Inlet Parameters Research Articles

Combustion performance of an evaporative flameholder under subsonic-supersonic mixing inflow

The combustion process in rocket-assisted subsonic ramjet engines represents a key advancement in integrated aerospace propulsion, particularly for embedded rocket-based systems. These engines offer the potential to improve combustion performance at altitudes of 25–35 km. However, the significant temperature and velocity differentials between the rocket jet and the subsonic ramjet flow restrict heat and mass transfer. Investigating the relationship between combustion performance and inlet parameters under subsonic-supersonic mixing conditions offers a promising approach to enhancing thrust performance. This study introduces subsonic and supersonic airflow mixing via a flat-plate shear layer in a rectangular channel, with an evaporative flameholder placed centrally to assess combustion. Results reveal that combustion efficiency decreases as the equivalence ratio exceeds 0.2, while the static temperature ratio has minimal impact on efficiency but strongly influences the maximum flame stabilization limit. As the temperature ratio increases from 1.30 to 1.80, the flame limit narrows from 1.656 to 0.237. Higher pressure ratios initially enhance combustion efficiency and flame coverage but eventually cause a decrease. The flame limit broadens from 0.900 to 1.626 as the pressure ratio increases from 1.12 to 1.50. While Mach number changes have little effect on efficiency, the flame limit exhibits an initial rise followed by a drop. Novel findings include an asymmetrical flame pattern and a “Z” shaped outlet temperature distribution, contributing to optimized combustion strategies for combined-cycle engines.

Numerical Analysis of Optimising Liquid Desiccant Dehumidification for Sustainable Building Cooling: A Data-Driven Method Using Response Surface Methodology

Leveraging data-driven methods such as Response Surface Methodology (RSM) has considerable potential for sustainable building cooling via mitigating energy consumption and environmental impacts. This research focuses on using the RSM to improve liquid desiccant dehumidification for sustainable building cooling performance using a D-optimal design. Specifically, the research intends to investigate the actual influence of the inlet air conditions and desiccant concentration on the performance of liquid desiccant dehumidification systems, i.e., the moisture removal rates and dehumidifier efficiency. To systematically conduct this research, a set of experimental data gathered from the open literature is utilised. This includes a specific set of inlet parameters of air temperature (27–34.5 °C), ratio of air humidity (20.5–25 g/kg), and solution temperature (27.5–38.5 °C) as the independent variables. Also, the feedback variables include the moisture removal rates (MRR) and efficacy (ϵ). The associated results of the analysis of variation indicate that the ratio of air humidity has the greatest influence on the moisture removal rate. However, the solution temperature and the ratio of air humidity have the most influence on efficacy. In the event of response optimisation, the result at MRR and (ϵ) are 0.54 g/s and 0.50, respectively, with a minimum desirability of 0.992 and 1.

Theoretical analysis of heat and mass transfer characteristics of a counter-flow packing tower with different heating modes

Mass extraction/injection and multi-stage system have been proven to be effective approaches to improve the performance of humidification and dehumidification (HDH) desalination system. However, these two optimization schemes cause that the flow ratios of water to air at different positions of humidifier or that of different humidifiers have great difference. A single heating mode is inapplicable to all flow ratios of water to air. Hence, it is necessary to reveal the relationship among mass flow ratio, heating mode and thermal efficiency of humidifier for the selection of appropriate heating mode. A theoretical model of packing tower (typical kind of humidifier) which agrees well with experimental results was established in this paper, and the average relative errors of outlet air temperature, humidity and thermal efficiency are 2.3 %, 4.9 % and 5.8 %, respectively. A comparison among the thermal efficiencies of a counter-flow packing tower with different heating modes (I: solution heated, II: air heated, III: solution-air heated) was conducted. It is found that there exist two values of mass flow ratio (FRI-II and FRII-III) at which the thermal efficiencies of air heated and solution-air heated are equal and that of solution heated and solution-air heated are equal, respectively. However, the thermal efficiency of solution heated is always higher than that of solution-air heated (FRI-III does not exist). It seems clear that there is a relationship between FR and thermal efficiency (η) as follows: FR < FRI-II, ηI > ηIII > ηII; FRI-II < FR < FRII-III, ηI > ηII > ηIII; FR > FRI-II, ηII > ηI > ηIII. Additionally, the effects of inlet parameters on the FRI-II and FRII-III are also evaluated. The results show that the maximum temperature, inlet solution concentration and ambient temperature have positive effects on FRI-II and FRII-III, but ambient relative humidity has negative effect. In the final part, the selection of the heating mode of a counter-flow packing tower is taken as example to introduce the application of FRI-II and FRII-III proposed in this paper.

Dynamic simulation and control strategy development of molten salt steam generation system for coal-fired power plant flexible retrofit

The coal-fired power plant (CFPP) coupled with the molten salt thermal energy storage system is a potential way to improve its flexibility and peak-shaving ability. The steam generation system (SGS) is a suitable choice to convert the feed water into hot steam by using the heat from the molten salt. In this paper, the schematic of an SGS coupled with the CFPP is presented. A dynamic model of the SGS basing lump parameter method is established and validated to investigate its dynamic response characteristics. Five different disturbance experiments including feed water inlet parameters, molten salt inlet parameters and medium pressure steam valve, are conducted and analyzed. The dynamic response curves of molten salt and steam are obtained. Moreover, the load adjustment process of SGS with three different load changing rates (3 %, 6 %, 10 % Pe/min) under the rated conditions is compared and its influence on the SGS is analyzed. The temperature changing rates in the thick-wall components of SGS are within 2 °C/min which meets the safe operating standard. Based on the above results, the three elements control strategy with excellent robustness for the SGS safety operation is proposed and demonstrated. The results show that the response time for the SGS load regulation process and the water level fluctuation have been significantly improved as the three elements control strategy is imposed. The water level can be stabilized in 200 s with tiny fluctuation when the SGS loads down 10 % thermal load with 10 % Pe/min load changing rate. These results could provide useful references for the design and control strategy making of the CFPP coupled with the molten salt thermal energy storage system.

Optimization of thermal management performance of direct-cooled power battery based on backpropagation neural network and deep reinforcement learning

The batteries of new energy vehicles generate a large amount of heat when discharged at large multiplication rates, which can cause safety hazards if the heat is not eliminated in time. In this paper, a Swiss roll-type cooling belt is used to improve the thermal performance of lithium-ion battery packs. This paper selects six key parameters as optimization parameters, including the structure of Swiss roll-type cooling belt, coolant type, inlet coolant mass flow rate, inlet coolant gas volume fraction, battery discharge rate, and ambient temperature. Use neural network fitting and deep reinforcement learning to optimize these six parameters in order to achieve optimized cooling performance. The results show that after the cold plate has been structurally optimised and the inlet parameters have been optimised by deep reinforcement learning, the thermal performance has been significantly improved. Not only does the cold plate inlet require less mass flow, but the battery pack also performs better in terms of temperature difference.

Ground test modeling of cylindrical aero-engine casing under high-temperature and high-pressure aerodynamic load

The aero-engine casing is subjected to high-temperature and high-pressure aerodynamic loads during operation. It is essential to perform the ground strength tests for the casing. To optimize the ground strength test and to improve the accuracy of temperature and pressure loading during the test, a mathematical model of high-temperature and high-pressure aerodynamic loading system for simulating the ground strength test of typical aero-engine casing is established to study the actual temperature and pressure loads on casing during ground test. The temperature and pressure results calculated by the mathematical model under typical loads matched well with the experimental measurements. The verification results show that under the test conditions, the thermal inertia of the heater, the radiation heating of the gas in the test chamber by the heater, and the heat transfer of gas mixing in the pressure process can be ignored. The sensitivity analysis of the parameters affecting the accuracy of pressure and temperature loading is carried out. We show that the pressure can be controlled quantitatively by adjusting the inlet and exhaust pipe parameters, and accurate temperature control can be achieved by designing reasonable heater power and selecting appropriate heating control parameters.

Effects of distribution valve spring stiffness and opening pressure on the volumetric efficiency of micro high-pressure plunger pump

With the rapid development of material science and manufacturing capabilities, hydraulic technology is increasingly high-pressure, lightweight and miniaturizing. Micro plunger pump is widely used in the field of deep-sea hydraulic equipment and advanced intelligent hydraulic equipment, owing to its high-power density, high output pressure and many other advantages. Its broad application aims to examine the inlet and outlet distribution valve spring parameters change on the micro high-pressure plunger pump volumetric efficiency, by changing the inlet and outlet distribution valve. This paper is based on the simulation of AMESim engineering software to derive multiple sets of data. It compared and analysed the specific effect of different spring stiffness and opening pressure on the volumetric efficiency of the micro high-pressure plunger pump which was then verified through experiment. Results of this study have certain reference significance for the design of the spring of the inlet and outlet distribution valve of the micro high-pressure plunger pump, which facilitates the optimization and improvement of the dynamic performance of the micro high-pressure plunger pump.

Large Eddy simulation on the Lead-Bismuth Eutectic jet at reactor core outlet

The Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) Cooled Fast Reactor (LFR) represents a promising Generation-IV technology, anticipated to offer a sustainable, safe, and clean energy solution. LBE fluid from LFR assemblies varies in temperature, causing violent temperature oscillations during the jet mixing that may contribute to structural fatigue, threatening LFR safety. This study focuses on investigating the critical thermal–hydraulic phenomena occurring at the core outlet of the LFR by modeling the assembly head in a realistic reactor configuration. Large Eddy Simulation (LES) is employed to explore the LBE jet characteristics in a three-head model with varying inlet parameters. The analysis includes the fluctuation patterns of both the flow and temperature fields downstream of the assembly head. The results show that the influence area of the assembly head is mainly in the range of about 0–175 mm downstream of the outlet of the assembly head. The temperature fluctuation frequency is the highest near the assembly head, typically within 20 Hz, and the temperature fluctuation frequency in other areas is lower. These findings provide valuable insights for designing LFRs and understanding the flow and heat transfer behavior of liquid metals.

Impact of energy deposition as active flow control on scramjet inlet performance using Immersed Boundary Method

This study investigates the impact of upstream energy deposition as an active flow control method on the performance of a two-dimensional scramjet inlet through numerical simulations. An in-house inviscid finite volume solver was employed for the simulations, with boundary reconstruction of the scramjet achieved using a ghost-cell based immersed boundary method. The effects of different energy spot locations, various energy strengths, and different freestream Mach numbers on the scramjet performance were thoroughly analyzed. Four inlet parameters, namely, mass capture ratio (μ), total pressure ratio (TPR), kinetic energy efficiency (ηKE), and flow distortion index (DI), were used to assess the scramjet performance. The analysis revealed that energy deposition significantly reduced flow distortion, resulting in noticeable improvements in mass flux and total pressure ratio. However, kinetic energy efficiency exhibited minimal change. The study provides comprehensive insights into the impact of energy deposition on scramjet performance, highlighting its potential for enhancing inlet characteristics.

Supersonic separation benefiting the decarbonization of natural gas and flue gas

Supersonic separation utilizes the cryogenics created by gas expansion to purify the mixture. This method is a novel carbon capture scheme. In this work, the models of N2-CO2 (flue gas) and CH4-CO2 (natural gas) are established to calculate the condensation flow. The condensation behavior of CO2 in natural gas and flue gas is clarified respectively, and the difference between the two is compared for the first time. Under the same conditions, CO2 in flue gas reaches the limit non-equilibrium state first, forming non-equilibrium condensation with limit nucleation rate of 7.78 × 1020 m−3s−1 and maximum droplet growth rate of 8.19 × 10−3 m s−1. However, the maximum droplet growth rate in natural gas is only 2.22 × 10−3 m s−1, which implies that the interphase mass transfer rate in flue gas is larger during the CO2 condensation. In addition, the condensation behavior of CO2 in natural gas is more sensitive to the changes of inlet parameters. This work provides an invaluable contribution to the development of supersonic carbon capture.

Research on the application of artificial intelligence tools to predict the operating temperature and pressure of the pipeline transportation system at the Hai Thach - Moc Tinh field

The observation of operating parameters for the single-phase or multi-phase flows of oil and gas pipelines always plays an important role and prerequisite in daily operation. The inlet and outlet parameters of the pipeline such as pressure and temperature will greatly affect the efficiency of the production and transportation process of fields. These parameters are very important. It must be required to observe carefully and strictly. In fact, pressure and temperature signal gauges will always be set up at the inlet and outlet of the pipeline for continuously variable transmission of the signal to the central control room, then the operator can observe regularly. Alarms will be triggered when the signal goes out of the setting operation area. However, the operational parameters transmitted from this gauge are only available after the actual fluid flow passes through the pipeline. This will limit when the operator needs to apply calculation methods to pre-predict the flow regime, and operating parameters of the fluid in the pipeline when fluid flows has not passed through the pipeline. From that approach, the paper presents the result of research on the application of machine learning algorithms (ML) to build models to predict operating conditions of three-phase flows in the pipeline at Hai Thach- Moc Tinh field based on input parameters such as the open of wellhead flow control valve of wells located in wellhead platform WHP-MT1, WHP-HT1, and the commercial gas volume. The results of the research show that the ML calculation method gives the result which is only +/-2 barg/20C difference compared to the field data obtained from pressure (HT1-PT-0911) and temperature (HT1-TI-0911) signals set up at the outlet of the transportation pipeline at the Hai Thach-Moc Tinh field.

Integrated simulation method construction and process optimization for hot air drying of shiitake mushrooms

Currently, numerical simulations are conducted at the level of dryers without considering the actual moisture evaporation within agricultural materials. This departure from reality fails to meet the requirements of actual industrial production. To address this issue, this paper proposes a drying kinetic derivative model based on experiments conducted on shiitake mushrooms' drying kinetics. With the help of this model, we can determine the moisture evaporation rate under varying drying conditions. Based on the evaporation rate, a material-dryer integrated simulation method is developed to achieve coupling between the material and the dryer. Finally, the simulation method is used to investigate the non-uniform distribution of the moisture ratio of shiitake mushrooms in the dryer, optimize the inlet parameters of the dryer, and improve its internal structure. Through optimization, it was determined that the optimal angle for the baffle is 45° with a width of 65 mm, which can reduce the unevenness of moisture content by 25.84% and decrease the total drying time by 0.59 h. This research not only contributes to the thorough analysis of the distribution of various physical fields within the dryer, optimization of drying conditions, and structural parameters of the dryer but also offers valuable reference for studying and optimizing the drying industrial conditions of other materials. This research holds significant implications for the industrial advancement of the drying sector.

Numerical simulation of VAM assisted combustion gas turbine

In order to save energy and protect environment, how to utilize ventilation air methane (VAM) is a subject that needed urgently to be studied. The methane concentration in VAM varies greatly, making it difficult for traditional burners to burn directly. Therefore, the feasibility of using VAM as a combustion gas for gas turbines is considered. When natural gas is used as the fuel for a micro gas turbine, the changes in air inlet parameters will directly affect its performance. This article uses experimental and numerical simulation methods to analyze the feasibility of using VAM as combustion air for micro gas turbines. The results show that factors such as intake pressure, temperature, and composition of gas turbines have an impact on combustion and pollutant emissions; the comparison between VAM and air as combustion gases shows that the rate of temperature increase in the combustion chamber increases, and the concentration of NO at the outlet of the combustion chamber increases by 0.97 % and the concentration of CO increases by 3.76 %. Based on the comprehensive analysis of gas turbine performance, it is concluded that the application of mine exhaust air to micro gas turbines has certain feasibility.

Proposal and performance analysis of a novel hydrogen and power cogeneration system with CO2 capture based on coal supercritical water gasification

To establish a sustainable energy system, it is essential to achieve low-carbon and clean utilization of coal. In this study, a novel hydrogen and power cogeneration system with full CO2 capture that based on coal supercritical water gasification (SCWG) is proposed. Hydrogen is separated from syngas produced by coal SCWG, and the remaining combustible gas is burned to generate power. Moreover, supercritical CO2 cycle is integrated within the cogeneration system to recover the waste heat with high exergy efficiency. Thermodynamic performances, effects of key operation parameters and off-design performances under part-load conditions of the cogeneration system are analyzed. Under the design condition, the cogeneration system produces 20.26 mol kg−1 hydrogen and generates 8746 kJ kg−1 net power, achieving the high energy efficiency and exergy efficiency of 54.77 % and 52.54 %. The exergy efficiency of cogeneration system can be enhanced by optimizing the operation parameters, which is increased by 0.42 %, 4.03 % and 1.10 % with the optimal coal water slurry concentration (17.5 %), higher gasification temperature (750 °C) and higher gas turbine inlet parameters (1500 °C/3 MPa), respectively. The cogeneration system performance decreases with the power load, and the exergy efficiency decreases by 9.61 % when the system power load reduces from 100 % to 30 %.

Relationship between Pelvic Dimensions and Maximum Traction Forces Required during Parturition in Holstein Cows Using a Biomechanical Obstetric Simulator.

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the pelvic dimensions of Holstein cows on the traction forces during parturition. Additionally, the relationship between calf measurements and traction forces was explored. For this purpose, a modified in vitro biomechanical model simulating obstetric tractions was used. For the requirements of the experiment, six bone pelvises of deceased Holstein cows were collected based on their estimated pelvic inlet area (EPA) and prepared. Additionally, six stillborn calves were collected based on their body weight (BW). The parameters of the pelvic inlet and cavity were measured using computed tomography (CT). Using the simulator, every calf was pulled in a random order through all pelvises, realizing a total of 36 obstetrical tractions, and the required forces were documented with appropriate software. In each extraction, three peaks of forces were recorded, with the first peak occurring at the entrance of the elbows into the maternal pelvic cavity, the second peak at the entrance of the thorax, and the third at the entrance of the calf's pelvis. Logistic regression revealed an exponential relationship between pelvic parameters and traction forces for the entrance of the elbows and the pelvis, with the recorded forces being higher in the two smallest pelvises and stabilizing at a lower level thereafter, while for the entrance of the thorax, the correlations were either exponential or linear. The adjusted coefficients of determination (r2) were generally above the threshold of 0.5 for the entrance of the elbows and pelvis and lower (0.3-0.4) regarding the thorax and were statistically significant (p < 0.05) in all cases. Regarding the relationships between the calf dimensions and the required traction forces, the types of correlations were primarily linear and of lower magnitude. The combination of pelvic and calf parameters in a multivariate model resulted in an r2 of 0.72 for the entrance of the elbows using the pelvic diagonal and calf's body weight, an r2 of 0.62 using the pelvic area and calf's thoracic circumference, and an r2 of 0.75 using the pelvic diagonal and calf's fetlock joint width. In conclusion, under the conditions of the present experimentation, the applied traction forces were mainly influenced by the pelvic dimensions in an exponential manner, whereas the calf body measurements showed a weaker effect. Based on these findings, critical cut-off points exist, different for every pelvic parameter, below which a significant increase in the required traction forces is expected.

Numerical Study on the Cooling Method of Phase Change Heat Exchange Unit with Layered Porous Media

The implementation of heat sinks in high-power pulse electronic devices within hypersonic aircraft cabins has been facilitated by the emergence of innovative phase change materials (PCMs) characterized by excellent thermal conductivity and high latent heat. In this study, a representative material, layered porous media filled with paraffin wax, was utilized, and a three-dimensional numerical model based on the enthalpy-porosity approach was employed. A thermal response research was conducted on the Phase Change Heat Exchange Unit with Layered Porous Media (PCHEU-LPM) with different cooling methods. The results indicate that water cooling proved to be suitable for the PCHEU-LPM with a heat flux of 50,000 W/m2. Additionally, parametric studies were performed to determine the optimal cooling conditions, considering the inlet temperature and velocity of the cooling flow. The results revealed that the most suitable conditions were strongly influenced by the coolant inlet parameters, along with the position of the PCM interface. Finally, the identification of the parameter combination that minimizes temperature fluctuations was achieved through the Response Surface Analysis method (RSA). Subsequent verification through simulation further reinforced the reliability of the proposed optimal parameters.

Investigation on the Effects of Volute Geometric Parameters on the Performance of Pico Francis Turbines Used in Water Pipes

The development of new hydro turbines or the optimization of traditional hydro turbines is one of the research directions that scholars have been interested in to broaden the source of hydropower and improve energy efficiency. In our previous work, a Francis turbine was used in the water supply systems of high-rise buildings to properly control water pressure inside the pipeline and recover excess water energy. In this paper, an optimization study of the volute for the sectional shape, design method, inlet parameters, outlet width, and tongue was conducted using numerical simulations to improve the hydro turbine performance. The simulated results show that a circular section could better enhance the flow velocity inside the volute and make the flow velocity distribution more uniform at the volute outlet, and the equal mean velocity method is a more suitable volute design method in this special condition. The results of range analysis show that the water head reduction increases significantly with the increase in the inlet height, and both inlet height and outlet width have a significant effect on the efficiency. In addition, in the tongue optimization, a larger tilt angle corresponds to smaller output power and water head reduction; a larger stretch length in the limited angle range corresponds to larger output power and lower efficiency. Ultimately, the output power of the hydro turbine was increased by 18.65% and the efficiency by 2.1% through the volute optimization.

Conceptual design methodology and performance evaluation of turbine-based combined cycle inward-turning inlet with twin-design points

Turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) engines attract intensive attention due to adequate high working efficiency within the full speed range of air-breathing vehicles. Challenges of TBCC engines lie mostly in common-used components in particular the inlet system, which needs to satisfy the mass flow distribution of different sub-engines and to reconcile the performance requirement in the full speed range. In the present work, a new conceptual design methodology of the three-dimensional inward-turning TBCC inlet with twin-design points is proposed according to the basic flow field with double incident shock waves. The shock structures and flow field parameters at the high-speed design point Ma=4 and mass flow distribution at the low-speed design point Ma=3 both can be designed by the basic flow field. On that basis, a typical inlet model is designed and the corresponding aerodynamic performance is evaluated at two design points. Simulation results prove that the shock structure, the mass flow distribution, and the averaged throat parameters of the TBCC inlet are all consistent with the basic flow field with sufficient accuracy at twin-design points, where the maximum relative error is only 6.3%. Meanwhile, the aerodynamic performance of the inlet shows that the inlet has stable and efficient operation characteristics, which fully affirms the feasibility of the design method.

Optimization of Cavitation Performance of High-Speed Centrifugal Pump Based on the Meta-Model of optimal Prognosis

Abstract Using a specific type of high-speed centrifugal pump as an example, this study conducted a parameterized optimization design on geometric parameters of the impeller’s flow path. A response sample space was generated with the flow path geometric parameters as input and pressure increment and cavitation volume as output. Based on the Meta-Model of optimal Prognosis, the optimal surrogate model was fitted, and a global sensitivity analysis was conducted. The results indicated that the impeller’s inlet edge parameter and mid-curve parameter had a significant impact on the pressure increment and cavitation volume of the pump. Using a genetic algorithm, the optimal flow path geometric parameters were obtained, and numerical simulation methods were applied to verify the obtained parameters. The results showed that after optimization, the pressure coefficient of the centrifugal pump increased by 0.035, and the cavitation performance improved by 22.28%. The impeller cavitation area and void volume were significantly reduced, and the flow path pressure distribution and flow state were improved.

Numerical study on the interface characteristics of gas–liquid falling film flow considering the interface forces

As an energy quality improvement device, an air source heat pump plays an important role in clean heating applications. When operating in a cold and wet environment in winter, the outdoor evaporator will have the problem of frost, which affects the operation efficiency. To solve the frosting problem, the development of frost-free evaporators has attracted more and more attention. The fluctuation characteristics of the gas–liquid interface are the key factors affecting the intensity of gas–liquid heat transfer on the air side of this kind of heat exchanger. Therefore, a mathematical model is established to describe the falling film flow on the surface of the flat finned tube heat exchanger in a closed-type heat source tower. The model takes into account the interfacial tension and interphase friction force between the air flow and the liquid film. On this basis, the fluctuation intensity of the central channel interface during falling film flow with different inlet parameters is studied. It is found that there is a critical value of 1.5 m/s (i.e., Reg = 1643.0) in the air flow rate under the study conditions. When the air flow rate is higher than this velocity, the interface near the gas–liquid outlet fluctuates more frequently and the stability is poor. The distributions of interfacial velocity and pressure are also studied, and the relationship between them and interface fluctuation is analyzed. This paper aims to provide theoretical support for enhanced heat and mass transfer on the air side of finned tube heat exchangers in the closed-type heat source tower.