Resistance reduction characteristics analysis of the tee based on field synergy and viscous dissipation

Abstract

There has been increasing attention on reducing pipe resistance friction losses, particularly those represented by tees, in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to enhance the sustainability of buildings. This paper analyzes the resistance characteristics, flow patterns, and force conditions of tee, identifies the locations with great resistance losses, and proposes a novel tee with an added the U-shaped deflector. The resistance reduction effect of the U-shaped deflector through field synergy and viscous dissipation is also analyzed. The results indicate that the resistance loss of the tee is mainly from the main-branch pipe section, with the maximum velocity gradient on the outer side of the branch and the inner side of the straight pipe. The fluid resistance friction loss in the section taken by the branch pipe is much greater than that in the main pipe section, the fluid resistance friction loss in the section taken by the main pipe is not affected by the pipe diameter ratio, and the internal friction force accounts for 83 %–92 % of the resistance friction loss in the branch pipe section. Adding the U-shaped deflector can improve the synergy of the velocity and pressure gradient fields downstream of branch pipes and straight pipes, and reduce viscous dissipation. The total local resistance loss reduction rate of the novel tee is 83.15 %, the volume weighted average synergy angle is increased by 2.09°, and the viscous dissipation is reduced by 22.9 %.