Experimental studies on heat transfer and friction factor characteristics of thermosyphon solar water heater system fitted with spacer at the trailing edge of twisted tapes

Experimental investigation of heat transfer and friction factor characteristics of thermosyphon solar water heater system with full- length twist, twist fitted with rod and spacer fitted at the trailing edge for lengths of 100, 200 and 300 mm for twist ratio 3 and 5 has been carried out and compared with plain tube collector for the same operating conditions. The experimental data for Nusselt number and friction factor for plain tube collector is verified with fundamental equations. Empirical correlations are developed for Nusselt number and friction factor for twist ratio 3 and 5. Results conclude that the decrease in Nusselt number for full length helical twist compared to twist fitted with rod is minimum and is quite significant for twist with spacer. But the decrease in friction factor is maximum in twist fitted with spacer compared to twist fitted with rod. The over all performance for twist fitted with rod is found to be better than twist fitted with spacer. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.