Performance Of Heat Exchanger Research Articles

Enhancing cooling performance and economic analysis of a vertical earth air heat exchanger (VEAHE) through geometric shape optimization

AbstractThe cooling and heating sector is responsible for the highest energy consumption in the building sector, comprising approximately 30% of the total. Extensive research has been conducted to address this issue and minimize energy consumption through the implementation of innovative technologies. Among these technologies, the passive earth‐air heat exchanger (EAHE) has proven highly effective in reducing energy usage in the cooling and heating sector. This research focused on optimizing U‐shaped EAHE systems and examined their functional and thermal‐fluidic parameters through numerical analysis. The simulation employed COMSOL Multiphysics software, and the results obtained were in excellent agreement with experimental data. The study investigated a base case, as well as five optimized cases with varying inlet velocities, to evaluate performance. The findings revealed that increasing the working fluid's inlet velocity led to a decrease in the system's thermal efficiency. However, at higher velocities, the economic parameters for energy production showed improvements. Specifically, the system generated a maximum energy output of 9132 W in the fifth case, operating at a velocity of 2 m/s. Additionally, the system achieved an impressive performance coefficient of approximately 5.13 in the same case, with an inlet velocity of 0.46 m/s. Notably, the lowest recorded output temperature of the system was 22°C at the specified inlet velocity.

Correlation study of thermal charging, discharging, and efficiency of graphene oxide-reinforced paraffin wax for thermal energy storage system

Nanocomposites, produced through mechanical blending, serve to enhance thermal performance of heat exchangers, solar collectors, and photovoltaic-thermal systems. This work employs an experimental methodology to assess the thermal charging (TC) and thermal discharging (TDC) of a composite generated by mixing graphene oxide (GO) and paraffin wax. TC and TDC of the GO-reinforced paraffin wax-based phase change material (PCM) have been examined across different flow rates (0.375, 0.75, and 1.5 L/min) and concentrations of GO (ranging from 0.25 to 1.00 vol%). The results exhibit a direct correlation between TC, TDC and efficiency, and reaction parameters (flow rate and volume concentration of GO). The experimental and predicted values of TCs, TDCs, and efficiencies fell ±15% (for TC and TDC), and ±9% for thermal efficiency, demonstrating a satisfactory level of agreement. This holds a practical application and valuable predictive tool for estimating TC, TDC, and thermal efficiency on known flow rates and concentrations of GO in wax-based PCMs.

Heat transfer performance study of Cu-ethanol/ethylene glycol/propylene glycol-water nanofluids in a wavy-walled tube heat exchanger

With the rapid consumption of nonrenewable energy sources, improving the heat transfer efficiency of conventional fixed tube plate heat exchangers, optimizing their structure, and finding more efficient coolants have become popular topics. In this paper, the cooling effect of ethanol/ethylene glycol/propylene glycol-water solution with a mass fraction of 50 % in a wavy-walled tube heat exchanger was investigated, while Cu nanoparticles with volume fractions of 1.5 % and 3.0 % were added to the cold working mass to form three different nanofluids. The effects of the three nanofluids at different volume fractions on the heat transfer performance of the wavy-walled tube heat exchanger were analyzed with numerical simulations, while the microscopic mechanism of the enhanced thermal conductivity of the nanofluids was investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The results showed that the thermal conductivity of the nanofluids was greatly enhanced due to the formation of adsorption layers with different properties on the nanoparticle surfaces, and the Cu–ethylene glycol-water nanofluid showed the largest increase in thermal conductivity among the three nanofluids. It was also found that the shell-side pressure drop, convective heat transfer coefficient, and heat exchange quantity of the nanofluid in the wavy-walled tube heat exchanger significantly increased with an increase of volume fraction. The comprehensive heat transfer performance of the three nanofluids was found to be better compared to the base fluid. Cu-ethanol/EG/PG-water nanofluid with a volume fraction of 3.0 % increased the PEC of the heat exchanger by 10.4 %, 19.8 % and 27.6 %, respectively, at a volume flow rate of 1.53 m3/h. Therefore, the Cu-propylene glycol-water nanofluid had the best comprehensive heat transfer performance. Cu-ethanol-water nanofluid volume fraction of 3.0 % reaches a maximum PEC value of about 3.12 at Qv near about 2.0 m3/h, and Cu-EG-water nanofluid volume fraction of 3.0 % has a peak PEC value of about 4.07 at Qv of near about 2.0 m3/h. Therefore, the Cu-ethanol-water and Cu-ethylene glycol-water nanofluids are the optimal solutions for the combined heat transfer performance within the study.

Window frame integrable air recuperation minichannel/minigap heat exchanger

This article describes an evaluation of mini heat exchangers operation as a decentralized mechanical ventilation system with recuperative heat recovery that can be integrated into the window frame. The relatively small yet efficient air recuperation system allows for retrofitting existing buildings by reducing the overall energy consumption and thus the CO2 emissions. The proposed design, unlike existing systems, is easy to scale up to various room sizes and is a promising solution for buildings where a centralized recuperation system cannot be implemented or interfering with the building’s facade is not allowed. Theexperimental research was carried out enabling to collect temperature, pressure drop, and volumetric flow rate measurements in a recuperation system with various minigeometries, namely minichannels withahydraulic diameter of 3.00 mm, minigaps with a hydraulic diameter of 5.82 mm, and minigaps withahydraulic diameter of 1.98 mm. The system was tested for a room air temperature of 22 °C and three values of outside air temperatures, namely 5 °C, 10 °C, and 15 °C. The volumetric flow rate for a single heat exchanger ranged from 4.1 m3/h to 20.4 m3/h. The results showed that higher temperature rise of supplied air andhigher energy efficiency of the heat recovery can be achieved for smaller airflows and higher differences between outside and room temperatures. For an exemplary 34 m2 office room, the 0.8-fold air exchange rate can be provided and 1 667.1kWh of annual energy savings can be achieved, corresponding to 50.3 % of total energy required for heating the air. Heat exchangers equipped with 3.00 mm minichannels recover a similar amount of heat as the ones equipped with 5.82 mm minigaps, even though the hydraulic diameter ofthe minichannel is almost 2 times smaller. Meanwhile, a 5.82 mm minigap reduces the pressure drop by 76 % compared to a 3.00 mm minichannel.

Thermal performance of polymer gyroid heat exchangers combined with phase change materials as a latent heat thermal energy storage system: An experimental investigation

Latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems utilizing phase-change materials (PCMs) in conjunction with heat exchangers (HXs) have been widely investigated for efficient thermal energy utilization. This study experimentally evaluated the heat transfer performance and pressure loss of a PCM-based gyroid HX fabricated using a polymer 3D printer. Initially, the study compared the phase change time, heat storage and release characteristics, and pressure drop of the gyroid HX with those of a conventional shell-and-tube HX (S&T HX). The results demonstrate that the gyroid HX achieved up to 20 % shorter thermal charge and discharge times than the S&T HX, which is attributed to a higher heat transfer rate. Additionally, the measured pressure drop of the gyroid HX was up to 44 % lower than that of the S&T HX. Consequently, considering both the heat transfer rate and pressure drop, the gyroid HX showed an average improvement of 57 % and 31 % in the overall enhancement factor during charging and discharging, respectively, compared to the S&T HX. Further, metal gyroid HXs fabricated from steel and aluminum using metal 3D printing were experimentally compared with the polymer gyroid HX. Despite the polymer thermal conductivity being only 1/90 and 1/790 that of steel and aluminum, respectively, the heat transfer rate per unit mass of the polymer gyroid HX was 1.7 times that of the steel gyroid HX and approximately half that of the aluminum gyroid HX. This finding suggests that the polymer gyroid HX is suitable for LHTES applications where lightweight characteristics are crucial.

Design and experimental analysis of a cooling system with erythritol/xylitol PCM thermal energy storage

The erythritol/xylitol eutectic phase-change material has strong potential applications in the field of thermal management. In this study, we propose a cooling system for high-power electronic devices that combined a closed water loop and Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage (LHTES). The LHTES features double helical coil heat exchange tubes, using erythritol/xylitol as the PCM. A test platform was constructed to evaluate heat transfer performance. During the charging phase, the high-power, high-heat flux heater was cooled using a microchannel cold plate. The heat generated by the heater was transferred to the LHTES. In the discharging phase, the heater was turned off, and the heat stored in LHTES was released, achieving the regeneration of the PCM. Based on our previous work, a method involving gas and seeding injection was employed during the discharging process to trigger secondary nucleation. The helical heat exchange coil not only exhibited good heat exchange performance but also provideed sufficient gas pathways, allowing injected bubbles to create ample disturbance. This ensured thorough mixing of seeding particles with supercooled liquid. The total heat storage capacity of the heat storage unit was 10 MJ, achieving a maximum cooling power of 310 W. The impact of different operational parameters was examined, including water flow rate and heating power during the charging process, and the effects of gas and seed crystal injection, cooling fan speed, and water flow rate during the discharging process. An automated control system was established to optimize the cooling system's operation. This study facilitates the practical engineering application of erythritol/xylitol eutectic PCM.

Effect of Metal Foam’s Volume on the Performance of a Double Pipe heat exchanger

The present numerical study aims to explore the effect of metal foam’s volume on the performance of a double-pipe heat exchanger in comparison with a smooth pipe (HXS). It used water as operating fluid at flow rate 2lpm, the outer stainless steel pipe has outer diameter (Do=60mm) and length (L=609.6mm), and inner copper pipe with outer diameter (do=20mm). The numerical simulation was conducted by ANSYS FLUENT 2020 R2 software and open-cell copper foam (CF) with porosity (0.9) was used. The cases considered in the analysis include a heat exchanger with a complete fill of copper foam (HXF), and a partial fill heat exchanger. The latter was made by inserting a complete rings of copper foam baffles (CFB) to decrease volume of a CF. Then, the baffles volumes was increased by increasing the thickness and their number. Three parameters were varied and their influence on performance evaluate criteria (PEC) were investigated. They are pore density (PPI), thickness of baffles (tc), and number of baffles (nob). Results showed that, heat transfer rate (Qave) and the pressure drop (∆p) increased with increase pore density, and well distribution of a CFB increase thermal performance while the pressure drop did not change with use same volume of CF.

System Parameters Sensitivity Analysis of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a technology to harvest the solar energy stored in the ocean by utilizing the temperature difference between warm surface and cold deep seawater. Considering that the OTEC system works in a low-temperature range, the present paper assessed the technical resources comprehensively by acquiring in-situ thermocline data and conducting a sensitivity analysis of the system parameters. The in-situ temperature profile data were measured in the waters of North Bali, Indonesia. The temperature gradient data based on field measurements were then compared with the HYCOM consortium model. The data were then used as input in the OTEC power and efficiency estimation through a single-stage ranking cycle. The analysis was conducted by varying the type of working fluid, the performance of the heat exchanger, and the location to investigate how the system parameters influenced the power produced. Using an unusual combination of parameters made it difficult to analyze the resulting data multiple times. However, with reference-based analysis and the formulation of calculations, the sensitivity of each parameter could be assessed at both locations. As a result, the ammonia working fluid provided the highest net power output of the system but had the lowest efficiency of all working fluids. The heat exchanger performance in terms of net power and efficiency cannot be separated from the seawater mass flow requirement. This referred to the results where the heat exchanger with a temperature difference of 3°C before and after the seawater passed through the heat exchanger and produced the highest net power and efficiency. Additionally, the net power output reached its convergence level at a water depth of 400m for the Bungkulan site and 450m for Celukan Bawang, which was proportional to the thermocline tendency. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-02-04 Full Text: PDF

The influence of borehole lengths on a numerical model of a double-tube vertical ground heat exchanger

GHEs are underground pipes that transmit heat between the earth and pipes. ANSYS Fluent was used to numerically investigate the thermal and hydraulic performance of a vertical twin tube ground-linked heat exchanger in a pile foundation in cooling mode. The CFD analysis uses three borehole length models—M1-10 m, M2-15 m, and M3-20 m—with flow rates from 1-100 lit/min and Reynolds numbers from 162 to 1625. The numerical results show that the average heat transfer rate of the Model M1 was 13% higher than that of the Model M2, 32% higher than that of the Model M3, and 95% higher than that of the Model M2. The pressure drop was minimal for 1 to 5 lit/min (laminar flow condition) but very high for 10 to 100 lit/min. The bore cavity length increased the pressure drop and decreased the average output temperature. These two-tube vertical GHEs with optimized length and selection of pipe materials can improve natural convection heat transfer by contacting ground waters.

Design and optimization analysis of a new double-layer tube type heat exchanger for lead-bismuth reactors

Double-layer heat tubes have been designed to effectively reduce the occurrence of heat pipe rupture accidents. However, inter-tube thermal contact resistance can decrease heat transfer efficiency, thus hampering the heat dissipation in the primary loop system of lead-bismuth reactors. Therefore, optimizing the design of double-layer heat tubes is necessary. This work focuses on the double-layer heat exchanger of a lead-bismuth reactor and utilizes gallium-based graphene nanofluids as a thermal interface material to fill the gap between the heat tubes. Furthermore, the impact of the length, wall thickness, outer diameter, and spacing of heat tubes on the heat transfer performance of the double-layer heat exchanger with and without the nanofluids has been analyzed. The study aims to optimize the JF factor and cost-effectiveness ratio (CER). Genetic algorithms are employed to optimize and evaluate the heat transfer performance of the main heat exchanger based on the four aforementioned parameters. Consequently, a new design scheme is obtained for the double-layer heat exchanger, which increases the optimized overall heat transfer coefficient of the main heat exchanger by 5.79%, pressure drop in the primary loop by 2.32%, JF factor by 5%, and CER by 24.62%. These results demonstrate that the gallium-based graphene nanofluids can effectively enhance the heat transfer performance of the double-layer heat exchanger while reducing the likelihood of steam generator tube rupture accidents.

Multi-layered composite coatings with enhanced corrosion and abrasion resistance for industrial flue gas waste heat recovery

The corrosion and abrasion performance of flue gas heat exchangers is a prominent research focus in the field of industrial flue gas waste heat recovery. In this study, we have developed a multi-layered composite coating containing fluorographene and carborundum fillers, which exhibits excellent anti-corrosion and wear-resistant properties. Electrochemical and abrasion experiments demonstrate that the multi-layered composite coating effectively improves both the corrosion resistance and the mechanical properties of the material. The structure and preparation of this multi-layered composite coating provide a novel approach for design and application of advanced coatings for highly corrosive and dusty flue gas waste heat recovery.

Influence of vibration parameters and fin structure parameters on heat transfer performance under vibration conditions

The occurrence of vibration in engineering vehicles during operation is a common phenomenon, and the utilization of vibration-enhanced heat transfer serves as a viable approach to enhance the efficiency of heat transfer in radiators. This study designs a vibration test platform for heat exchangers to investigate the impact of different vibration parameters on heat transfer performance. Additionally, a fin vibration model is constructed using overlapping grid technology to simulate the behavior of flat fins under varying vibration conditions. Corrugated fins were chosen for investigation under vibration conditions, utilizing an orthogonal experimental approach to analyze the impact of fin structural parameters on heat exchanger performance. Findings indicate that vibration enhances the air side heat transfer coefficient of the heat exchanger, in experimental settings, the gas side heat transfer coefficient of the heat exchanger demonstrated a maximum increase of 12.28%. Simultaneously, vibration induces an escalation in pressure loss, with the maximum drop reaching 28.72%. The heat transfer factor j of the heat exchanger exhibits an augmentation in response to heightened vibration intensity, while they diminish with escalating speed. Furthermore, vibration alters the impact of structural factors of corrugated fins on heat transfer efficacy. During vibration, the sensitivity of fin height and wavelength intensifies, whereas the sensitivity of pitch and wave amplitude diminishes. The findings of this research offer valuable insights for further investigation into the heat transfer capabilities of fins under vibration.

Numerical investigation on assessing the influence of diverse-shaped hybrid nanofluids on thermal performance of triple tube heat exchanger

The present study explored the effects of hybrid nanofluids, composed of water-based nanoparticles in various shapes (MWCNT-cylindrical, Al2O3-blade, Graphene-platelet, and Fe3O4-brick), within a triple concentric tube heat exchanger (TCTHX). Theoretical and computational modeling was conducted for the flow of hot water and hybrid nanofluids at varying inner annulus mass flow rates (0.1 kg/s to 0.5 kg/s and at a fixed temperature of 70 °C) in the TCTHX; their influence was analyzed by the energetic and exergetic performance and revealing the findings to enhance the heat transfer efficiency.The key finding of the work is that the thermal performance factor (TPF) of the brick-blade hybrid nanofluid in the TCTHX is 4.26, which is the maximum as compared to brick-platelet, brick-cylindrical, blade-platelet, blade-cylindrical, and platelet-cylindrical hybrid nanofluids for all mass flow rates. The brick-blade hybrid nanofluid is the most economical in the TCTHX system, followed by the brick-cylindrical hybrid nanofluid. Overall, the combination of brick-blade hybrid nanofluid performs best in the TCTHX system in terms of performance index, TPF, and CBR. Brick-platelet hybrid nanofluid is 7.20% less efficient than water at a mass flow rate of 0.1 kg/s. Platelet-cylindrical hybrid nanofluid exhibits 12.71% and 5.09% lower heat transfer rate and performance index than delaminated (DI) water at the lowest mass flow rate in the TCTHX system. Brick-platelet hybrid nanofluids show a reduced Nusselt number ratio for the tested mass flow rates. Entropy generation in blade-platelet hybrid nanofluid is 19.49% lower than in (DI) water.

Hybrid optimization algorithm for enhanced performance and security of counter-flow shell and tube heat exchangers.

A shell and tube heat exchanger (STHE) for heat recovery applications was studied to discover the intricacies of its optimization. To optimize performance, a hybrid optimization methodology was developed by combining the Neural Fitting Tool (NFTool), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Grey Relational Analysis (GRE). STHE heat exchangers were analyzed systematically using the Taguchi method to analyze the critical elements related to a particular response. To clarify the complex relationship between the heat exchanger efficiency and operational parameters, grey relational grades (GRGs) are first computed. A forecast of the grey relation coefficients was then conducted using NFTool to provide more insight into the complex dynamics. An optimized parameter with a grey coefficient was created after applying PSO analysis, resulting in a higher grey coefficient and improved performance of the heat exchanger. A major and far-reaching application of this study was based on heat recovery. A detailed comparison was conducted between the estimated values and the experimental results as a result of the hybrid optimization algorithm. In the current study, the results demonstrate that the proposed counter-flow shell and tube strategy is effective for optimizing performance.

A framework for data regression of heat transfer data using machine learning

Machine Learning (ML) algorithms are emerging in various industries as a powerful complement/alternative to traditional data regression methods. A major reason is that, unlike deterministic models, they can be used even in the absence of detailed phenomenological knowledge. Not surprisingly, the use of ML algorithms is being explored also in heat transfer applications. It is of particular interest in systems dealing with complex geometries and underlying phenomena (e.g. fluid phase change, multi-phase flow, heavy fouling build-up). However, heat transfer systems present specific challenges that need addressing, such as the scarcity of high-quality data, the inconsistencies across published data sources, the complex (and often correlated) influence of inputs, the split of data between training and testing sets, and the limited extrapolation capabilities to unseen conditions. In an attempt to help overcome some of these challenges and, more importantly, to provide a systematic approach, this article reviews and analyses past efforts in the application of ML algorithms to heat transfer applications, and proposes a regression framework for their deployment to estimate key quantities (e.g. heat transfer coefficient), to be used for improved design and operation of heat exchangers. The framework consists of six steps: i) data pre-treatment, ii) feature selection, iii) data splitting philosophy, iv) training and testing, v) tuning of hyperparameters, and vi) performance assessment with specific indicators, to support the choice of accurate and robust models. A relevant case study involving the estimation of the condensation heat transfer coefficient in microfin tubes is used to illustrate the proposed framework. Two data-driven algorithms, Deep Neural Networks and Random Forest, are tested and compared in terms of their estimation and extrapolation capabilities. The results show that ML algorithms are generally more accurate in predicting the heat transfer coefficient than a well-known semi-empirical correlation proposed in past studies, where the mean absolute error of the most suitable ML model is 535 [Wm2K-1], compared to the error using the correlation of 1061 [Wm2K-1]. In terms of extrapolation, the selected ML model has a mean absolute error of 1819 [Wm2K-1], while for the correlation is 1111 [Wm2K-1], indicating a disadvantage of the use of semi-empirical models, although the comparison was not entirely suitable, given that the correlation was used as is and no training was done. In addition, feature selection enables simpler models that depend only on features that are potentially most related to the target variable. Special attention is needed however, as overfitting and limited extrapolation capabilities are common difficulties that are encountered when deploying these models.

Thermal Performance of Earth Air Heat Exchanger for Geothermal Energy Application in Hot Climate using CFD Simulation

The Ground Air Heat Exchanger (GAHE) is a sustainable, environment friendly, and efficient device that can be used for both heating and cooling applications. Careful design of GAHE enables efficient exploit of the earth interior energy. The design of a GAHE relies on the constant temperature of the earth interior which allows consistent and reliable source of geothermal energy. By harnessing this renewable energy, a sustainable solution for heating and cooling needs is attained while minimizing the impact on environment. In this study, the performance of GAHE was examined using ANSYS Fluent 19 R1 and SOLID WORK 16.0 software. The efficiency and Coefficient of Performance (COP) of the ETHE have been investigated. The effect of air flow rate and operation conditions on the outlet air temperature have been studied. GAHE is made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe of 0.1 m diameter, 0.005 m thickness and 18 m horizontal length. Computer simulations were carried out for five different air velocities (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 m/s) at various operation conditions. Results show that the 18 m pipe length is adequate to attain useful air outlet temperature giving COP values between 0.5 and 1.3. The length of the horizontal part of GAHE can be further increased for air velocities between 3 and 5 m/s. Comparison between the results obtained by the CFD model and experimental work demonstrated that the CFD model is capable of producing results with acceptable accuracy. This suggests that the CFD software can accurately model the performance of the GAHE under different operation conditions. Increasing the length of the horizontal part of the GAHE can improve its COP when higher air velocities are used.

Pengaruh Kenaikan Laju Alir Fluida Panas dan Arah Aliran terhadap Kinerja Plate and Frame Heat Exchanger

Plate and Frame Heat Exchanger (PFHE) is a plate and frame type heat exchanger that is efficient and effective in improving energy efficiency. Research using PFHE aims to determine the effect of increasing the flow rate of hot fluid on heat exchanger performance. This research was conducted at a flow rate variation of 0.7 L/min, 0.9 L/min, 1.1 L/min, 1.3 L/min, 1.5 L/min, 1.7 L/min, and 1.8 L/min with 180 seconds of testing each variation and recording data every 2 seconds. The cold fluid used is tap water and the hot fluid used is distilled water. The results showed that with the increase in hot fluid flow rate, the performance of PFHE also increased because the effectiveness of NTU (Ɛ-NTU) increased. The Ɛ-NTU value of unidirectional flow is 25.37% - 44.87% and in the opposite direction 37% - 68.39%. The largest Ɛ-NTU value in the countercurrent flow indicates that the countercurrent flow is more effective than the unidirectional flow. In addition, increasing the flow rate increases the Reynold's number (Nre) and Nusselt's number (Nu) which indicates the greatest convection heat transfer occurs at the highest flow rate.

Global sensitivity analysis and uncertainty quantification for design parameters of shallow geothermal systems

To improve the design process of geothermal systems, it is important to know which design parameters particularly affect the performance of the system. This article presents investigations on design parameters for borehole heat exchangers in the shallow subsurface. The study is based on numerical simulations with one double U-tube borehole heat exchanger and approximated models obtained using machine learning. As a result of the global sensitivity analysis, relevant parameters are identified and their respective influence on the performance of a borehole heat exchanger is compared. For example, according to this analysis, the three parameters with the highest sensitivity are the initial temperature, the heat demand and the share of the borehole heat exchanger that is surrounded by groundwater flow. Finally, the effects of uncertainties in the parameters identified as relevant for the design of a borehole heat exchanger are considered in an uncertainty quantification for a fictitious site. Uncertainties for regulatory compliance with respect to temperature limits as well as a large probability of oversizing the system were identified for the considered example. The results of the exemplary uncertainty quantification indicate that it has the potential to be a useful tool for planning practice.

Improved solar-thermal heat exchanger for space heating with surface roughness: A numerical parametric investigation and its optimization

The heat exists in solar radiation can be extracted and utilized in drying and heating applications. In the present study, an attempt is made to improve the performance of a solar-thermal heat exchanger consisting of a flat-plate collector by producing roughness on the heat-absorbing surface. A repeated pattern of staggered arc roughness is introduced along the streamlines and the roughness is characterized using height ratio, relative pitch, number of gaps, etc. The influence of the roughness characteristics is studied on the thermal performance by computational fluid dynamics. The developed model is validated with well-established relations before predicting the results for the proposed design. The effective mixing of the viscous sublayer and free stream results in a significant enhancement in the thermal performance and it is predicted that the proposed model improves heat transfer up to 5.57 times that obtained in the conventional one. The comparative heat transfer over continuous arc-shaped roughness is increased from 32.72% to 62.46% and 44.62%–62.46% with the variation of number of gap and, gap with ratio from 1 to 3, and 0.5 to 1.0, respectively However, the disturbance in the streamlined pattern in the flowfield resulted in a pressure loss/pumping power increment of 4.46 times in the system. The results are summarized in correlation for heat augmentation and pressure loss which estimate results with the accuracy of 12% and 10%, respectively.

Heat Transfer of an Integrated Counterflow Ceramic Heat Exchanger

The ceramic-based heat exchanger is one of the leading contenders for high-efficiency concentrating solar power plants using a molten salt heat transfer fluid and a supercritical carbon dioxide Brayton power cycle operating at temperatures above 700 °C due to the excellent resistance of ceramics to corrosion, oxidation, erosion, creep, and fouling. In the present study, the thermal performance of a ceramic silicon carbide prototype heat exchanger, with semi-elliptical heat transfer channels, integrated header channels, and a counterflow configuration fabricated by using binder jetting additive manufacturing, was experimentally investigated. Experimental heat transfer tests of the prototype were conducted at high temperatures and under various test fluid flow rates and inlet temperatures. The experimental heat transfer rates compared favorably with simulation predictions.