Increase In Heat Transfer Rate Research Articles

Improving heat transfer in an air-cooled engine by redesigning the fins

Heat transfer modelling and simulation were carried out in a single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled engine to evaluate the heat transfer rate of the engine block. The modelling studies of cylinders with different numbers of fins and different geometry were performed using the SolidWorks computer platform. The tested components were made of 6063-T6 aluminium alloy castings. The simulation concerned different numbers of fins as well as changing the geometry of fins with circular and rectangular perforations. The results of the studies showed the possibility of improving the power to mass ratio for cylinder efficiency and heat transfer rate. It was shown that a large number of fins leads to an increased heat transfer rate, but it affects the overall engine efficiency due to the increase in the total engine mass. Circular perforation is a better design solution than rectangular perforated fins with the same cross-section. Circular perforation provides a lower engine cylinder mass and gives more than 4 % better heat transfer rate. The perforation size was tested using circular perforations with a diameter of 7.14 mm, 8.5 mm and 10 mm. With a 7.14 mm diameter perforation the heat transfer rate increases slightly compared to the other tested ones, while a 10 mm diameter perforation provides the best mass reduction.

Analysis of heat transfer coefficient in radiator cooling system using TiO2/CuO hybrid fluid

The automotive industry is growing, encouraging more efficient car cooling systems, especially radiators. Innovations are constantly being made to improve the performance of radiators. Choosing the correct fluid is one of the ways to increase heat transfer. This study aimed to compare the performance of coolant OBC and TiO2/CuO hybrid fluid mixed with coolant OBC to investigate the increase in heat transfer in the car's radiator. The first step is to make TiO2/CuO hybrid fluid with a two-step method, with volume fraction variations of 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0%, and observe stability for 30 days. Viscosity and thermal conductivity tests are used to assess the thermophysical properties of the sample. Hybrid fluid samples of TiO2 / CuO with a volume fraction of 5.0% showed the best stability and thermal conductivity, then were added to the coolant brand OBC (1:4). The results showed an increase in heat transfer rate of 23% and a heat transfer coefficient of 20% in the TiO2/CuO hybrid fluid added to the coolant OBC

Advanced heat transfer analysis using RSM-BBD for MHD hybrid nanofluid flow over a nonuniform stretching sheet with viscous dissipation

The recent studies focus on optimizing conditions to maximize the heat transfer rate while minimizing energy consumption, a key goal for various industries in both production processes and Automotive industry efficiency. Hybrid nanofluids play a crucial role in improving heat transfer phenomena. This study examines the enhanced heat transfer properties of a water-based hybrid nanofluid containing Al2O3 and SiO2 nanoparticles as it flows through a nonlinear stretching sheet in a porous medium. The convective flow is further influenced by a magnetic field and thermal radiation, adding complexity to the flow dynamics. To simplify the analysis, dimensional physical quantities are converted to non-dimensional parameters using appropriate similarity rules. These transformed equations are then numerically solved using the bvp4c function in MATLAB. To achieve optimal heat transfer rates, a robust statistical method known as response surface methodology (RSM) is employed, and validation is performed through an analysis of variance. Graphical representation is used to examine parametric behaviour, and a brief physical description is provided. Key findings include: the hybrid nanofluid shows a 10.61% increase in heat transfer rate compared to the base fluid at R = 0.2; the drag force coefficient for the Al2O3/H2O nanofluid is reduced by 13.98% compared to other hybrid nanofluids; and an increase in the nonlinear stretching sheet parameter improves velocity distribution while reducing temperature distribution. This study can be used in automotive transmission systems to enhance heat dissipation and lubrication, improving the efficiency and durability of the transmission.

Graphene Coating and its Effect on Performance of Box Type Solar Cooker: An Experimental Investigation

Background: Solar cookers have been the subject of several theoretical and empirical investigations, with numerous modifications attempted to increase efficiency and security. Solar cookers need much sophisticated research and enhancement work to function better. A thorough grasp of the application of graphene in box-type solar cooking systems is crucial for both solar energy and graphene. Objective: To improve the performance of box-type solar cookers, this patent research aims to offer an experimental investigation and insightful information on of applying graphene coating to the absorber plate and its derivative. Materials and Methods: To ensure equal dispersion of graphene into the black paint, three samples containing (1, 3, and 5wt%) of graphene embedded with the paint were produced with 1mm, 3mm, and 5mm thickness of the coating and stirred at 400 rpm for two hours using a magnetic stirrer. Xray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy have been studied to comprehend the influence of graphene nanoparticles on the surface morphology of the coated absorber panel. Performance evaluations of the box-type solar cookers were conducted with and without a graphene coating on the absorber plate, and data has been recorded for each case. Results: The results of patent research show that the absorber plate with (1, 3, and 5wt.%) of graphene embedded with black paint 1mm, 3mm, and 5mm thickness coating has a maximum thermal efficiency of 41.48% with 97.08 W cooking power, 46% with 109.35 W cooking power, and 49% with 114.77 W cooking power for the average solar irradiation is 978 W/m2. Discussion: It was determined that the cooking power (P), the first figure of merit (F1), and the second figure of merit (F2) were all satisfactorily achieved. Embedding black paint into graphene coating has been shown to significantly influence the heat transmission and thermal performance enhancement of box-type solar cookers, as demonstrated by the findings of X-ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis. Conclusion: The current research makes it abundantly evident that the incorporation of graphene into the absorber plate of a box-type solar cooker, together with the application of a black paint coating, leads to increased heat transfer rates, which in turn provides an increase in cooking power. Because of this, graphene is an attractive nanomaterial that has the potential to improve the performance of box-type solar cookers, which is the novelty of this research work.

Non-similar approach for enhanced heat and mass transfer in nanofluid using Keller box algorithm

The nanofluids provide various benefits over pure fluids in heat and mass transport applications; hence, their research is crucial. For instance, they can increase heat transfer rate by enhancing the fluid’s thermal conductivity and may enhance mass transfer rate by changing the surface characteristics. Furthermore, nanofluids are being demonstrated to effectively diminish pressure drops in exchangers for heat, which can lower energy consumption and operating expenses. In the existing literature, the majority of the theoretical studies considered self-similar flows. However, there are certain actual flow situations that do not allow for a self-similar solution. The current study considers such of those situations where the non-similarity of the transport phenomena is unavoidable. The non-similarity of the present problem is caused by the consideration of thermophoretic diffusion or the contribution of viscous dissipation when the wall temperature follows a power-law form. For a pure fluid, the same problem admits a self-similar solution in the absence of viscous dissipation effects. In this problem, the non-similarity is caused by the nature of the thermal transport process and not because of the momentum transport. Therefore, the consideration of viscous dissipation in the boundary layer of nanofluid is an interesting aspect to explore the behavior of thermal and mass transport phenomena. Moreover, the current analysis intends to investigate the transport enhancement in a non-similar flow of a nanofluid by utilizing the Buongiorno model. In the current nonsimilar modeling, possibilities for the existence of a self-similar solution are also highlighted. An implicit finite-difference numerical scheme, the Keller-Box method, is utilized. The problem involves several physical parameters of interest, such as the Eckert number, Lewis number, Brownian motion parameter, and thermophoresis parameter, whose potential impact on the non-similar nature of the problem and on thermal enhancement is analyzed and quantified.

Exploring Natural Convection and Entropy Generation in a Closed Water Tank Utilizing Nanofluid: a Computational Study

Theoretical framework: This study presents a comprehensive investigation into three-dimensional natural convection within a confined cavity filled with an alumina-water nanofluid. Objective: Utilizing numerical simulations, we explore the influence of nanoparticles' volume fraction and Rayleigh number () on entropy generation, heat transfer efficiency, and fluid behavior within the water tank. Method: The study delves into the conservation equations governing mass, momentum, and energy within the context of three-dimensional laminar natural convection. It focuses on steady, incompressible flow, employing the Boussinesq approximation to account for variations in fluid density due to temperature gradients. Results and conclusion: Our findings indicate that increasing Rayleigh numbers lead to heightened entropy generation, with values ranging from to, primarily driven by intensified buoyant flow. However, the presence of nanoparticles significantly mitigates entropy generation, enhancing the overall thermal performance of the system. Moreover, nanofluids demonstrate superior heat transfer capabilities compared to pure fluids, with higher nanoparticle concentrations resulting in increased heat transfer rates, ranging from to alumina. Research implications: As a result of such thorough research, qualitative examinations of velocity fields and entropy generation patterns further highlight the role of nanofluids in improving heat transfer efficiency while reducing irreversible processes within the cavity.

A Multi-Sized Unit Cell Method for the Design of LPBF Lattice Support Structures Concerning Complex Geometries

Abstract Composed of individual unit cells strategically arranged to achieve a desired function, lattices are a promising solution for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) support structure design in additive manufacturing. Despite their many advantages (e.g., multifunctionality and reduced material cost), prior work in lattice support structure design primarily focuses on horizontal support domains that are not translatable to support domains for complex geometries, thereby limiting their application. This work introduces a multi-sized unit cell design optimization (MSO) method to create lattice support structures (LSS) for parts with complex geometries. The proposed method utilizes voxelization to generate LSS using box-like unit cells of different sizes. It also allows for efficient, high-dimensional design optimization for the types and locations of user-specified unit cells through a modified simulated annealing-based optimization algorithm. The effectiveness and efficiency of the MSO method are demonstrated through the case study of an adapter pipe for a high-temperature heat exchanger. For this demonstration, LSS using multi-sized unit cells are designed to increase heat transfer rate while satisfying structural integrity and material cost constraints. The case study results indicate that the design of the LSS derived from the MSO method fulfills all constraints, including the design constraint of 50% material cost reduction, compared to the solid support structure. In contrast, the lattice support structure designs derived from equal-sized unit cell methods either cannot satisfy all design constraints or have a lower heat transfer rate than the design of the MSO method.

Electro-magnetohydrodynamic (EMHD) Darcy–Forchheimer flow of Sutterby nanofluid with variable thermal conductivity over a stretching sheet: Finite difference approach

This paper examines the enactment of a two-dimensional, steady, non-Newtonian nanofluid flow over a stretching sheet. The utilization of magnetic influences acting in the direction normal to the Darcy–Forchheimer boundary layer flow of the Sutterby nanofluid with variable thermal conductivity is taken into consideration. This study takes into account the effects of thermophoresis and Brownian motion. The study found that a 15% increase in magnetic field strength resulted in a 10% increase in heat transfer rate. Similarly, a 20% increase in nanoparticle volume percentage causes a 12% increase in the convective heat transfer coefficient. The problem’s model is formulated in the form of partial differential equations (PDEs), transformed via similarity transformation into nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Applying the finite difference method yields the solution to reduced equations. EMHD Darcy–Forchheimer flow and nanofluid dynamics are combined in cutting-edge technology. This is important for many industrial and technical applications. Moreover, providing a strong computational framework provides a precise simulation of the flow behavior. By providing insights into the intricate interactions between electromagnetic forces, porous medium effects, and variable thermal conductivity in nanofluids flow across a stretched sheet, this study makes an essential contribution to the science of fluid dynamics. This research is very significant and enlightening for researchers and professionals who are interested in the design and optimization of heat transfer systems. The fluid flow is examined thoroughly and graphically, and the relationship between the profiles of velocity, temperature, and concentration and other important physical limitations is investigated. The effect of various physical parameters on concentration, velocity, temperature, skin friction, Nusselt number and heat flow coefficient is verified and examined using graphs and tables.

Experimental analysis of W/EG based Al2O3-MWCNT non-Newtonian hybrid nanofluid by employing helical tape inserts inside a corrugated tube

Experimental analyses have been undertaken on friction factors and convective heat transfer using a helically corrugated tube (HCT) equipped with inserts, under laminar flow conditions. Water-ethylene glycol mixture with Al2O3-MWCNT hybrid nanofluids has been employed. The investigation focused on examining the synergistic effects of hybrid nanofluids, triangularly helical tape (THT) inserts and helical corrugation within the tubes on the friction factor, Nusselt number, and thermal performance factor (TPF). The fluid displayed non-Newtonian behaviour at volume fractions greater than 0.1 %. The study indicated that augmenting the concentration of Al2O3-MWCNT in the hybrid nanofluid and decreasing the helix ratio of the THT inserts led to increased heat transfer rates and TPF. The peak TPF of 2.31 was recorded when using the W/EG based Al2O3-MWCNT hybrid nanofluid with a 1 % volume fraction in an HCT equipped with THT inserts with a helix ratio of 2 at a Reynolds number of 2000. Moreover, Al2O3-MWCNT exhibits an average Nusselt number of 42.5 %, 49.47 %, and 56.2 % higher than the base fluid at φ = 0.1 %, 0.5 %, and 1 %, respectively.

Flow and heat transfer of non-miscible micropolar and Newtonian fluid in porous channel sandwiched between parallel plates

An analytical approach has been considered to inspect the flow and heat transfer of immiscible Newtonian and micropolar fluid in a porous medium. This study aims to elucidate the Darcy effect on the model in which isotropic porous regions with different permeability are used. The model of the current problem explains that the flow region is divided into two regions: Newtonian fluid flows in the upper layer, and micropolar fluid flows in the lower layer. Different constant temperatures imposed at boundary walls, heat transfer does not affect the pressure gradient. The governing equations are solved analytically by applying a linear differential equation (LDE). The effect of associated physical parameters such as material parameter, Darcy number, Eckert number, Prandtl number, and viscosity ratio on velocity, micro-rotation, heat transfer, flow rate, heat transfer rate, wall shear stress, and Nusselt number have been inspected. The most significant finding of this research work is that increasing the Darcy number signifies enhanced permeability, resulting in a higher flow rate. The heat transfer rate at the top occurs maximum when the material parameter’s range is minimum while raising the viscosity ratio leads to an increasing heat transfer rate at the bottom. Enhancement in material parameter influences Nusselt number and decreases in nature. The findings of our study are verified with the previously established results. The present work has a setup that is useful in petroleum extraction, transport problems in reservoir rock of an oil field, improving nutrient transport and thermal regulation in tissue engineering, and designing more efficient drug delivery systems and biomedical devices.

Comparative analysis of varied thermal conductivity and viscosity models in a hybrid nanofluid flow - a non-similar solution

ABSTRACT We aim to investigate the flow of an ethylene glycol-based hybrid nanofluid over a horizontal surface with a free stream velocity. To assess the viscosity and thermal conductivity of nanoparticles with various shapes, we employed the Brinkman, Timofeeva, and Yamada Ota unit cell models. The study explores heat transfer in the flow system considering the effects of viscous and ohmic dissipations, linear radiative heat flux, and heat generation under convective boundary conditions. A non-similar system is developed using appropriate non-similarity transformations up to the third-level truncation and numerically solved using the bvp4c algorithm. The novelty of the proposed model lies in obtaining the non-similar solution and incorporating the Brinkman, Timofeeva, and Yamada Ota unit cell models. The results indicated that the Brinkman viscosity model resulted in an increase in the wall heat transfer rate with a rise in particle volume fraction. It is also inferred that platelet-shaped nanoparticles exhibit a significantly higher heat transfer rate compared to spherical-shaped nanoparticles.

Entropy optimization in ternary hybrid nanofluid flow over a convectively heated bidirectional stretching sheet with Lorentz forces and viscous dissipation: A Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model

Bidirectional stretching sheet models can represent surfaces in heat exchangers where fluids flow under continuous deformation. Ternary hybrid nanofluids could be employed in these systems to increase heat transfer rates between fluids in heat exchangers and improve the efficiency of energy conversion processes. In this work, we explore the novel application of a ternary hybrid nanofluid (water with titanium dioxide, cobalt ferrite, and magnesium oxide nanoparticles) for enhanced heat transfer in heat exchangers modeled by a bidirectional stretching sheet. This approach offers a potential advancement over traditional nanofluids (with one or two nanoparticles). Furthermore, we present a comprehensive analysis that incorporates ohmic heating, Cattaneo–Christov heat flux, thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, and irreversibility. The governing equations are transformed into a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations using appropriate similarity transformations and then solved using the bvp4c solver, a MATLAB built-in function. This study's findings reveal that the Eckert number and radiation parameter increase fluid temperature, while the thermal relaxation parameter leads to a reduction in the temperature of the fluid. It is detected that an increase in magnetic field parameter and volume fraction of [Formula: see text] results in a decline of the skin friction factors in both directions. It is revealed that there is a reduction in the Nusselt number with the rise in Eckert number ([Formula: see text]), and the same number declines at a rate of 0.8252 when [Formula: see text]. It is noticed that the skin friction coefficient declines at a rate of 0.62179204 (in case of x-direction) and 0.621791816 (in case of y-direction), respectively, when the values of magnetic field parameter lie between 0 and 3.5. Furthermore, it is noticed that an upsurge in thermal relaxation parameter results in a fall in the temperature of the fluid.

MHD-driven thermal dynamics of bionanofluid flow on stretching porous media and the critical impact of multiple slip effects

Incorporating slip conditions into computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and experiments helps engineers predict and improve the effectiveness of superhydrophobic surfaces in reducing drag. This optimization approach leads to significant enhancements in fuel efficiency and performance across a range of fluid-flow systems, including marine vessels and aircraft. This study models the phenomena of velocity and temperature slip, coupled with MHD, within the context of nanofluid flow undergoing bioconvection over a stretching sheet. Subsequently, the study seeks to analyze the resulting effects on heat and mass kinematics. The bvp4c solver effectively calculates analytical solutions for the reduced problem obtained through similarity transformation from the underlying partial differential equations. Velocity and temperature slip both impact temperature, with velocity slip increasing heat transfer rates and temperature slip decreasing them. The thermal radiation parameter enhances nanoparticle concentration, although it’s offset by an increased Lewis number. Brownian motion amplifies mass transfer, but the thermal radiation parameter hampers it. The escalation in the microorganism density profile correlates with the increase in both the Bioconvection Lewis number and the Peclet number. Likewise, as thermophoresis parameters and the bioconvection constant increase, the microorganism density along the profile also rises.

Effect of using a ZnO-TiO2/water hybrid nanofluid on heat transfer performance and pressure drop in a flat tube with louvered finned heat exchanger

This study used an experimental setup consisting of a flat tube with a louvered finned crossflow configuration to examine the effects of utilizing a ZnO-TiO2-water hybrid nanofluid on heat transfer rate, heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt number, and pressure drop. The studies were carried out under laminar flow conditions (200 < Re < 800), at four different temperatures (50, 60, 70, 80 °C), four different volume concentrations of nanoparticles (0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2%), and three different volume flow rates (4, 6, 8 LPM). The findings were compared with pure water (0%). The results indicate that using hybrid nanofluid improves the heat transfer performance and increases pressure loss in comparison with pure water. When comparing hybrid nanofluid to pure water, the largest increases in heat transfer rate, heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt number, and pressure drop were 87.8%, 21.7%, 26.4%, and 10%, respectively. In addition, it was found that, up to a specific value (0.05%), increasing the nanoparticle volume concentration enhanced the heat transfer rate, heat transfer coefficient and Nusselt number, but which began to decrease on increasing the concentration past this value. Therefore, it was concluded that nanoparticle volume concentrations greater than 0.05% negatively affect heat transfer under the current operating conditions. The maximum heat transfer rate, heat transfer coefficient, and Nusselt number were obtained under the conditions of an 8 LPM volume flow rate, 80 °C inlet temperature, and 0.05% volume concentration.

Enhancing thermal performance: Utilizing carbon nanoparticles from tobacco waste butts in evacuated tube collectors

Sustainable Energy device's efficiency enhancement by utilizing the waste of tobacco is focused on this research. The carbon nanoparticles derived from the waste of tobacco through a novel approach. The produced Carbon nanoparticles were used to improve the efficiency of sustainable solar collectors in the form of nanofluid. When it comes to improving thermal performance, using nanofluids in evacuated tube collectors (ETSC) is the best option because of the improved thermo-physical characteristics of the working fluid. In this investigation, Syltherm oil was preferred for base fluid to prepare nanofluids with the concentrations of Carbon nanoparticles 0.05 vol%, 0.1 vol%, and 0.2 vol%. Additionally, a spiral coil heat exchanger was introduced to facilitate heat transfer between the nanofluid and water for heating applications. Results indicate that Syltherm/0.2 % carbon nanofluid exhibits higher thermal performance compared to neat Syltherm oil and other nanofluids. Notably, Syltherm/0.2 % carbon nanofluid demonstrated an average peak heat acquisition of 769.1 W and the lowest heat loss of 156.7 W. Furthermore, the thermal and exergy efficiencies are measured at 68.2 % and 42.5 %, respectively. These findings suggested that higher concentrations of carbon nanoparticles lead to increased heat transfer rate and improved efficiency compared to low-concentrated Nanofluids in the ETSC system.

Impact of variation in gap spacing and orientation of split baffles on thermodynamics optimization in naturally convective flow in corrugated enclosure

The fundamental aim of this research work is to examine the effect of heated split baffles and the influence of different corrugation frequencies on steady-state natural convection within a sinusoidal corrugated square cavity. The configuration of the present model maintains a constant temperature of T c for the horizontal wavy boundaries and vertical walls while the inner split baffles are heated at a constant temperature of T h . The finite element method is applied to the discretized equations representing the fluid behavior within the enclosure, with the aim to investigate the inclination angles, variation of space between the baffles, corrugation frequencies, and the impact of Rayleigh number on the fluid motion and heat transfer. The variation in velocity and temperature profile is illustrated through the streamlines and isotherm contours. Moreover, the numerical results are carried out in terms of local and average Nusselt numbers of the heat transfer, which are analyzed for inside space of baffles and line dip-angles of the baffle ( θ = 0 ° , 45 ° , 90 ° ) , and ( φ = 0 ° , 30 ° , 60 ° , 90 ° ) . The key findings indicate that increasing the space l s between the baffles enhanced the convective heat transfer by 8.5 % , moreover, elevating the baffle angle to right angle ( θ = 90 ° ) amplify the heat transfer rate increase by 19.17 % . The augmentation in corrugation frequency leads 7.15 % reduction in heat transfer efficiency. The comparison of the present numerical simulations revealing a satisfactory and reliable match with the literature precedents.

A statistical model on heat transportation of hybrid magnetic nanoparticles with slip constraints on a heated shrinking sensor device using analysis of variance: Sensitivity analysis

A statistical model finds application across various engineering and scientific contexts, aiding in the analysis and enhancement of heat transfer processes. Its utility extends to supporting scientists and engineers in gaining deeper insights into the impact of diverse factors on heat transfer and optimizing procedures for enhanced efficiency. Notably, the heat transfer efficiency of hybrid nanofluids containing ferromagnetic nanoparticles outperforms that of conventional fluids. In this study, a statistical model is utilized to predict the increased heat transfer rate in a heated shrinking sensor employing hybrid magnetic nanoparticles with slip restrictions. Incorporating radiative heat flux and heat source/sink components contributes novelty to the study. The model is converted into a non-dimensional form using appropriate similarity rules, and the resulting problem is solved computationally using bvp5c, a built-in function in MATLAB. Using advanced mathematical modeling and simulations, this research evaluates system performance in various scenarios and identifies optimal conditions for maximizing heat transfer rates. The study's main outcomes are; that including the thermal radiation and Prandtl number enhances the heat transfer rate, whereas the heat source decreases it. Further, the increased modified Hartmann number and suction parameter raise the shear rate coefficient.

Numerical Study of Natural Convective Flow of a Nanofluid Over Rotating Truncated Cone with Convective Heating

In this paper, we consider the natural convection flow of a nanofluid simultaneously heat and mass transfer over a truncated rotating porous cone with convective boundary condition. Buongiorno’s model is used to describe the present nanofluid flow problem which is represented by Brownian motion and thermophoresis effects. Governing set of nonlinear boundary layer equations for the nanofluid over a rotating truncated cone is converted into a set of non-similar forms through non-similarity transformations. The obtained reduced nonlinear PDE system is linearized locally and solved via an accurate Chebyshev Spectral Collocation Method. The accuracy of the obtained numerical solutions is tested against existing results in the literature for specific cases and demonstrates good agreement. In addition, the impacts of active parameters such as the rotational parameter (0 ≤ χ ≤ 3), Biot number (0.1 ≤ Bi ≤ 1), and suction/injection parameter (−0.5 ≤ fw ≤ 0.5) on velocities, temperature, and nanoparticle volume fraction profiles along with heat and mass transfer rates are examined. It is found that the local surface drag and heat transfer rate increase, and the nanoparticle mass transfer rate decreases, with the increase in both the spinning parameter and Biot number.

Optimal design on fin-metal foam hybrid structure for melting and solidification phase change storage: An experimental and numerical study

A fin-metal foam composite structure is employed in the phase change energy storage coupled Organic Rankine Cycle system to enhance thermal performance. The 3-D numerical model is validated through an experimental system to analyze the impact of metal foam parameters and fluctuating heat source parameters (amplitude and half-period) on the system's storage-release process during heat source fluctuation. According to the Taguchi method, metal foam porosity significantly influences the total storage-release time. An increase in porosity leads to a continuous increase in the total storage-release time, while an increase in PPI and a decrease in heat source amplitude initially increase and then decrease the total storage-release time. Under constant metal foam PPI (10) and porosity (0.97), Case T (half period = 60 and amplitude = 1.0) demonstrates a 2.04 % increase in average heat transfer rate and a 1.78 % reduction in total storage-release time compared to Case 0 (constant heat source). The average heat release rate sees a 4.23 % increase, while total heat storage and heat release rise by 0.96 % and 1.87 %. The research has specific technical significance for the photothermal application of phase change energy storage technology to the variability and unpredictability of solar energy.

Influence of porosity properties on natural convection heat transfer in porous square cavity

A numerical investigation was conducted to examine free convection heat transfer within a square cavity containing a fluid-saturated porous layer at the bottom under laminar flow conditions. The enclosure's left and right walls experienced heating and cooling, while the top and bottom walls remained adiabatic. The study explored the influence of the Darcy number, porosity number, and dimensionless thickness of the porous layer on heat transmission. This investigation utilized a FORTRAN computation program alongside the finite volume method, effectively solving the equations governing flow and heat exchange within porous materials through natural convection. The flow pattern is determined by the Navier–Stokes equations in the fluid region and the Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer formula in the porous region. The energy equation was employed to compute the thermal field. The increase in the Darcy number results in both an increase in heat transfer rate due to enhanced fluid flow through pores and an intensification of fluid flow patterns. Higher porosity leads to higher heat transfer rates due to greater fluid penetration and an increased surface area for heat exchange. The thicker porous layer reduces heat transfer rate due to increased resistance to fluid flow and decreased contact area.