Conjugate Heat Transfer Model Research Articles

Validation of Continuous Conjugate Heat Transfer Model through Experimental Data

Validation of Continuous Conjugate Heat Transfer Model through Experimental Data

Effects of turbulent Prandtl number on supercritical carbon dioxide turbulent flow with high heat flux in vertical round tube

Supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) is a promising working medium for coal-fired power plants, high-temperature solar power systems, nuclear reactor systems, and fuel cells owing to its high efficiency and inertness. In these cases, the sCO2 is in a round tube under high temperature and pressure, far from the pseudo-critical point. Here, the thermophysical properties of sCO2 changes, resulting in large prediction errors. In this study, a conjugate heat transfer model with the k-ε turbulent model was created to analyze the tube performance of the sCO2, and the effects of turbulent Prandtl number (Prt) on the sCO2 turbulent flow with high heat flux were examined through experimental and numerical investigations. Prt had a considerable effect on the performance of the sCO2 turbulent flow far from the pseudo-critical point. The mean relative errors of the inner wall temperature and convective heat transfer coefficient were reduced by approximately 13% and 27%, respectively, when Prt was decreased from 1 to 0.55. For the sCO2 turbulent flow with a high heat flux, constant Prt values of 0.55–0.6 were applicable. The findings afford key insights for the development of sCO2 turbulent flow with high heat flux.

Influence of conjugate thermal boundary on turbulent heat transfer of supercritical CO2 in the horizontal tube

In numerical simulations on horizontal supercritical heat transfer, the tube model excluding or including the solid wall is usually employed. However, a systematic comparison and in-depth elucidation between the non-conjugate and conjugate heat transfer (NCHT, CHT) models are still in absence. To address this critical issue, the present work employs both horizontal models to perform comparative numerical simulations using the shear stress transport (SST) k-ω turbulence model. The results show that the discrepancies in heat transfer between the two modes are negligible under weak buoyancy effect. However, the inconsistencies become more pronounced with intensified buoyancy strength, especially along the top generatrix. Under strong buoyancy effect, the largest deviations in wall temperature and heat flux of the top generatrix between two modes reach up to 396.1°C and 43.5 kW·m-2, respectively, the incorporation of tube wall in CHT computations greatly improved the heat transfer uniformity. The mechanisms that the tube wall acts as a “damper” regulating the heat flow are revealed, which is mainly via the circumferential heat transport and spread from the top where the fluid convection thermal resistance augments; whereas the exclusion of the solid tube wall results in the loss of the surface heat flux adjustment, and the top heat transfer degradation progressively worsens then the wall temperatures sharply rise. As the buoyancy level is within the range of BuP, max<85.5, the heat migration from the top within the tube wall of CHT simulations is less than 17.8%, indicating the simplified NCHT model can be effectively used for sCO2 heat transfer simulations of the studied horizontal tube with acceptable accuracy.

Reduced-order modeling of conjugate heat transfer in lithium-ion batteries

Reduced-order modeling (ROM) techniques involving physics are gaining importance due to their ability to generate physically meaningful results swiftly and accurately. They are finding applications in design and optimization and in digital twins where real-time results are required. The proper orthogonal decomposition (POD)-Galerkin ROM based on finite volume discretization methodology is utilized here for solving a high-dimensional system in a reduced dimensional space in which the reduced basis is spanned by the POD modes. The reduced-order equations are obtained by projecting the discretized form of the full-order model (FOM) equations onto the reduced basis which eliminates the need for boundary control techniques. The proposed methodology is demonstrated for transient conjugate heat transfer (CHT) in an electric vehicle battery. The POD modes are computed using simulation data for three Reynolds numbers and the ROM is evaluated for transient analysis of temperature from initial state to steady state for seven Reynolds numbers. The ROM predictions are fairly accurate both in the interpolated and the extrapolated regions with significant computational speed-up. Five modes are sufficient for constructing the fluid and battery temperature ROM solution. The ROM computational speed-up obtained with 5 modes is approximately 4–7.4 times compared to the FOM. The proposed methodology is generic and can be readily applied for any engineering system involving CHT.

Multiphase reactive flow and heat transfer simulations in the unlocking components of an ultra-low shock pyrotechnic separation nut

This study presents a multiphase reactive flow and conjugate heat transfer model for the unlocking components in an ultra-low shock pyrotechnic separation nut. The process of the shape memory alloy (SMA) tube heated by the heat released from the combustion of the micro gas pyrotechnic charges was simulated. The established model was validated by comparing the simulation with experimental results for the temperature of the outer wall of the SMA tube. Then, the detailed ignition and combustion of micro gas pyrotechnic charges, transient flow of combustion products, and heat transfer in the SMA tube were analyzed. The effects of the amount and burning rate of micro gas pyrotechnic charges on the unlocking time were investigated. It is found that the unlocking time decreases with an increase in the amount of micro gas pyrotechnic charges. Moreover, the reduction range of the unlocking time decreases with the increase in the amount of micro gas pyrotechnic charges. Reducing the differences in the burning rate contributes to enhancing the consistency of unlocking time.

Performance assessment of phase change material-based thermal energy storage

Phase change material (PCM) based thermal energy storage (TES) offers high energy density and better heat transfer performance by encapsulating PCM within a specifically designed container, i.e., shell and tube type TES. In this work, the PCM is packed in multiple cylindrical tubes, and heat transfer fluid (HTF) flows in the annulus. Such arrangement of PCM and HTF in the TES system is termed a cylindrical model, and the one opposite to the cylindrical model is called a pipe model. This work conducts the performance evaluation for PCM-based shell and tube TES using an experimentally validated numerical model. The 3D cyclic periodic model for TES has been developed based on hexagonal circle packing, and the effective energy storage ratio as a performance index under varying geometrical and operating parameters has been investigated. The variation in parameters includes tube length (0.5–7 m), diameter (10–50 mm), initial temperature (293.15–303.15 K), volumetric flow rate (10–500 l/min), inlet temperature (323.15–393.15 K). Using a conjugate heat transfer model, the influence of parameters was investigated, and the performance index was evaluated using the effectiveness-NTU theory. It was found that TES was effective for geometrical parameters diameter d≤ 30 mm and length L≥ 2 m. The performance index of 1.54 was optimum and achieved when the inlet temperature was 333.15 K. This optimum performance index value was compared with existing work and found to be performing comparatively well.

Numerical investigation on the effects of air-staged strategy and ammonia co-firing ratios on NO emission characteristics using the Conjugate heat transfer method

Ammonia co-firing is recognized as a promising approach within the realm of achieving carbon neutrality. This method not only effectively mitigates carbon emissions but also augments the stability of ammonia combustion. However, achieving low NO emissions in ammonia combustors remains a formidable challenge. The present study employed numerical simulations to assess the impact of an air-staged strategy and varying ammonia co-firing ratios on NO emissions within a 10-kW industrial ammonia co-firing furnace. To accurately represent the thermal conditions at the furnace walls, a Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT) model encompassing both solid materials and reacting flow regions was utilized. Initially, the numerical results were compared with experimentally measured NO emissions, validating the accuracy of the customized solver. Subsequently, the effectiveness of the air-staged strategy under the parallel injection system was verified. This approach created a fuel-rich region near the burner primary nozzle, significantly reducing NO production. Under different ammonia co-firing ratios, with ammonia injection levels increasing from 0% to 100%, NO emissions at the furnace outlet displayed an initial increase, followed by a decrease, peaking at a co-firing ratio of 50%. Further analysis of the Rate of Production (ROP) of NO within the furnace revealed that at higher ammonia co-firing ratios, ammonia serves both as a reducing agent and as a fuel for heat release. These findings provide valuable insights for the development and application of ammonia-based industrial furnaces.

Experimental and Computational Investigation of Flow Boiling in a 52 μm Hydraulic Diameter Microchannel Evaporator With Inlet Restrictions and Heat Spreading

Abstract Microchannel flow boiling presents an effective thermal management strategy for high heat flux (&amp;gt;1 kW/cm2) devices. Fundamental mechanisms of microchannel flow boiling behaviors are difficult to determine due to macroscopic limitations of experimental hardware. In addition, flow stabilizing features of microchannel evaporators such as inlet restrictions and heat spreading further complicate fluid flow and heat transfer dynamics. Computational models, when utilized with experiments, can provide a more detailed understanding of behaviors which cannot be determined experimentally. The present study developed a computational model for flow boiling heat transfer in a 52 μm silicon microchannel evaporator designed to cool a laser diode bar, with inlet restrictions and a nonuniform heating profile at the channel level. A conjugate heat transfer model along with a coupled level set and volume of fluid (CLSVOF) model was created in ansysfluent and compared with experimental flow boiling data to gain further insights into the performance of a realistic microdevice. Heat spreading in the channel outside of the heater footprint was observed due to the high thermal conductivity of the silicon substrate. The inlet orifices impacted local flow patterns by creating a large pressure drop and forming a recirculation zone immediately downstream. This behavior resulted in pressure recovery zones and regions of separated flow boiling behavior. Bubbly, slug, and churn flows were seen to be dominant flow regimes. The heat transfer coefficient was found to be dependent on heat flux and flow regime, and more weakly on mass flux and outlet vapor quality.

Topography optimisation using a reduced-dimensional model for transient conjugate heat transfer between fluid channels and solid plates with volumetric heat source

Consideration of transient effects is important for industrial applications of heat transfer structure optimisation studies; however, the huge computational cost associated with transient problems is a pressing concern. This paper proposes an extension of a previous reduced-dimensional model to transient conjugate heat transfer between a fluid flow and solid-heated plates in a plate heat exchanger. The extended reduced-dimensional model introduces the temperature field of the plate governed by the heat conduction equation, which is coupled to the temperature field of the fluid, governed by the convection-diffusion equation, through the heat flux balance equation at the contact surface. The model is based on assumptions of fully developed flow and constant temperature profile, reducing the three-dimensional problem to a planar problem and significantly reducing computational costs. The accuracy of the model for the simulation of transient heat transfer is verified by comparison with a three-dimensional model. In this paper, the topography of the heat exchanger plate is optimised for both steady-state and transient conditions by applying the reduced-dimensional model. The effectiveness of the optimised design was demonstrated by the cross-check of both the reduced-dimensional and full three-dimensional models. Furthermore, this work considers the effect of time-independent boundary conditions and time-dependent boundary conditions on transient optimisation. The transient and steady-state optimised designs are analysed and compared for both conditions, and the necessity of transient optimisation is discussed.

Study on the Speed Control and Heat Dissipation Performance of Cone-tube Permanent Magnet Governor

The speed regulation range, output torque, and heat dissipation performance are important performance indicators of permanent magnet speed regulators. Enhancing the speed regulation range and output torque, and reducing the heat generation power are of significant importance for expanding the application range of permanent magnet speed regulators. To address the issues of a single adjustment process, insufficient heat dissipation space, and inadequate torque transmission capability of the traditional straight-barrel permanent magnet speed regulator, a cone-barrel permanent magnet speed regulator with a magnetic rotor assembly structure was designed through the analysis of the structure and transmission characteristics of the traditional straight-barrel permanent magnet speed regulator. Using the ANSYS Maxwell finite element analysis software, the output torque characteristics of the cone-barrel structure were studied. Considering the effect of eddy current heating, a conjugate heat transfer model for the permanent magnet speed regulator was developed, and the heat dissipation performance of the cone-barrel structure was explored through ANSYS Fluent simulation analysis. The results indicate that compared to the traditional straight-barrel permanent magnet speed regulator, the cone-barrel regulator can provide greater output torque when fully coupled; at maximum power consumption, the air velocity over the surface of the cone-barrel permanent magnet speed regulator conductor is higher, resulting in better heat dissipation and thus a lower operating temperature.

Hydrothermal performance of a wavy minichannel heatsink with longitudinal vortex generators

Wavy channels and vortex generators (VGs) are potential heat transfer enhancement methods, and their combination can provide a remarkable hydrothermal performance. In this study, a water-cooled top and bottom walls sinusoidal wavy minichannel equipped with 14 VGs on each of its side walls is experimentally and numerically investigated. The pressure drops and average base temperatures are recorded for the Reynolds numbers (Re) between 500 and 1300 and the obtained experimental data are employed to validate the numerical conjugate heat transfer model. 3 configurations of the wavy channel with inline VGs and 3 with staggered VGs which differ by the attack angle of VGs are numerically investigated. The hydrothermal performances of the cases are studied and compared with a wavy channel without VGs. The Nusselt number (Nu), friction factor (f), and thermal performance factor (TPF) are utilized to evaluate the hydrothermal performances. The most significant TPF is found to belong to the wavy channel with staggered VGs, periodically titled for 45° in the direction of the first part of the local curve of the wavy walls. Its TPF is found to be in the range of 1.4–1.46, while the TPF of the wavy channel without VGs is in the range of 1.17–1.36 for the studied Re range.

Thermal enhancement of microchannel heat sink using pin-fin configurations and geometric optimization

The microchannel heat sink (MCHS) is a robust cooling technique that ensures the efficiency and reliability of compact electronic devices by dissipating a large amount of heat because of its high surface area-to-volume ratio. This study proposes a novel modification of the pin-fins geometry in MCHS, and geometric optimization using response surface methodology (RSM) to build a low thermal resistant MCHS with enhanced heat transfer efficiency with low-pressure drop. Three dimensional numerical simulations using ANSYS FLUENT 2021 R2 are performed on three pin-fins configurations, i.e., MC-BW (pins mounted transversely to the bottom wall), MC-SW (pins mounted transversely to the side wall), and MC-Mixed (pins mounted transversely to the bottom and side wall). The thermal and flow characteristics are investigated using a laminar conjugate heat transfer model at Reynolds numbers 100–1000. Results show that introducing pin-fins significantly enhances heat dissipation as it continuously breaks the boundary layer and generates flow separation downstream of the pin-fins, which enhances fluid mixing and increases heat transfer augmentation inside MCHS. Among different configurations, the MC-Mixed gives the highest improvement of 50% in the convective heat transfer coefficient at Re = 1000. The highest thermal enhancement factor of η = 1.4 is obtained for the MC-Mixed configuration at Re = 600. For the base wall pin fin configuration RSM yields optimized values of 2.50 mm, 0.25 mm, and 0.045 mm for transverse pitch, longitudinal pitch, and diameter of pin respectively, and for the mixed pin fin configuration it gives 1.0 mm, 0.150 mm, 0.035 mm and 1.250 mm values for transverse pitch, longitudinal pitch, diameter of pin and pitch of side wall pins respectively for the maximum heat transfer and minimum pressure drop.

Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics of Superheater Tube of a Pulverized Coal-Fired Boiler Using Conjugate Heat Transfer Modeling

This study is a numerical study to predict the temperature of the heat exchange tubes inside the pulverized coal-fired boiler through the conjugate heat transfer analysis. Due to the aspect ratio and number of tubes inside the pulverized coal-fired boiler, actual tube modeling analysis has rarely been conducted. Most of the research has been conducted through the porous media method, resulting in limited information on the temperature distribution of each tube. However, for the development of a digital twin model for improving the performance of the boiler and reducing maintenance costs, information on the local temperature of the tubes is required. In this study, all the tubes inside the boiler were modeled, and conjugate heat transfer analysis was performed to confirm the local temperature distribution. For this purpose, the analysis was conducted using Fluent 2020 r2, and the analysis model was constructed using more than 300 million structured grids. The calculation was performed considering conjugate heat transfer in the pulverized coal-fired boiler, heat exchange by steam inside the tubes, and conductive heat transfer of the tubes. As a result, it was confirmed that there is a significant deviation in the local temperature for each tube position. Furthermore, the maximum temperature of the PrSH tube ranges widely, between 492 and 532 degrees, depending on the tube’s position. It was observed that the point of the highest temperature inside the tubes also varies for each tube due to the flow of external combustion gas. Based on these results, it is expected that strategic approaches to boiler design and maintenance can be achieved. Furthermore, it is anticipated to contribute to the high efficiency of power facilities by being utilized as basic data for the development of a digital twin model for the boiler.

Thermal performance improvement in wavy microchannels using secondary channels

PurposeThis study aims to minimize the pressure drop across wavy microchannels using secondary branches without compromising its capacity to transfer the heat. The impact of secondary flows on the pressure drop and heat transfer capabilities at different Reynolds numbers are investigated numerically for different wavy microchannels. Finally, different channels are evaluated using performance evaluation criteria to determine their effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachTo investigate the flow and heat transfer capabilities in wavy microchannels having secondary branches, a 3D conjugate heat transfer model based on finite volume method is used. In conventional wavy microchannel, secondary branches are introduced at crest and trough locations. For the numerical simulation, a single symmetrical channel is used to minimize computational time and resources and the flow within the channels remains single-phase and laminar.FindingsThe findings indicate that the suggested secondary channels notably improve heat transfer and decrease pressure drop within the channels. At lower flow rates, the secondary channels demonstrate superior performance in terms of heat transfer. However, the performance declines as the flow rate increased. With the same amplitude and wavelength, the introduction of secondary channels reduces the pressure drop compared with conventional wavy channels. Due to the presence of secondary channels, the flow splits from the main channel, and part of the core flow gets diverted into the secondary channel as the flow takes the path of minimum resistance. Due to this flow split, the core velocity is reduced. An increase in flow area helps in reducing pressure drop.Practical implicationsMany complex and intricate microchannels are proposed by the researchers to augment heat dissipation. There are challenges in the fabrication of microchannels, such as surface finish and achieving the required dimensions. However, due to the recent developments in metal additive manufacturing and microfabrication techniques, the complex shapes proposed in this paper are feasible to fabricate.Originality/valueWavy channels are widely used in heat transfer and micro-fluidics applications. The proposed wavy microchannels with secondary channels are different when compared to conventional wavy channels and can be used practically to solve thermal challenges. They help achieve a lower pressure drop in wavy microchannels without compromising heat transfer performance.

Numerical study and multi-optimization of heat transfer performance in counter flow minichannel heat sink with slots on ribs using NSGA-Ⅱ

High temperature and nonuniformity temperature cause thermal failure and thermal deformation for high-heat flux electronic devices. To address this issue, a counter flow minichannel heat sink with slots on ribs is designed. A 3D conjugated heat transfer model based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was developed to investigate effect of slots number (i) and growth rate of slot width (j) on average Nusselt number (Nu), local temperature distribution and temperature standard deviation (σ). The results show that design parameters i and j significantly influence heat transfer capability and temperature uniformity. However, there is no clear pattern between design parameters (i and j) and heat transfer performance (Nu and σ) to guide design. Furthermore, a non-dominated sequencing genetic algorithm (NSGA-Ⅱ) multi-objective optimization coupled Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is conducted with the consideration of maximum Nusselt number Nu and minimum temperature standard deviation (σ) as objectives. Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is employed to determine the best solution from the Pareto front, i.e., multi-objective optimization solutions set. The optimized solution obtains 2.1 times increase in average Nusselt number and 0.36 times decrease in temperature standard deviation compared with conventional counter flow minichannel heat sink. This work serves as a guideline for designing minichannel heat sinks for thermal management of electronic components.

Computationally Efficient Workflow for Conjugate Heat Transfer With Large Eddy Simulation for Gas Turbine Combustors

Abstract Typical gas turbine combustor (GTC) and high-pressure turbine stage generally employs 10,000 to 100,000 small passages of cooling holes. Such an arrangement protects the solid walls through impingement and effusion cooling. The former provides solid wall internal cooling, and the latter helps to reduce the metal temperature by developing a thin film around it. High-fidelity simulations are primarily utilized in the industry such that accurate prediction from numerical tools can aid advancement in the performance of such machines. In this paper, a numerical study using ansys fluent has been conducted with large eddy simulation (LES), conjugate heat transfer (CHT), and radiation to explore the relative benefits of implicit and explicit fluid–solid thermal couplings. The simulations of LES with CHT are performed for well-documented experiments of heated nozzle exhaust passing over a film-cooled plate (Wernet et al., 2020, “PIV and Rotational Raman-Based Temperature Measurements for CFD Validation of a Perforated Plate Cooling Flow: Part I,” AIAA 2020-1230, Session, AIAA Scitech 2020 Forum, Orlando, FL, Jan. 6–10, 2020). The accuracy of the modeling approach is assessed by comparing CHT predictions of fluid velocity and solid-plate temperatures with experiments. Acceleration techniques for LES–CHT simulations are explored in this paper with an emphasis on thermal coupling, radiation, etc. The effects of mesh sensitivity and flow solution approach are presented in detail. LES–CHT results generally match the experiments at various blowing ratios both qualitatively and quantitatively. The comparisons in the paper allow the selection of best practices for CHT modeling in GTC. A generic combustor model with effusion cooling hole arrays is used in the paper to establish the workflow for modeling LES with CHT in the industrial-type combustor. Various acceleration techniques are utilized to show an overall improvement in solution performance with the same level of accuracy.

Thermohydraulic performance analysis and parameters optimization of the combined heat sinks with microchannels and micro pin-fins

The combined heat sinks of microchannels and micro pin-fins are numerically studied in depth by three-dimensional conjugate heat transfer models for flow rate (Qv) ranging from 18 to 90 ml/min. The influence degrees of multiple parameters, i.e., the lengths and widths of the cavities and pin-fins, on cooling effect, pressure drop and comprehensive performance are analyzed quantitatively by Taguchi method. And the optimal combination structures for temperature of heat sink (OCS-T), pressure drop (OCS-PD) and performance evaluation criterion (OCS-PEC) are obtained accordingly. The original heat sink with fan shaped cavities and diamond pin-fins (FC-DPF) and the smooth rectangular heat sink (SR) are selected for comparison. The coupling effects of four structure parameters on the local and average thermal hydraulic characteristics are elucidated. The interrelation of multiple physical fields and the comprehensive efficiency of the optimal combination structures are discussed thoroughly. Moreover, the thermodynamic properties and irreversibility are illustrated based on the entropy generation. Results demonstrate that the length of fan shaped cavity and the width of diamond pin–fin have a dominant impact on heat dissipation and pressure drop. The width of cavity has a noticeable impact on the overall performance. Large width of cavity is favorable to induce transverse flow, and large width of pin–fin contributes to distinct vortices. The symmetrical vortices in the direction of channel height can improve chaotic mixing and temperature uniformity. At high flow rate, the performance evaluation criterion (PEC) of the OCS-PEC is increased by 29 % compared to the original structure FC-DPF. When total thermal resistances of the above two heat sinks are similar (0.43 K/W of the OCS-PEC and 0.45 K/W of the FC-DPF), the pumping power of the OCS-PEC (0.47 W) is 35 % lower than that of the FC-DPF (0.72 W) proving the excellent overall efficiency. In addition, the OCS-PD and OCS-PEC show better thermodynamic performance and less irreversible loss for high flow rate, which implies the energy efficiency advantage. The synergistic mechanism of flow and heat transfer is revealed and the results are significant for further understanding the rules of performance enhancement. The excellent overall performance of the OCS-PEC at high flow rate makes it more promising in application for electronic chips cooling in aerospace, defense and communication fields, thermal management of battery, hydrogen storage, fusion energy management, etc.

Evaluation of Phase Change Materials for Pre-Cooling of Supply Air into Air Conditioning Systems in Extremely Hot Climates

This research investigates the use of phase change materials (PCMs) in thermal energy storage (TES) unit-based cooling systems to increase the efficiency of air conditioners (ACs) by reducing the air inlet temperature. This study aims to evaluate different configurations of PCM enclosures, and different PCMs (paraffin and salt hydrate), by changing the speed of inlet air to achieve heat reduction of inlet air. The study includes experimental and simulation investigations. Every configuration simulates the hot-season atmospheric conditions of the UAE. A duct containing enclosures of paraffin RT-31 and salt hydrate (calcium chloride hexahydrate) was used for the simulation study using ANSYS/Fluent. A conjugate heat transfer model employing an enthalpy-based formulation is developed to predict the optimized PCM number of series and optimum airflow rate. Four designs of the AC duct were modelled and evaluated that contained one to four series of PCM containers subjected to different levels of supplied air velocities ranging from 1 m/s–4 m/s. The simulation study revealed that employing four series (Design 4) of PCM enclosures at a low air velocity of 1 m/s enhanced the pre-cooling performance and reduced the outlet air temperature to 33 °C, yielding a temperature drop up to 13 °C. The performance of salt hydrate (calcium chloride hexahydrate) was observed to be better than paraffin (RT-31) in terms of the cooling effect. Characterization of paraffin wax (RT-31) and salt hydrate was performed to establish the thermophysical properties. The experimental setup based on a duct with integrated PCM enclosures was studied. The experiment was repeated for three days as the repeatability test incorporating RT-31 as the PCM and a 3 °C maximum temperature drop was observed. The drop in the outlet air temperature of the duct system quantifies the cooling effect. Net heat reduction was around 16%.

A coupled fluid-thermo-mechanical evaluation of various freeze recovery strategies for molten salt parabolic trough collectors

This research advances the field of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) by offering a comprehensive assessment of freeze-recovery strategies for molten salt parabolic trough collectors, essential for the next generation of CSP plants. Employing a cutting-edge transient 3D Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT) model, the research elucidates the significant yet previously underestimated role of natural convection in the phase transition of solidified salts. The study demonstrates that the strategic inclusion of impedance heating not only accelerates the defrosting process but also minimizes thermal stresses within the absorber tubes, ensuring mechanical integrity. Moreover, the dual-method approach, which combines solar and impedance heating, reveals a potential to improve the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) by 4% annually following a complete freeze event. The research conclusively suggests that this synergistic strategy could yield substantial operational cost savings while maintaining the structural robustness of CSP systems. The presented findings provide a detailed blueprint for enhancing plant resilience and economic viability, opening new avenues for operational excellence in CSP technology.

Performance evaluation of a sand energy storage unit using response surface methodology

The utilization of affordable and cost-effective storage materials is a crucial factor in the development of such systems. In this study, the influence of coil pitch, inlet fluid temperature and hot fluid velocity on sand based thermal energy storage (TES) unit is investigated, using experimental results and theoretical models. The experimental segment of this study focuses on measuring the thermophysical properties of two sand samples obtained from different locations within the United Arab Emirates. A conjugated heat transfer model is developed to predict TES using the experimentally measured sand properties. A regression model utilizing response surface methodology (RSM) approach is developed to represent the energy stored per kilogram of sand as a function of the input factors. Furthermore, an optimization algorithm is employed to determine the optimal values of input factors that maximize the energy storage density. The results reveal that the three factors (fluid inlet temperature, velocity, and number of coil turns) significantly affect the stored thermal energy. The RSM analysis illustrates that maintaining high levels of both inlet temperature and fluid velocity maximizes the energy stored. Similarly, keeping inlet temperature and coil turns at the high level maximizes the energy stored. The optimized sand energy storage unit mass reaches 6.348 kJ/kg after an 8-h charging period, with an associated pressure drop of 71.4 Pa for the currently designed unit.