Computational analysis of the inflow air slot size influence on solar vortex generator peformance

Ali A Ismaeel,Aklilu T Baheta,Hussain H Al-Kayiem,Mohammed A Aurybi,S.A Abdul Karim,N Zainuddin,N Sa'Ad,M.H Yusof

doi:10.1051/matecconf/201822504013

Ali A Ismaeel, Aklilu T Baheta + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201822504013

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Abstract

Nowadays, attention is directed towards the possibilities of harnessing the potential of tornado by creating an artificial convective vortices for green electricity generation. In view of this research trending, a novel new solar vortex power generator, designed, fabricated and experimented at University Technology PETRONAS, Malaysia. In this paper, ANSYS - FLUENT 15 software was used to simulate the influence of inflow slot size on the vortex updraft velocity. Two cases hav been investigated. Case 1 with new dimension of 0.1 m width and guide vane height of 0.6 m. Whereas, case 2 with slot dimension of 0.3 m height and 0.15 m width. From the attained results, it could be deduced that the slot size is an important parameter which impacts on the vortex strength. The vortex exit velocity increased by 50% a nd by 2.6% for the case 1 and case 2, respectively. This indicates that the slot height is highly influencing the vortex strength. Thus far, the indexes from the numerical simulation can be used in re-designing of the inflow slot size for optimal performance.

Highlights

It is well-known that extreme weather phenomena's, such as dust devils, tornadoes, and waterspouts can cause tremendous collateral damage to a nation’s infrastructure and inhabitant [1]
The integration of the vortex generator with the solar heat trap cavity (SHT) which enhances the stack effects thereby maintaining the vortex updraft continuously and the new model of vortex generator (VG) with double solar absorbing system known as solar vortex power generator (SVPG)
In the solar heat trap (SHT) unit which consist of both transparent upper cover (TUC) and transparent structure (TS), creates the initial convective vortex by absorbing the solar irradiance to heat up the air inside the artificial vortex generator (AVG) thereby creating updraft flow and simultaneously reducing the heat inside the solar air collector (SAC) parts of the AVG

Summary

Introduction

It is well-known that extreme weather phenomena's, such as dust devils, tornadoes, and waterspouts can cause tremendous collateral damage to a nation’s infrastructure and inhabitant [1]. The vortex is created convectional by twisting and heating the incoming ambient air flow from the SAC using guide vanes. The investigation of the influence of extended initial inflow slot and guide vane height between 0.3 m to 0.6 m for vortex updraft generation [9]. In the solar heat trap (SHT) unit which consist of both transparent upper cover (TUC) and transparent structure (TS), creates the initial convective vortex by absorbing the solar irradiance to heat up the air inside the AVG thereby creating updraft flow and simultaneously reducing the heat inside the SAC parts of the AVG. The transparent structure has a polygon shaped with 0.6 m in height, whilst the cover diameter is 0.1 m with 0.3 m-diameter hole at the epicenter of the cover, used for the vortex updraft flow exit

Numerical Simulation Methods

Governing Equations

Findings

Result and discussion

Conclusions