Experimental research of shock wave processes influence on machineless gas flow energy separation effect

Abstract

Experimental results for artificially initiated shock wave influence on machineless gas flow energy separation effect are presented. The working principle of the technique is based on interaction of supersonic and subsonic flows through the heat-conducting wall. In result at output there are two flows with different temperature – heated supersonic air flow and cooled subsonic one. Shock waves were initiated by conic ribs placed along the supersonic channel. During the research varied parameters included uni-flow and counter-flow air moving direction in subsonic and supersonic channels, subsonic flow rate divided by supersonic one (from 0 to 0.9), stagnation flow temperature (298, 313 and 343K) and initial Mach number (1.9, 2.5). The research was carried out with the use of infrared thermal imaging, thermocouples, total and static pressure probes, National Instruments automation equipment. Energy separation effect is increasing with the growth of Mach number and stagnation flow temperature. Rib placement in supersonic channel causes rise of static pressure and wall temperature and results in decreasing of energy separation effect at output of the device by less than 12%. Operability of the device with shock wave generation is remained.