g/e)}2
Nu = 0.001047Re1.3186 (α/90)−0.1198 (e/Dh )0.3772
Saini and Saini [30] (2008) Arc ribs
f = 0.14408(Re)−0.17103 (α/90)0.1185 (e/Dh )0.1765
−0.0048
Nu = 7.1 × 10−3 Re1.1386
h (α/60) ( p/e)−
i
0.47
(e/Dh )0.3629
Sethi et al. [31] (2012) Dimple shape × exp −0.7792{ln(α/60)}2
f = 4.869 × 10−1 Re−0.223
h (α/60)
0.0042
( p/e)−i0.059 (e/Dh )0.2663
× exp −0.4801{ln(α/60)}2
Nu = 0.154Re 1.017
h(e/Dh )
0.521
( p/e)−0.38i(α/60)−0.213
Yadav et al. [32] (2013)
Dimple ribs in arc × exp −2.023{ln(α/60)}2
arrangement
f = 7.207Re−0.56 (he/Dh )0.176 ( p/e)−0.18i(α/60)−0.038
× exp −1.412{ln(α/60)}2
Nu = 1.014 × 10−3 (Re)1.036 (d/w)−0.078 (e/Dh )0.412
h ( p/e)
2.522
(α/90)−i0.293
( g/e)−0.016 × exp[−0.114{ln(α/90)}]2 × exp −0.567{ln( p/e)}2
h i h i
Hans et al. [33] (2017) Broken-arc rib exp −0.133{ln( g/e)}2 × exp −0.077{ln(d/w)}2
f = 8.1921 × 10−2 (Re)−0.147 (e/Dh )0.528 (α/90)−0.292
h ( p/e)
1.191
(d/w)−i0.067
( g/e)−0.006 × exp[−0.110{ln(α/90)}]2 × exp −0.255{ln( p/e)}2
h i h i
exp −0.158{ln( g/e)}2 × exp −0.063{ln(d/w)}2
h i
Nu = 0.032( p/e)0.3479 Re0.8332 exp −0.1004{ln( p/e)}2
Ambade et al. [95] (2019) L-shaped rib h i
f = 0.2805( p/e)0.3479 Re0.0.0815 exp −0.0.0319{ln( p/e)}2
Nu = 3.596 × 10−3 Re1.068 ( g/e)−0.018 (r/e
h)
−0.02
(W1 /w)−0.073
i
Gill et al. [97] (2021) Hybrid rib ( p/e)1.403 (α/90)−0.408 (e/Dh )0.56 × exp −0.151{ln( g/e)}2
f = 7.981 × 10−2 Re−0.157 ( g/e)−0.021 (r/e)0.012 (W1 /w)−0.104 ( p/e)1.739
(α/90)−0.638 (e/Dh )0.783
−
Nu = 1.39 × 10 Re4 1.3701
(e/Dh )0.0931 ( p/e
h)
0.5858
(α/60)−0.2235
i
( g/e)−0.0292 (W/w)0.4017 (d/x )−0.4997 exp −0.142{ln( p/e)}2
h i h i
× exp −0.129{ln(W/w)}2 × exp −0.5614{ln(α/60)}2
Pandey et al. [34] (2016) Multiarc ribs with gap
h i h i
× exp −0.3989{ln(d/x )}2 × exp −0.2013{ln( g/e)}2
−2.546
f = 2.11 × 10−1 Re−0.25 (e/Dh )0.145 (α/60
h ) ( p/e)0.643i
(W/w)0.032 ( g/e)−0.079 (d/x )−0.888 exp −0.160{ln( p/e)}2
h i h i
× exp −0.496{ln( g/e)}2 × exp −3.96{ln(α/60)}2
h i
× exp −0.662{ln(d/x )}2
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 33 of 46

Table 5. Cont.

Investigators Roughness Correlations

0.048 −0.355
Nu = 1.564 × 10−4 Re1.3343 (e/D
h h ) i ( α/90
h) ( p/e)0.572 i
0.407
(W/w) × exp −0.099{ln(W/w)} × exp −0.272{ln(α/90)}2
2

Singh et al. [153] (2014) Multiarc ribs

h i
× exp −0.148{ln( p/e)}2
−0.023
f = 0.063Re
h
−0.16
(e/Dh )0.102 (α/90
i ) h ( p/e)
0.562
(W/w)i0.277
× exp −0.013{ln(α/90)}2 × exp −0.140{ln( p/e)}2
Nu = 8.84 × 10−6 Re1.0623 ×h ( p/e)1.72 × (e/Dih )2.5259
×(α/60)−0.087 × exp 2.43{ln(W/w)}2
h i
× exp −5.24{ln( p/e)}2 × (W/w)−0.328
Hasan et al. [103] (2021) Multiarc dimple shape
h i h i
× exp −0.77{ln(e/Dh }2 × exp −1.243{ln(α/60)}2
f = 4.46 × Re−0.09257 × (hp/e)2.19 × (e/Dh )−i0.0112
×(α/60)0.452 × exp 3.345{ln(W/w)}2
h i
×(W/w)−0.0941 × exp −0.0664{ln( p/e)}2
h i h i
× exp −0.0828{ln(e/Dh }2 × exp −9.494{ln(α/60)}2
Nu = 0.0613Reh0.9079 (α/60)−0.1331 (e/D
i h)
0.4487

Lanjewar et al. [36] (2011) Continuous W-ribs × exp −0.5307{ln(α/60)}2

f = 0.06182Re−h0.2554 (α/60)0.0817 (e/D
i h)
0.4682

× exp −0.28{ln(α/60)}2
Nu = 0.105Reh0.873 (α/60)−0.081 (e/D
i h)
0.453

Kumar et al. [38] (2009) Discrete W-ribs × exp −0.59{ln(α/60)}2

f = 5.86Reh−0.40 (α/60)0.081 (e/Dih )0.59
× exp −0.579{ln(α/60)}2
n o
Nu = 0.032( p/e)0.3479 Re0.8332 exp −0.1004 ln ( p/e)2
Gawande et al. [39] (2016) S-shaped rib n o
f = 0.280( p/e)0.0815 Re−0.2617 exp −0.0319 ln ( p/e)2
h i
Nu = 1.4332 × 10−4 Re1.2764 × (W/w)0.2748 × exp −0.1107{ln( p/e)}2
h i
×( p/e)0.4876 × (α/90)−0.0468 × exp −0.1084{ln(W/w)}2
Kumar et al. [98] (2016) S-shaped rib h i h i
× exp −0.0642{ln(α/90)}2 × exp −0.1257{ln(e/Dh }2 × (e/D )−0.7653
0.1424
−1 −0.224
h × 10 × Re i × (W/w)
f = 1.430 × ( p/e)0.7657
× exp −0.187{ln( p/e)}2 × (α/90)0.2129 × (e/Dh )0.2159
−0.3201
Nu = 0.5884Re
h
0.4793
( Pl /e)0.5943 ( Pt /b
i)
× exp −0.5426{ln( Pl /e)}2
Baissi et al. [108] (2019) Delta-shaped tubulators h i
f = 0.338Re−0.0996 exp −1.2539{ln( Pl /e)}2
h i
×( Pl /e)2.1042 × ( Pt /b)−0.56 exp −0.2375{ln( Pt /b)}2
−5 0.95 −0.91 3.73 2.37
h × 10 Re (α/75
Nu = 3.64 i ) h ( p/e) (W/w) i
2 2
× exp −0.90{ln( p/e)} × exp −1.22{ln(α/75)}
Kumar and Layek [110] (2020) Winglet turbulators
h i
× exp −0.81{ln(W/w)}2
f = 0.13Re−0.37 (hW/w)2.41 (α/75)−0.45
i ( p/e)
−0.12

× exp −0.77{ln(W/w)}2
−3.9
Nu = 2.1h× 10−88 (Re)1.452 i(S/e)12.94
h (d/D ) ( L/ei)99.2
× exp −77.2{ln( L/e}2 × exp −1.4{ln(S/e)}2
Bhushan and Singh [41] (2011) Protrusions h i
× exp −7.83{ln(d/D }2
f = 2.32(Re)−0.201 (S/e)−0.383 ( L/e)−0.484 (d/D
h )
0.133
i
Nu = 0.009016(e/Dh )−3.1354 × Re0.526 exp −0.5834{ln(e/Dh )}2
Patel et al. [118] (2020) NACA 0040 profile rib h i
f = 0.32449Re1.3728 × (e/Dh )5.6236 × exp 0.943{ln(e/Dh )}2
h i
× exp −0.0875{ln(Re)}2
Gabhane and Patil [119] Nu = 0.20627(Re)0.8087 (α/90)0.2735 ( p/e)−0.03724
Multi-C-shape rib
(2017) f = 0.9123(Re)−0.28379 (α/90)−0.12127 ( p/e)−0.14847
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 34 of 46

Table 5. Cont.

Investigators Roughness Correlations

Nu = h 3 × 10−10 Re1.043 (y/e)−0.17 ( p/e)15.75 (α/60)−0.84
i h i
Kumar and Layek [123] (2019) Twisted tape × exp −3.75{ln( p/e)}2 × exp −0.85{ln(α/90)}2
f = 6.82Re−0.58 (y/e)0.31 (α/60)0.23 ( p/e)−0.42
h i
Nu = 1.89 × 10−4 (Re)1.21 (e/Dh )0.426 exp −0.71{ln( p/e)}2
h i
Bhagoria et al. [47] (2002) Wedge-shaped rib ( ϕ/10)−0.018 × exp −1.50{ln( ϕ/10)}2
f = 12.44(Re)−0.18 (e/Dh )0.99 ( ϕ/10)0.49
Combination of V-shaped Nu = 1.48Re0.537 Pr0.4 ( p/H )−0.269 (e/H )0.126
Promvonge et al. [127] (2021)
rib and delta groove f = 6.8Re0.127 Pr0.4 ( p/H )−0.521 (e/H )1.096
Nu = 10.12( p/e)−0.107 (Re)−0.144
Alfarawi et al. [137] (2017) Hybrid rib
f = 15.23( p/e)−0.241 (Re)−0.093
Nu =h 4 × 10−4 (e/Dh )0.625 (iL/10e)h2.66 Re1.22 (S/10e)2.22 i
Saini and Saini [43] (1997) Expanded metal mesh × exp −0.824{ln( L/10e)}2 × exp −1.25{ln(S/10e)}2
f = 0.815(e/Dh )0.591 ( L/10e)0.266 Re−0.361 (S/10e)−0.19
Karmare and Tikekar [44] Nu = 2.4 × 10−3 (e/Dh )0.42 Re1.3 ( p/e)−0.27 (l/s)−0.146
Metal grit
(2007) f = 15.55(e/Dh )0.91 Re−0.26 ( p/e)−0.51 (l/s)−0.27
Nu = 0.00225
h (e/Dh )0.52 (ig/p)−1.21 0.92 1.24
h Re ϕ ( p/e) i
1.172

× exp −0.22{ Ln( ϕ)}2 × exp −0.46{ Ln( p/e)}2

Chamfered rib combined
h i
Layek et al. [48] (2007) × exp −0.74{ Ln( g/p)}2
with groove
−1.124
f = 0.00245(e/Dh )0.365 ( g/p
h ) Re−0.124 ( p/e
i )
4.32

× exp[0.005ϕ] × exp −1.09{ Ln( p/e)}2

h i
× exp −0.68{ Ln( g/p)}2

7. Methodology and Formation of MATLAB Code for Calculating Thermal Efficiency

The flow chart of calculations as per the MATLAB program for calculating the thermal
efficiency and heat loss coefficient of the duct with artificial roughnesses/turbulators is
shown in Figure 42.

Figure 42. Flow chart.

Energies 2022, 15, 2800 35 of 46

Solar energy I is absorbed by the collector plate, which is further transferred to the
working fluid as heat loss from the bottom, useful heat gain, heat loss from the top cover,
and heat loss from the side edges. The energy loses to the surroundings by convection and
radiation from the top glass cover. The ambient and absorber plate temperatures are Ta
and Tp, respectively. The step-by-step procedure for calculating the thermal efficiency is
given below.
Heat exchange between the top glass cover and absorber plate:

σ(T4 −T4 )
qloss,p1−c1 = hc,c1− p Tp − Tc1 + 1 p1 c1
ε c ε p −1


(14)
= hc,p−c1 + hr,p−c1 Tp − Tc1

where   
σ Tp2 + Tc1
2 Tp + T
hr,p−c1 = 1 1
(15)
εc + εp −1
Thermal resistance:
1
R1 =
(hc,c1− p +hr,c1− p ) (16)

Convection coefficient of heat transfer between the top glass cover and the absorber plate:

Nu.k
hc,p−c1 = (17)
L
where the Nusselt number between the glass cover and the absorber plate is given as [154]:
h i
Nu = 1 + + ( RaCosβ/5830)0.33 − 1
n o
+ 1.44[1 − 1708/RaCosβ]+ 1 − 1708(sin1.8.β)1.6 /Racosβ (18)

where the Rayleigh number:

g.β0 .( Tp − Tc ).L3
Ra = (19)
ν.α
The air physical properties are taken as α, β’, and υ at the mean temperature of
the plate.
Radiation heat transfer coefficient:

2
+ Ts2 Tc1 − Ts



σε c1 Tc1 + Ts Tc1
hr,c1− a = (20)
( Tc1 − Ta )

Resistance to the surrounding:

1
R1 = (21)
(hr,c1−a + hw )

Top loss coefficient:

1
Ut = (22)
( R1 + R2 )
Heat loss from the absorber to the ambient through the top glass cover:


qloss = Ut Tp − Ta (23)
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 36 of 46

The overall heat loss must be equal to the energy exchange between the plates:

qloss = qloss,p−c1 = qloss,c1− a (24)

The edge and back heat loss coefficient are calculated as:

1 k 1 (U A)edge
Ub = = ins
0
and Ue = = (25)
( R4 ) L ( R3 ) Ac

Overall heat loss coefficient:

Uo = Ut + Ub + Ue (26)

Useful heat gain to fluid [155]:



Qu = I (τα) − Uo Tp − Ta Ac (27)

Thermal Efficiency of the collector:

"
#
Qu Uo Tp − Ta
ηth = = (τα) − (28)
Ac .I I

8. Thermal Performance of Roughened SAH

The rough surface enhances the heat transfer rate over the smooth surface because
of disrupting of the viscous sublayer, flow separation, secondary flow generation, and
reattachment of flow, which leads to the enhancement of the level of turbulence adjacent to
the heated surface. Due to an increase in the level of turbulence, the dead zone reduces
remarkably where the convective rate of heat transfer is low. The turbulence promotors
also increase friction losses, which leads to higher power consumption in the pumping of
air because of high-pressure drops due to a high level of turbulence [156]. A high level
of heat transfer and a small value of friction losses are the basic need of a compact and
design-efficient SAH. In this regard, Nu/Nus and THPP help to select an optimum value of
distinct roughness parameters and different rib arrangement patterns. Nu/Nus and THPP
are determined with the help of corresponding correlations of f and Nu as listed in Table 5.
Nu/Nus and THPP increase significantly with the increase in Re for all shapes and
sizes of roughness geometries. The Nu/Nus and THPP of different types of roughness with
respect to Re are shown in Figures 43 and 44, respectively. The values of Nu/Nus and THPP
change from 0.75 to 14.20 and 0.39 to 5.58 in the Re range of 3000 to 24,000, respectively.
The least values of Nu/Nus are recognized for the metal grit type of roughness and the
highest value in the case of staggered broken-arc hybrid-rib roughness. The least values
of THPP are recognized for the combination of inclined and transverse rib pattern and
the highest value in case of S-type of the rib. The multiple V-rib with gaps, continuous
multiribs, and multiarc ribs with a gap also show a higher value of THPP. However,
the performance of S-type of the rib is not considerable at low RE, but at a higher Re
performance it increases tremendously. The creation of gaps in the continuous ribs has
shown remarkable improvement in the performance as compared with continuous ribs.
The gap in ribs introduces a secondary flow in the stream of flow, which is generated due
to vortices on the upstream side of the roughness. The secondary flow augments the level
of turbulence remarkably due to its mixing with the main flow. The improvement in Nu
due to the creation of gaps in the continuous ribs ranges from 1.1 to 1.3 times, and the
corresponding increase in pumping power requirement ranges from 1.0 to 1.4 times.
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 37 of 46

Figure 43. Comparison of Nu/Nus of different types of roughened surfaces [17,19,24–26,28,30–

34,36,38–40,43,44,46,47,85,97,110,123,152,153].

Figure 44. Comparison of THPP of different types of roughened surfaces [17,19,24–26,28,30–34,36,38–

40,43,44,46,47,85,97,110,123,152,153].

The thermal efficiency of the SAH increases significantly with the increase in Re for all
shapes and sizes of artificial roughness geometry. The thermal efficiencies of a distinct type
of roughness with respect to Re and ∆T/I are shown in Figures 45 and 46, respectively. The
value of thermal efficiency changes from 0.27 to 0.79. The least values of η are recognized for
a twisted tape and delta-shaped vortex generator type of roughness and the highest value
in the case of a staggered broken-arc hybrid rib. The multiple V-rib with gaps, continuous
multiribs, and multiarc ribs with a gap also show higher values of η.
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 38 of 46

Figure 45. Comparison of η of different types of roughened surface [19,24,26,28,32,33,36,38,39,83,85,

97,108,110,118,123,127,152].

Figure 46. Thermal efficiency vs. ∆T/I of different types of roughened surfaces [19,24,26,28,32,33,36,
38,39,83,85,97,108,110,118,123,127,152].

9. Conclusions
An attempt has been made to study the thermal and friction characteristics of various
artificial ribs/turbulators exploited in SAH ducts. The correlations of Nu and the friction
factor for various rib configurations have been presented, and the thermohydraulic perfor-
mance parameters of various rib configurations have been compared for a similar range of
Reynolds number. Based on the literature review carried out in this paper, the following
conclusions have been drawn.
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 39 of 46

• The shape and size of artificial roughness and their pattern of arrangements on the duct
surface are the most important factors for the performance optimization of the SAH.
• The thermohydraulic characteristics of a large number of rib geometries have been
investigated by many researchers. For most of the rib roughness geometries, the
optimum performance has been achieved at the following parameters: p/e = 10,
W/w = 6, α = 60◦ , and e/Dh = 0.043.
• THPP and thermal efficiency show the highest values in the case of staggered broken-
arc type of hybrid rib and least values in the case of metal grit, twisted tape, and
delta-shaped vortex generator type of roughness.
• The multi-V and multiarc-shaped roughnesses show higher thermohydraulic per-
formance over other roughness geometries. The introducing gaps in the limb of
multi-V-ribs enhance the level of turbulence significantly.
• The multi-V-shaped ribs show a higher value of the friction factor, and arc-shaped
circular dimples show a lower value of the friction factor.
• The broken-arc-shaped rib combined with a staggered-arc rib piece has better perfor-
mance than broken-arc-shaped and arc-shaped rib roughness.
• The creation of gaps in the continuous ribs has shown remarkable improvement in
thermohydraulic performance over the continuous ribs. The improvement in Nu
due to the creation of gaps in the continuous ribs ranges from 1.1 to 1.3 times, and
corresponding increase in pumping power requirement ranges from 1.0 to 1.4 times.
• THPP shows higher values in the case of an S-shape rib, multi-V ribs, and arc-shaped
roughnesses with gaps. However, the performance of an S-shaped rib is not consider-
able at low Re, but the performance increases remarkably with the increase in Re.
• The arc arrangement of rib roughness shows lower value pressure losses over the
V-shaped arrangement due to the curved nature of the induced secondary flow along
with the roughness.
• In general, higher roughnesses’ height has a higher Nusselt number; however, higher
roughnesses’ height contributes to higher pressure drop. Therefore, the thermohy-
draulic performance of roughnesses needs to be optimized. In this regard, net effective
efficiency is the best tool to analyze roughnesses. On the basis of net effective efficiency,
a multiarc rib with gaps is found to be best around 79% in comparison with other rib
configurations, which is recommended for overall better performance.
The work presented in this review paper was carried out as a convective heat transfer
coefficient from the absorber plate. Apart from performance improvement by heat transfer
enhancement, there is a tremendous scope to further increase the performance of the
SAH by exploiting more advanced active methods, such as electrodynamics, jet spray,
mechanical aid, surface vibration, and fluid vibration. Further, heat loss through a top glass
cover needs to be minimized by optimizing the natural convection between the glass cover
and the absorber or utilizing the vacuum between them. Additionally, the flow structure
should be studied using flow visualization, such as PIV, LCT, and CFD, to achieve the
optimum rib arrangement.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, K., T.A. and N.K.G.; methodology, K. and T.A.; software,
K. and T.A.; validation, K. and T.A.; formal analysis, N.K.G. and R.C.; investigation, K. and T.A.;
resources, R.C. and G.B.; data curation, K.; writing—original draft preparation, K. and T.A.; writing—
review and editing K., T.A., N.K.G., R.C. and G.B.; visualization, K., T.A. and N.K.G.; supervision,
T.A., R.C. and G.B.; project administration, T.A., R.C. and G.B. All authors have read and agreed to
the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: The data are not publicly available due to privacy considerations.
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 40 of 46

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Nomenclature

Symbol Title Unit

b Roughness width m
c Characteristic separation length m
d’ Diameter of dimples m
d/x Relative gap position -
dR Relative punched hole size -
D Pipe inside diameter (to base of ribs) m
De Equivalent diameter of annulus (d1 − d2 ) m
Dh Hydraulic diameter of duct m
e Height of roughness element m
e+ Roughness Reynolds number -
e/Dh Relative roughness height -
e/H Blockage ratio -
fs Smooth surface friction factor -
f Friction factor of roughened surface -
FR Heat removal factor -
g Roughness function of heat transfer -
g/e Relative gap width -
H Duct height m
I Insolation W/m2
L Length of test section m
Nu Nusselt number -
Ng Number of gaps on half arc -
p/g Relative pitch-to-gap ratio -
p’/p Relative staggered rib pitch -
p/H Rib-pitch-to-channel-height ratio -
Pt /b Relative longitudinal length of obstacles -
Pt /e Relative transversal length of obstacles -
PR Relative winglet pitch -
Qu Heat gain W
Qe+ Heat transfer function -
r/e Relative staggered rib size -
R Momentum transfer roughness function -
Ra Rayleigh number -
Re Reynolds number -
S Short way length between dimples m
s’/s Relative gap position -
St Stanton number -
Ta Ambient temperature K
Ti Air inlet temperature K
Tf Mean air temperature K
Tp Plate temperature K
Tw Wall temperature K
∆P Pressure drops N/m2
UO Overall heat loss coefficient W/m2 ·K
V Velocity of air in the SAH duct m/s
w/e Staggered rib length to rib height -
W/e Width-to-height ratio -
W/H Width-to-duct-height ratio -
W/w Relative roughness width -
W1 /w Relative gap position -
x Distance from starting m
η Thermohydraulic performance parameter -
ηth Thermal efficiency of solar collectors -
Energies 2022, 15, 2800 41 of 46

P Density kg/m3
ψ Temperature factor Tw /Tf -
α Angle of attack degree
α’ Arc angle degree
α/90 Relative arc angle -
ϕ Chamfering angle of rib degree
β Slope degree
β’ Thermal expansion coefficient of air 1/K
εg Glass cover emissivity
εp Absorber plate emissivity
υ Kinematic viscosity m2 /s
τ Transmissivity
σ Stefan–Boltzmann constant W/m2 ·K4

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