Fourier series based 1-D numerical modelling of the dynamics of inclined closed loop buoyancy driven heat exchangers with conjugate effect

Abstract

A 1-D numerical modelling of the dynamics of inclined closed loop buoyancy driven heat exchangers with inclusion of the wall conduction effect at the heat exchanger is presented in the current study. A Coupled Natural Circulation Loop (CNCL) is an ideal system for studying the closed loop buoyancy driven heat exchanger. The modelling utilises a Fourier series based approach to develop a 1-D model of the Conjugate CNCL system, which is then verified with the 3-D CFD studies of the respective cases. A good agreement is observed with the 3-D CFD data, which demonstrates the suitability of the 1-D model for transient behaviour prediction. The non-dimensional numbers and thermal coupling sensitivity coefficients which govern the dynamics of the Conjugate CNCL are identified and an appropriate parametric study is conducted. Results show that the wall conduction and inclination have a significant effect on the transient behaviour of the Conjugate CNCL system. A jump in the heat transfer coefficient with variation in the inclination of the Conjugate CNCL system is observed. The 1-D model is also able to capture the flow direction reversal with change in the inclination of the Conjugate CNCL system for zero flow field initial conditions.