Temperature Heat Research Articles

Numerical Investigation of the Coaxial Geothermal Heat Exchanger Performance

Space heating and cooling using geothermal heat exchangers is a promising environmentally friendly green energy solution. Modeling these energy storage systems is crucial for optimizing their design and operation. In this context, the present study consists of numerically investigating the effects of various physical properties, including thermal conductivity, density, and specific heat capacity of each material, as well as flow velocity, on the process of heat transfer in vertical geothermal heat exchangers using coaxial pipes to optimize their energy performance. Numerical simulations were carried out using Gambit-Fluent software. Different materials that make up the coaxial heat exchanger structure studied were tested to highlight their effects on the progress of heat flux and temperature. Thermal and fluid mechanics aspects were also studied. At the end of this study, a comparative analysis was carried out using the U-tube geothermal heat exchanger. The results indicate that the heat exchanger using a coaxial tube demonstrates superior thermal efficiency compared to the U-tube configuration. It has been found that using a low velocity with an appropriate selection of tube, grout, and soil materials results in enhanced dynamic exchanges, thereby enhancing the thermal efficiency of the geothermal exchanger.

Evaluation of a concentrated solar power-driven system designed for combined production of cooling and hydrogen

The current technique of hydrogen generation and cooling production raises climatic problems, which calls for the investigation of cleaner alternatives. No research has been conducted to propose and analyze a solar thermal power cycle-based water electrolysis for on-site production of hydrogen and the detailed exergy analysis of a series flow double-effect absorption chilling machine employed for large solar cooling. In this regard, a helically coiled tube embedded central receiver is used in the heliostat field for the simultaneous production of solar cooling and green hydrogen to meet the increasing needs of energy and fuel sustainably. The combined system is composed of four sub-systems including a heliostat field, LiBr–H2O operated series-flow double effect absorption refrigeration cycle (DEARC), organic Rankine cycle (ORC), and proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer. The system was examined from energy and exergy perspectives in the Engineering Equation Solver (EES) using library data of REFPROP for obtaining the thermodynamic properties of working fluids. The results of the thermodynamic model for the combined system are validated. Furthermore, the effect of ambient temperature, solar irradiation, and type of ORC working fluid on the hydrogen and cooling production, and the overall energy and exergy efficiency of the combined system are examined. A computational fluid dynamics simulation applying ANSYS-FLUENT was used to examine how coil curvature ratio and coil torsion affect solar heat transfer fluid (SHTF) pressure and temperature leaving the receiver. The coil curvature ratio affects temperature increase more than coil torsion. Solar heat transfer fluid outlet temperature increases by 36.9 % when the coil curvature ratio increases from 0.063 to 0.095 at direct normal irradiations (DNI) 1200 W/m2, input temperature of 92°C, and coil torsion of 0.032. The response of the cogeneration cycle to varying operating parameters is examined. Application of R141b as the ORC fluid results in a large increase of cooling exergy efficiency from 14.98 % to 63.48 % when the ambient temperature is increased from 15 °C to 45 °C whereas the exergy efficiency of the combined system is marginally improved. The exergy distribution presents for ORC operating on R141b, out of 100 % input solar exergy, 16.42 % is generated as hydrogen exergy and 13.67 % cooling exergy, 66.79 % is the exergy destroyed, and the rest 3.12 % is exergy loss. Exergy analysis is utilized to identify the sources of losses in useful energy within the components of the system considered and provides a more realistic and meaningful assessment than the traditional energy analysis. The results justify a need for the promotion of exergy analysis through policy decisions in the context of the global energy and environment crisis.

A novel cycle engine for low-grade heat utilization: Principle, conceptual design and thermodynamic analysis

Efficient engine technologies to convert low-grade heat to electricity are urgently desired. In this work, a conceptual structure of engine for a novel cycle or one-way oscillating flow cycle (OOFC), which consists of two isochoric and two adiabatic processes, is described for low-grade heat utilization. Characteristics of OOFC allows for the working fluid temperature glide to be matched to the decrease in temperature of low-grade heat. Then, thermodynamic model is developed for evaluating the performance. Theoretical simulation results show that maximum specific output works are in the range of 12.2 kJ kg−1 – 79.7 kJ kg−1. Compared to Stirling cycle system, maximum specific output work in OOFC system could be improved by 16.2 %–24.8 %. Compared to ideal Carnot cycle engine system, maximum specific output works in OOFC system is nearly the same and 1.8 %–2.6 % lower. As Carnot cycle engine is ideal while thermodynamic cycle loss and heat transfer loss in cold heat exchangers are considered in OOFC engine, the ratios of maximum specific output work demonstrate that OOFC system could be very promising for low-grade heat utilization as a result of well-matched temperature profile in hot heat exchanger.

Experimental investigation of the heat transfer characteristics, operating limits, and temperature distribution of a prototypically 3 m long two-phase closed thermosyphon for spent fuel pool passive cooling

The current study investigated the heat transfer performance, operation limits, and temperature distribution of a 3 m prototype model for a large-scale straight two-phase closed thermosyphon with deionized water designed for passive cooling of nuclear spent fuel pools with a filling ratio ranging from 20% to 100% and a heat source temperature ranging from 45 to 80 °C. After the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, the need for a reliable cooling system for these pools increased, with thermosyphons emerging as a promising solution for passive cooling. The experimental procedure implemented in this study yielded a comprehensive understanding of the operation and phenomena inside a thermosyphon, providing crucial data for the validation and enhancement of numerical models that simulate relevant phenomena within nuclear power plants, including passive residual heat removal with thermosyphons. The results indicated that the optimal heat transfer performance was achieved at a filling ratio of 30%, where the thermosyphon begins operation at a heat source temperature of 45 °C. Additionally, the temperature distribution along the thermosyphon confirmed the operation limits, including partial dryout at a 20% filling ratio and geyser boiling and flooding (entrainment) limits at 75% and 100% filling ratios, respectively.

Characterization and experimental investigation of silicon nitride-based composite phase change materials for battery thermal management

In this study, different mass fractions of silicon nitride (Si3N4) were added to paraffin (PA)/expanded graphite (EG) to prepare a novel composite phase change material(CPCM). Thermal and chemical characterization of the CPCMs were conducted to assess their properties. The results indicated that adding 1 wt% Si3N4 was an optimal strategy, whose leakage rate at 40 °C and phase change starting temperature was lower and higher than that of PA/EG, respectively. Then, the cooling performance of the Si3N4/PA/EG CPCM with 1 wt% Si3N4 (denoted as CPCM1) was compared to PA/EG CPCM (denoted as CPCM0) and air cooling with a acrylic box. CPCM1 had heat dissipation and temperature uniformity property very close to CPCM0, but could obtain lower maximum temperature (Tmax) and better temperature uniformity than the air cooling with a acrylic box. For air cooling with a acrylic box, the Tmax and the maximum temperature difference (ΔTmax) inside the battery at a discharge rate of 2C under 35 °C was 49 °C and 3.78 °C, respectively. However, the Tmax and ΔTmax for CPCM1 cooling was only 40.7 °C and 1.37 °C, respectively, which was reduced by 16.9 % and 63.7 %, respectively. Thus, we could draw a conclusion that the Si3N4/PA/EG CPCM exhibited excellent ability to control maximum temperature and maximum temperature difference for the battery.

Transient Temperature at Tool-Chip Interface during Initial Period of Chip Formation in Orthogonal Cutting of Inconel 718.

Machining nickel-based super alloys such as Inconel 718 generates a high thermal load induced via friction and plastic deformation, causing these alloys to be among most difficult-to-cut materials. Localized heat generation occurring in machining induces high temperature gradients. Experimental techniques for determining cutting tool temperature are challenging due to the small dimensions of the heat source and the chips produced, making it difficult to observe the tool-chip interface. Therefore, theoretical analysis of cutting temperatures is crucial for understanding heat generation and temperature distribution during cutting operations. Periodic heating and cooling occurring during cutting and interruption, respectively, are modeled using a hybrid analytical and finite element (FE) transient thermal model. In addition to identifying a transition distance associated with initial period of chip formation (IPCF) from apparent coefficient of friction results using a sigmoid function, the transition temperature is also identified using the thermal model. The model is validated experimentally by measuring the tool-chip interface temperature using a two-color pyrometer at a specific cutting distance. Due to the cyclic behavior in interrupted cutting, where a steady-state condition may or may not be achieved, transient thermal modeling is required in this case. Input parameters required to identify the heat flux for the transient thermal model are obtained experimentally and the definitions of heat-flux-reducing factors along the cutting path are associated with interruptions and the repeating IPCF. The thermal model consists of two main parts: one is related to identifying the heat flux, and the other part involves the determination of the temperature field within the tool using a partial differential equation (PDE) solved numerically via a 2D finite element method.

A numerical study on multi-nozzle spray cooling of downward-facing heater surface

An experimental study on multi-nozzle spray cooling of a downward-facing heater surface has been carried out in the SPAYCOR facility at KTH, to provide data assessing the feasibility of spray cooling for in-vessel melt retention (IVR) in light water reactors. To help understand the characteristics and influential factors of the liquid film formed on the heater surface in spray, a numerical study on the dynamics of an isothermal liquid film on the heater surface has also been performed by adopting the OpenFOAM platform, and Eulerian and Lagrangian methods for liquid film and droplets, respectively. The present study is an extension of the previous modeling from hydrodynamics to thermal-hydraulics of the spray cooling problem, via adding heat flux of the heater and two convective heat transfer models between the heater wall and the liquid film. Moreover, droplets-film interaction model is modified. The SPAYCOR experiment is simulated by the numerical models, and the simulation results show a good agreement between the numerical and experimental data, in particular when the modified droplets-film interaction model is applied. After the validation of the numerical models against the SPAYCOR experiment, the numerical models are employed to investigate influential factors on heat transfer, such as mass flux, nozzle-to-surface distance, and nozzle matrix layout. The results indicate that heat transfer is enhanced by increasing mass flux and decreasing nozzle-to-surface distance, and the change of nozzle matrix from inline to staggered layout has little impact on heat removal capacity or temperature distribution of the multi-nozzle spray cooling.

Performance evaluation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells adopting rectangular-baffle and tapered flow channels with an equivalent average depth

ABSTRACT Optimizing the flow channel structures can improve the efficiency of proton exchange membrane fuel cells and promote the efficient utilization of clean energy. This study investigates the impacts of rectangular-baffle and tapered flow channels on electrical performance, temperature distribution and mass transfer of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, based on a 3D, multi-physical model. The equivalent average depth is adopted as the reference benchmark to mitigate the influence of channel depth. Results indicate that adopting variable-depth channels enhances convective mass transfer on the porous layer surface under higher voltage. The convective mass transfer of oxygen is dominant in the activation polarization region, while diffusion is dominant in the concentration polarization region. Variable-depth channels enhance heat and mass transfer in comparison to the straight channel. The tapered channel can improve the mass transfer flux in oxygen starvation region, and the drainage ability of the rectangular baffle channel is inferior to the tapered channel. The rectangular baffle channel demonstrates better convective heat transfer performance and temperature uniformity. A rectangular-baffle channel can increase net power by 4.31%, while a tapered channel can achieve a maximum increase of 9.27% when the pumping power is considered. Therefore, incorporating a tapered channel is an optimal strategy to boost cell efficiency.

Comprehensive Review on Technical Developments of Methanol-Fuel-Based Spark Ignition Engines to Improve the Performance, Combustion, and Emissions

Abstract Methanol (CH3OH) is emerging as a viable alternative to fossil-based fuels, addressing the increasing global energy demand while promoting sustainability. The spark ignition (SI) engines are widely used to run the automobile sector. Methanol as a widely available and cheap source of energy can be strongly replaced with expensive and limited fossil-based fuels to power the SI engines. The prime objective of this study is to evaluate the advancements made in improving the fuel blends, performance, combustion, and emission characteristics of methanol-fueled SI engines. The investigation commences by examining the various technical improvements implemented in methanol-fueled SI engines to optimize their overall performance. These developments include advancements in fuel blends, engine design, combustion strategies, fuel injection systems, ignition systems, engine load, etc. The impacts of these developments on the performance parameters including brake thermal efficiency, power output, torque, fuel efficiency, thermal efficiency, etc., combustion parameters including ignition delay, combustion duration, heat release rate, in-cylinder pressure and temperature, etc., emission parameters including hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, formaldehyde, unburned methanol, etc., is reviewed comprehensively. The effectiveness of emission control techniques and the potential for meeting stringent environmental regulations are explored. The review paper then considers the wider implications of methanol-fueled SI engines by examining their technical, environmental, economic, and renewable applications. The technical aspects cover the compatibility of methanol-fueled SI engines with existing infrastructure and the associated challenges and opportunities. The environmental considerations delve into the potential reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the overall sustainability of methanol as a renewable fuel. Finally, the research direction of methanol SI engines is discussed, highlighting the emerging trends and prospects in this field. The review paper concludes with recommendations for further research and development, addressing the key areas that require attention to unlock the full potential of methanol as an efficient and sustainable fuel for SI engines.

Theoretical and experimental investigations on liquid immersion cooling battery packs for electric vehicles based on analysis of battery heat generation characteristics

With the increasingly severe challenges of the thermal management of battery packs for electric vehicles, the liquid immersion cooling technology has gradually attracted more attention due to its superior characteristics such as high heat dissipation efficiency, well temperature uniformity and low risk of thermal runaway. To investigate the heat transfer characteristics of the liquid immersion cooling BTMSs, the 3D model of the 60-cell immersion cooling battery pack was established, and a well-established heat generation model that leveraged parameters derived from theoretical analysis and experiments was incorporated into the 3D simulation to analyze the thermal characteristics of battery pack. The simulation results showed that under the discharging rate of 2C, even with the lowest coolant flow rate in this work (0.2 L/min), no localized abnormal overheating within the battery pack was observed, and the highest temperature was 34.22 °C. The temperature uniformity within the battery pack improved with the increase of the coolant flow rate. It was recommended to maintain a flow rate above 0.5 L/min to ensure a temperature difference below 5 °C. The experimental apparatus of the immersion cooling battery pack was also developed to explore the heat dissipation and temperature uniformity at 2C discharge rate. The simulation results were in well agreement with the experimental results, with the deviation less than 0.43 °C when the flow rate exceeded 0.6 L/min. The effect of the localized high-rate discharge events (4.5C and 6.5C) at different battery pack locations on temperature distribution and uniformity was further discussed based on the verified 3D model. The results suggested that liquid immersion cooling systems offered promising potential for achieving both efficient heat dissipation and preventing thermal runaway in battery packs.

Crosswise heat flux and temperature profiles over downstream surface of gas-fueled pool fires in relatively strong wind

This paper reveals the crosswise profiles of heat flux and temperature over the downstream surface (ground) of a pool fire in relative strong wind, which was not well addressed in the past. Two square gaseous burners (25 cm, 30 cm) are used with propane as the fuel producing different heat release rates to simulate pool fires. The wind speed ranges from 1.5 m/s to 4 m/s (with 0.5 m/s intervals for various cases), concerning relatively strong wind conditions (Fr > 0.87). The crosswise heat flux profile first shows to be nearly stable (fluctuation less than 20 %) in the continuous flame region, then a sharp decrease in the intermittent flame region and finally goes to near zero. The temperature profile shows a similar trend as heat flux. For the near stable region, the flame boundary layer goes into the counter-rotating streamwise vortex pairs to form the streak like flames. And the counter-rotating pair (CVP) on the flame makes the streaks on the sides of the burner to be even larger, as verified by the CFD simulation. The heat flux is different under the streaks and troughs of the flame (higher under trough than in streaks), which interprets the fluctuation in the nearly stable region. Then the sharp decrease happens in the intermittent flame region. The flame half-width is obtained, which sits at about the middle of the sharp decrease region. And finally, for the position further away in the crosswise direction, the profile turns to be nearly zero. The crosswise profiles can be well represented by a Boltzmann function. The obtained experimental results and the proposed functions on the crosswise profiles of heat flux and temperature provide an essential base to estimate the heat feedback to the downstream surface of a wind-driven fire.

Omnidirectional simulation analysis of thermo-mechanical coupling mechanism in inertia friction welding of Ni-based superalloy

The coupling between heat and pressure is the kernel of inertia friction welding (IFW) and is still not fully understood. A novel 3D fully coupled finite element model based on a plastic friction pair was developed to simulate the IFW process of a Ni-based superalloy and reveal the omnidirectional thermo-mechanical coupling mechanism of the friction interface. The numerical model successfully simulated the deceleration, deformation processes, and peak torsional moments in IFW and captured the evolution of temperature, contact pressure, and stress. The simulated results were validated through measured thermal history, optical macrography, and axial shortening. The results indicated that interfacial friction heat was the primary heat source, and plastic deformation energy only accounted for 4% of the total. The increase in initial rotational speed and friction pressure elevated the peak temperature, reaching a maximum of 1525.5 K at an initial rotational speed of 2000 r/min and friction pressure of 400 MPa. The interface heat generation could form an axial temperature gradient exceeding 320 K/mm. The radial inhomogeneities of heat generation and temperature were manifested in a concentric ring distribution with maximum heat flux and temperature ranging from 2/5 to 2/3 radius. The radial inhomogeneities were caused by increasing linear velocity along the radius and an opposite distribution of contact pressure, which could reach 1.7 times the set pressure at the center. The circumferential inhomogeneity of thermo-mechanical distribution during rotary friction welding was revealed for the first time, benefiting from the 3D model. The deflection and transformation of distribution in contact pressure and Mises stress were indicators of plastic deformation and transition of quasi-steady state welding. The critical Mises stress was 0.5 times the friction pressure in this study. The presented modeling provides a reliable insight into the thermo-mechanical coupling mechanism of IFW and lays a solid foundation for predicting the microstructures and mechanical properties of inertia friction welded joints.

Energetic and financial evaluation of a district heating network under varying supply temperatures and booster technologies

Low-temperature district heating (LTDH) enables the use of various renewable energy sources, reduces heat losses and increases the energy efficiency of the distribution network. LTDH is especially applicable in energy-efficient buildings as the supply temperature for space heating can be reduced. However, urban areas consist of energetically refurbished and non-refurbished buildings. In these scenarios a LTDH network with a central heat pump (HP) and decentral booster units, such as a booster HP or electrical heater, can be a solution. This study investigates and compares the energetic performance and levelized cost of heat (LCOH) of eight concepts for refurbished and non-refurbished buildings for a district heating network in the city of Ghent, Belgium. The simulations consider supply temperatures ranging from 10 °C to 75 °C. Results show that the primary energy use is lowest when using booster HPs, for both refurbished buildings (402 MWh/year) and non-refurbished buildings (139.6 MWh/year). The LCOH, however, is lowest when booster units are not necessary as the LCOH is mainly driven by the high investment cost of the network and the booster units. This results in a LCOH of 213 €/MWhth for non-refurbished buildings at a network temperature of 75 °C and 297 €/MWhth for refurbished buildings at 55 °C.

Stickiness: A New Variable to Characterize the Temperature and Humidity Contributions toward Humid Heat

Abstract Extreme wet-bulb temperatures (Tw) are often used as indicators of heat stress. However, humid heat extremes are fundamentally compound events, and a given Tw can be generated by various combinations of temperature and humidity. Differentiating between extreme humid heat driven by temperature versus humidity is essential to identifying these extremes’ physical drivers and preparing for their distinct impacts. Here we explore the variety of combinations of temperature and humidity contributing to humid heat experienced across the globe. In addition to using traditional metrics, we derive a novel thermodynamic state variable named “stickiness.” Analogous to the oceanographic variable “spice” (which quantifies the relative contributions of temperature and salinity to a given water density), stickiness quantifies the relative contributions of temperature and specific humidity to a given Tw. Consistent across metrics, we find that high magnitudes of Tw tend to occur in the presence of anomalously high moisture, with temperature anomalies of secondary importance. This widespread humidity dependence is consistent with the nonlinear relationship between temperature and specific humidity as prescribed by the Clausius–Clapeyron relationship. Nonetheless, there is a range of stickiness observed at moderate-to-high Tw thresholds. Stickiness allows a more objective evaluation of spatial and temporal variability in the temperature versus humidity dependence of humid heat than traditional variables. In regions with high temporal variability in stickiness, predictive skill for humid heat-related impacts may improve by considering fluctuations in atmospheric humidity in addition to dry-bulb temperature. Significance Statement Extreme humid heat increases the risk of heat stress through its influence over humans’ ability to cool down by sweating. Understanding whether humid heat extremes are generated more due to elevated temperature or humidity is important for identifying factors that may increase local risk, preparing for associated impacts, and developing targeted adaptation measures. Here we explore combinations of temperature and humidity across the globe using traditional metrics and by deriving a new variable called “stickiness.” We find that extreme humid heat at dangerous thresholds occurs primarily due to elevated humidity, but that stickiness allows for thorough analysis of the drivers of humid heat at lower thresholds, including identification of regions prone to low- or high-stickiness extremes.

Towards a digital twin framework in additive manufacturing: Machine learning and bayesian optimization for time series process optimization

Laser directed-energy deposition (DED) offers notable advantages in additive manufacturing (AM) for producing intricate geometries and facilitating material functional grading. However, inherent challenges such as material property inconsistencies and part variability persist, predominantly due to its layer-wise fabrication approach. Critical to these challenges is heat accumulation during DED, influencing the resultant material microstructure and properties. Although closed-loop control methods for managing heat accumulation and temperature regulation are prevalent in DED literature, few approaches integrate real-time monitoring, physics-based modeling, and control simultaneously in a cohesive framework. To address this, we present a digital twin (DT) framework for real-time model predictive control of process parameters of the DED for achieving a specific process design objective. To enable its implementation, we detail the development of a surrogate model utilizing Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)-based machine learning which uses Bayesian Inference to predict temperatures across various spatial locations of the DED-built part. This model offers real-time predictions of future temperature states. In addition, we introduce a Bayesian Optimization (BO) method for Time Series Process Optimization (BOTSPO). Its foundational principles align with traditional BO, and its novelty lies in our unique time series process profile generator with a reduced dimensional representation. BOTSPO is used for dynamic process optimization in which we deploy BOTSPO to determine the optimal laser power profile, aiming to achieve desired mechanical properties in a DED build. The identified profile establishes a process trajectory that online process optimizations aim to match or exceed in performance. This paper elucidates components of the digital twin framework, advocating its prospective consolidation into a comprehensive digital twin system for AM.

Chemical crosslinking porous polymers prepared by thiol-ene click reaction with two-sided MXene layers for highly efficient infrared stealth

As the capabilities of infrared detection advance, materials with a single working modes are no longer sufficient for the effect. Designing a multi-module cooperative infrared stealth composite material has become particularly important. However, materials with multiple working modules face challenges such as long procession and difficulty in integration. Therefore, we employed thiol-ene click reaction to prepare porous polymers as thermal insulation substrates, incorporated phase change microcapsules for heat absorption and temperature delay, and loaded two MXene layers at the top and bottom are low emissivity for infrared stealth and radiative heating, respectively. This sandwich-structured composite material exhibits a minimum infrared emissivity of 0.289 (3–5 μm) and 0.212 (8–14 μm), showing excellent camouflage capability for infrared thermal signals under an infrared camera, generating a temperature difference of about 61 °C with the hot target at 100 °C. Additionally, the bottom MXene layer used for radiative heating can raise the temperature of artificial skin by 2.5 °C. Furthermore, the as-prepared M28PP0.36M6 also demonstrates superior mechanical properties (300 kPa, 50 %). We believe that, due to the synergistic effects of temperature control and low emissivity, combined with advantages of facile preparation, it will become a promising candidate in the field of infrared stealth.

Subgrid moving contact line model for direct numerical simulations of bubble dynamics in pool boiling of pure fluids

This contact line vicinity model is conceived as a subgrid model for the DNS of bubble growth in boiling. The model is based on the hydrodynamic multiscale theory and is suitable for the partial wetting case. On the smallest length scale (distance from the contact line) ∼ 100 nm, the interface slope is controlled by the Voinov angle. It is the static apparent contact angle (ACA) that forms due to evaporation, similarly to previous models neglecting the contact line motion. The calculation of the Voinov angle is performed with the generalized lubrication approximation and includes several nanoscale effects like those of Kelvin and Marangoni, vapor recoil, hydrodynamic slip length and interfacial kinetic resistance. It provides the finite values of the heat flux, pressure and temperature at the contact line. The dynamic ACA is obtained with the Cox-Voinov formula. The microscopic length of the Cox-Voinov formula (Voinov length) is controlled mainly by the hydrodynamic slip. The integral heat flux passing through the contact line vicinity is almost independent of the nanoscale phenomena, with the exception of the interfacial kinetic resistance and is mostly defined by the dynamic ACA. Both the dynamic ACA and the integral heat flux are the main output parameters of the subgrid model, while the local superheating and the microscopic contact angle are the main input parameters. The model is suitable for the grid sizes > 1 µm.

Thermal Engineering of the Cryogenic Beam Position Monitors for the EIC Hadron Storage Ring

The Electron Ion Collider (EIC) Hadron Storage Ring (HSR) will reuse most of the existing superconducting magnets from the RHIC storage ring. However, the existing stripline beam position monitors (BPM) used for RHIC will not be compatible with the planned EIC hadron beam parameters that include higher intensity, shorter bunches, and some operational scenarios with large radial offsets of the beam in the vacuum chamber. To address these challenges, the existing RHIC stripline BPMs will be decommissioned, and a new BPM design using button pick-ups integrated in a new vacuum interconnect/bellows assembly will be installed adjacent to the decommissioned BPMs.A dedicated analysis of the new BPM housing and button pick-up design has been conducted to assess the thermal effects caused by heat conduction, beam induced resistive wall heating and the RF heating from the BPM signal propagation through the cryogenic cables. This paper reports on the thermal design and analysis results to quantify the heat transfer and temperature distribution that can be expected on the new HSR cryogenic BPM.

Improvement strategy evaluation from coupled energy-flow perspective on the GaSb thermophotovoltaic cell

Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) emerges as a novel high-efficiency generation technology, showcasing enormous potential in various sustainable energy solutions. Aiming to understand the complex conversion process between radiative, electrical and thermal energies within TPVs, a multi-physics coupled model is established. From the heat generation, temperature and carrier perspectives, the output performance is analyzed in detail. Under 1200 K black-body radiation, the energy loss distribution in the GaSb cell is analyzed meticulously, where Joule heat (40.4 %), surface recombination heat (23.1 %) and thermalization heat (20.8 %) play predominant roles. As it stands, the cell temperature rises to a maximum of 317.0 K with a cooling intensity of 300 W/(m2·K). The minimum of the average cell temperature (approximately 312.3 K) occurs at the optimized working voltage of 0.3 V. Subsequently, the electrical characteristics are illustrated. The results indicate a maximum output power underestimation of 4.6 % compared to the uncoupled isothermal case. Based on the coupled model, a quantitative analysis of the anti-reflection coating (ARC), the structural adjustment (SA) and the selective emitter (SE) is conducted. The results reveal that the ARC case exhibits the most enhancement in the output power (55.3 %) followed by the SA case, which effectively improves it by 12.2 %. Although the SE case partially decreases the output power (−9.8 %), it shows promise in promoting conversion efficiency. Integrating the above strategies, the TPV system achieves an impressive conversion efficiency of 29.38 %, representing a 76.46 % improvement compared to the prototype with the cell only.

Startup characteristics of the large length–diameter ratio high-temperature heat pipe

Large length–diameter ratio high-temperature sodium heat pipes (HTSHPs) are uniquely structured heat-transfer devices with significant application potential in high-temperature solar thermal power and small-scale nuclear systems. This study tested HTSHPs' startup characteristics examining various parameters. Results indicate that the transition temperature for flow transition is 564 K, and the continuous flow transition temperature is 722 K. Heat pipes at 15 % fill ratio are adaptable across various inclination angles, whereas those at 25 % and 35 % fill ratios show optimal startup at smaller angles (15°, 30°), with decreasing startup time as angle increases, notably significant at 45°.The start-up time refers to the duration from the initiation of heating to the point when all the normal operational temperature points of the HTSHP reach the continuous flow transition temperature during the condensation section. During the experiments, heat pipes with a large length–diameter ratio exhibit heat transfer instability, temperature oscillation and local overheating. Reducing the fill ratio and inclination angle effectively reduces the probability of temperature oscillation and local overheating. This study proposes a novel method for optimizing temperature oscillations in heat pipe design, offering pioneering insights and experimental data crucial for specialized high-temperature heat pipe research.