SolidWorks Flow Simulation Research Articles

Multi-criteria evaluation of parabolic trough collector with internally finned absorbers

Among the solar concentrating technologies, parabolic trough collector (PTC) is the most mature and cost-effective technology for medium and high-temperature levels (150–400°C). This paper investigates the utilization of internally finned absorbers in LS-2 PTC module for various operating conditions. Twelve different longitudinal fins are tested and compared with the smooth case. The analysis is performed with SolidWorks Flow Simulation, using a validated model by literature results. Generally, it is proved that both greater length and thickness lead to higher thermal enhancement and to higher pressure losses. Various methods are presented for evaluating together the thermal efficiency or Nusselt number enhancement versus the increase in pressure drop or in the friction factor. Taking into consideration four different criteria, the absorber with 10mm fin length and 2mm fin thickness is found to be the overall optimum case. For this case, the thermal efficiency is enhanced about 0.82%, the Nusselt number increase 65.8%, while the friction factor and the pressure losses are about the double compared to the smooth case.

A Study of Computational Analysis on the Heat Transfer and Flow Characteristics of Wave Heat Exchanger

In this study, the heat flow characteristics of wave heat exchanger was investigated by being applied to the white smoke reduction system. Through numerical analysis, the heat transfer and flow characteristics of the wave heat exchanger with the change of inlet condition of air-side and water-side were analyzed. To investigate the temperature, the absolute humidity, heat transfer rate, pressure drop and turbulence characteristics of the wave heat exchanger, the simulation analysis was conducted by using the commercial computational fluid dynamics software (Solidworks Flow Simulation) under uniform flow conditions. As the inflow rate of air decreased and the inflow temperature of water increased, the heat transfer coefficient of the wave heat exchanger decreased. When the experimental conditions of water-side were the same, the air outlet temperature and absolute humidity of the wave heat exchanger increased with increasing inflow rate of air. To reduce the white smoke, the air outlet temperature and absolute humidity of the wave heat exchanger must be reduced. Therefore, the lower the air velocity and the water inflow temperature into the wave heat exchanger, the more effective it is.

Simulation on the Performance of a Driven Fan Made by Polyester/Epoxy interpenetrate polymer network (IPN)

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the performance of a driven fan design made by Polyester/Epoxy interpenetrate polymer network (IPN) material that specifically used for turbocharger compressor. Polyester/Epoxy IPN is polymer plastics that was used as replacements for traditional polymers and has been widely used in a variety of applications because of their limitless conformations. Simulation based on several parameters which are air pressure, air velocity and air temperature have been carried out for a driven fan design performance of two different materials, aluminum alloy (existing driven fan design) and Polyester/Epoxy IPN using SolidWorks Flow Simulation software. Results from both simulations were analyzed and compared where both materials show similar performance in terms of air pressure and air velocity due to similar geometric and dimension, but Polyester/Epoxy IPN produces lower air temperature than aluminum alloy. This study shows a preliminary result of the potential Polyester/Epoxy IPN to be used as a driven fan design material. In the future, further studies will be conducted on detail simulation and experimental analysis.

Implementation of Different Gas Influence for Operation of Modified Atomic Force Microscope Sensor

This paper presents modelling of various gas application to modified atomic force microscope sensor in order to change its existing dynamic characteristics. This paper represents part of continuous research, which is focused on improvement of scanning speed of atomic force microscope (AFM) sensor. Subject of our research is enhancement of dynamic characteristics of Atomic force microscope sensor. Natural frequency of AFM sensor is the main factor influencing max scanning speed of atomic force microscope. In case of working range of frequencies approaches to the resonant frequency of cantilever, scanning results becoming inaccurate and unreliable. Improvement of properties of atomic force sensor made by adding additional nonlinear aerodynamic force to the AFM sensor. This force would act as additional controllable stiffness element, which allows shift resonant frequency to higher side. In this paper is presented research of additional nonlinear force behavior using different gasses as well as compressed air. Research covers factor of humidity of compressed air. Our research performed using 3D atomic microscope cantilever model in SolidWorks flow simulation software. Results of simulation delivered as dependencies of additional stiffness in the AFM sensor in all modelled cases. Finally, results presented in graphical form and conclusions are drawn.

Study Of The Aerodynamic Structure Around A NACA6409 Airfoil Rotor

The multi-copters are one of the important aircrafts in the world because they are used in both military and civil application. The problem of these aircrafts is the low efficiency of its propellers. That’s why, it is necessary to study the aerodynamic structure around every rotor. In this paper, a computer simulation has been done to study the aerodynamic structure around a NACA 6409 airfoil rotor. The numerical model is based on the resolution of the Navier-Stockes equations with a standard k-ε model. Then, the finite volume discretization of these equations leads to solve it. The local characteristics of the aerodynamic structure are extracted using the software Solidworks Flow Simulation and the validation is done with comparison with anterior result of Alexandrov (2013).

Optimum geometry of parabolic trough collectors with optical and thermal criteria

The objective of this work is to investigate the impact of the geometric dimensions of parabolic trough collector (PTC) in the optical, energetic and exergetic efficiency. The module of the commercial LS-3 PTC is examined with SOLIDWORKS FLOW SIMULATION in steady-state conditions. Various combinations of reflector widths and receiver diameters are tested. The optical and the thermal performance, as well as the exergetic performance are calculated for all the examined configurations. According to the final results, higher widths demands higher receiver diameter for optimum performance. For inlet temperature equal to 200 °C, the optimum design was find to be 3000 mm width with 42.5 mm receiver diameter, with the focal length to be 1840 mm (this is kept constant in all the cases). The results of this work and the presented methodology can be used as guidelines for the design of optimum PTC in the future.

Thermal and exergetic evaluation of parabolic trough collectors with finned absorbers operating with air

The objective of this work is to evaluate energetically and exergetically the use of internal longitudinal fins in parabolic trough collectors operating with air. Nine different finned absorbers are compared with the smooth absorber for various inlet temperatures up to 500℃. More specifically, the use of 4, 8, and 16 fins with lengths 5 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm are examined. The simulation tool is Solidworks Flow Simulation and the examined parabolic trough collector is the Eurotrough module. According to the final results, the global maximum exergetic efficiency is 43.65% and it is achieved for 4 fins with 15 mm length, while the inlet temperature of the air is equal to 350℃ and the thermal efficiency is 67.98%. Moreover, in the cases of 8 and 16 fins, the optimum lengths exergetically are 10 mm and 5 mm respectively, a fact that proves the reverse relationship between the number of fins and the fin length. Finally, it is also important to be stated that greater number of fins and higher fin length not only lead to higher thermal performance but also to higher pressure losses; two factors are taken into consideration in the exergetic performance, which is the main evaluation index of this study.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of hot air flow pattern in cabinet drying of osmo-pretreated green bell pepper

Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation of air flow distribution, air velocity and pressure field pattern as it will affect moisture transient in a cabinet tray dryer is performed using SolidWorks Flow Simulation (SWFS) 2014 SP 4.0 program. The model used for the drying process in this experiment was designed with Solid Works 2014 SP4.0 while the simulation was performed using SWFS 2014 program using the standard turbulence Intensity-Length model in steady-state regime. The effects of the model were used to analyze the flow parameters and it was observed that fluid density vary along the distance of travel. The average air temperature gotten in the process of the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation was in agreement with the experimental preset temperature for drying green bell pepper with an error of 0.02 %. The dryer model describes the transfer process and flow field pattern of air in the drying chamber and predicts the instantaneous temperature, air velocity, pressure field pattern at any location of the dryer with emphasis on the drying trays. The R2 values of drying parameters as they vary with distance of travel along the trays were presented in order to know the relationship of these parameters with the dryer setup.Keywords: CFD, SolidWorks, SWFS, drying, airflow, drying temperature

Development of an Automated System for Modeling and Prediction of Physical Processes in Wood Drying Chambers

Proper understanding of the nature of the process of forecasting, modeling and research methods of wood drying is necessary to enable saving time and material resources in developing real industrial projects in order to be implemented on the domestic and foreign markets. The object of our investigation is the aerodynamic processes in wood drying chambers that wiil be used for calculating the parameters of agent timber (ASD) using SolidWorks Flow Simulation software application. To perform the tasks we used software for automatic calculation and design of components for the wood drying chamber using the application-programming interface, which is called SolidWorks API. The primary objective in this work is to determine the correct choice points, which will be used to form the arrays of input for the training samples. To perform this task, we decided to divide the wood drying chamber into five planes, each of which is defined by twenty points. Firstly, we have created a radial-basis artificial neural network to get the value of any parameter for drying agent. The function of the neural network of radial basis has three layers. As a result of using the ‘Mynetwork' function, we have got the desired value parameter of drying agent in wood drying chamber at a given point and in a given time. Then, we proceed with the graphical representation of the results. To perform this task it was decided to create a graph, where you can track the temperature change of agent timber in space and time. Our space is presented by previously mentioned points that are placed along the perimeter of the drying wood chamber according to the coordinates, at the total number of 100 points. Therefore, to construct the graph of the appearance, we must specify two axes. To conclude, as the result of the work using SolidWorks Flow Simulation experiments, values of drying agent parameters, which include relative humidity, air velocity and its temperature were found. With the average value, graphs for parameter changes of drying agent by time were constructed. Another equally important task that was done was the creation of radial-basis neuron network, which would allow us to get values for parameters of drying agent anywhere in the chamber drying wood and at any time. Lastly, we have created the graphs for drying agent parameter. This task was also performed in the Matlab environment.

Energetic and exergetic investigation of a parabolic trough collector with internal fins operating with carbon dioxide

The objective of this study is to determine the energetic and exergetic enhancement of parabolic trough collector with internal fins in the absorber. Carbon dioxide is the examined working fluid to investigate the performance of the system in high temperature levels. In the first part of this study, the impact of the mass flow rate on the collector performance is analyzed and finally 0.20 kg/s is selected as the most appropriate mass flow rate exergetically. In the second part, the impact of internal fins on the system performance is investigated for operation with the optimum mass flow rate. More specifically, the absorber without fins is compared with three different fins with lengths 5, 10 and 15 mm. The final results prove that the higher fin length increases the thermal performance, while the optimum fin length exergetically is 10 mm with 45.95% exergetic efficiency when the inlet temperature is equal to 400 °C. The impact of the pressure losses along the collector is taken into account in the exergetic efficiency, which is the best index for evaluating solar collectors operating with gases. The analysis is performed with Solidworks Flow Simulation, a powerful tool which allows the simultaneous thermal and optical analysis.

The impact of internal longitudinal fins in parabolic trough collectors operating with gases

In this study, the use of internal fins in parabolic trough collectors operating with gas working fluids is examined. Air, helium and carbon dioxide are the investigated working fluids, while Eurotrough ET-150 is the examined solar collector. The design and the simulation of this solar collector are performed with the commercial software Solidworks Flow Simulation. The internal fins lead to higher thermal efficiency but also to higher pressure losses; something very important for the solar fields of Concentrated Power Plants. Thus, the collector is examined energetically and exergetically in order to take into account the increase in the useful output with the simultaneous greater need of pumping power. Various fin lengths are examined and finally the fin of 10mm was proved to be the most appropriate exergetically. In working fluid comparison, helium is the most efficient working fluid exergetically for all the examined cases. In the thermal efficiency comparison, helium performs better up to 290°C, while carbon dioxide is the best choice in higher temperature levels. Moreover, the optimum mass flow rate for the helium was proved to be 0.03kg/s and for the other working fluids the value of 0.015kg/s seems to lead to the most satisfying results.

Improvement of growing of Ge QDs by the method of liquid phase epitaxy

This paper reports on improvement of the technological conditions for nano-heteroepitaxial structures (NHES) growth with Ge quantum dots (QDs) by liquid phase epitaxial (LPE) method applying impulse cooling on the substrate (ICS) The physical and mathematic modeling of the processes of growth and the analysis of the thermodynamic status has been carried out to optimize the construction of the thermal unit, the located in it graphite cassette and of the thermal conditions. For the analysis the Solid Works Flow Simulation program is applied, which has a satisfactory accuracy of calculations of heat-transfer simulation. The analysis has revealed shortcomings in the construction of the equipment. Having in mind these results the equipment is reconstructed and new different elements of the thermal block are installed. Good agreement of the experimental and calculated temperature distribution in the process of NHES with Ge QDs growing is obtained. The grown Ge QDs have improved structure with homogeneous distribution and size and depth of the Quantum Wells. The experiments carried out show good reproducibility of the growing process confirming the correctness of the mathematic modeling.

Interaction of the Gas-vapor Mixture and Air on the Condition Drainage System of Space Launch Vehicles When Filling Cryogenic Propellant

The process of interaction between the chilled drain pipe oxidizer tank with atmospheric air. The conditions when drain- pipes, depending on ambient parameters (temperature, relative humidity). Using modeling package SolidWorks Flow Simulation software processes carried out: a) the expiration of the steam-gas mixture through the drainage and pressure relief valve and drain pipe; b) contacting with chilled air drainage pipe. It is shown that a) during the expiration of the gas mixture the drain pipe cools; b) when closing the safety valve, drainage atmospheric air enters into the drainage pipe, and water vapor condenses and freezes, which can lead to the blockage of the drainage pipe and the explosion of the propellant tank. Recommendations to prevent freezing of the drain pipe.

The results of air treatment process modeling at the location of the air curtain in the air suppliers and ventilation shafts

In the existing shaft air heater installations (AHI), that heat the air for air suppliers in cold seasons, a heater channel is used. Some parts of the air from the heater go to the channel, other parts are sucked through a pithead by the general shaft pressure drawdown formed by the main ventilation installation (MVI). When this happens, a mix of two air flows leads to a shaft heat regime violation that can break pressurization of intertubular sealers. The problem of energy saving while airing underground mining enterprises is also very important. The proposed solution of both tasks due to the application of an air curtain is described in the article. In cold seasons the air treatment process should be used and it is offered to place an air curtain in the air suppliers shaft above the place of interface of the calorifer channel to a trunk in order to avoid an infiltration (suction) of air through the pithead. It’s recommended to use an air curtain in a ventilation shaft because it reduces external air leaks thereby improving energy efficiency of the MVI work. During the mathematical modeling of ventilation and air preparation process (in SolidWorks Flowsimulation software package) it was found out that the use of the air curtain in the air supply shaft can increase the efficiency of the AHI, and reduce the electricity consumption for ventilation in the ventilation shaft.

Experimental and numerical investigation of a linear Fresnel solar collector with flat plate receiver

In this study a linear Fresnel solar collector with flat plate receiver is investigated experimentally and numerically with Solidworks Flow Simulation. The developed model combines optical, thermal and flow analysis; something innovative and demanding which leads to accurate results. The main objective of this study is to determine the thermal, the optical and the exergetic performance of this collector in various operating conditions. For these reasons, the developed model is validated with the respective experimental data and after this step, the solar collector model is examined parametrically for various fluid temperature levels and solar incident angles. The use of thermal oil is also analyzed with the simulation tool in order to examine the collector performance in medium temperature levels. The experiments are performed with water as working fluid and for low temperature levels up to 100°C. The final results proved that this solar collector is able to produce about 8.5kW useful heat in summer, 5.3kW in spring and 2.9kW in winter. Moreover, the operation of this collector with thermal oil can lead to satisfying results up to 250°C.

An innovative Trombe wall as a passive heating system for a building in Athens—A comparison with the conventional Trombe wall and the insulated wall

Solar energy utilization for covering the heating loads of buildings is an innovative and clean way which leads to lower electricity consumption. Passive heating systems are low-cost and simple technologies which are able to cover a great part of the space heating demand. Trombe wall is the most mature technology for capturing solar irradiation and transferring it inside the building in order to cover a part of the heating loads, especially the hours after the noon. In this study, an innovative Trombe wall with an extra window in the massive wall is suggested. This wall is compared with the conventional Trombe wall and the usual insulated wall in order to make a complete investigation. The examined walls are located in south direction, in order to maximize the impact of solar irradiation. According to the final results, the new Trombe wall is the most appropriate technology, creating warmer indoor profile than the other cases, especially the hours between noon and afternoon. The analysis in performed with the commercial software Solidworks Flow Simulation and the examined building is located in Athens, Greece.

Numerical and experimental characterization of multi-stage Savonius rotors

In this paper, numerical simulation and experimental validation were performed to study the effect of multi-stage on the performance of a Savonius rotor. We tested five configurations with different stage number and we were particularly interested in visualizing the velocity field, the static pressure, the dynamic pressure, the vorticity, the turbulent kinetic energy, the turbulent dissipation rate and the turbulent viscosity. The software “SolidWorks Flow Simulation” has been used to present the local characteristics in different transverse and longitudinal planes. The considered numerical model is based on the resolution of the Navier-Stokes equations in conjunction with the standard k-ε turbulence model. These equations were solved by a finite volume discretization method. The wind tunnel experiment results were compared to the numerical results in terms of velocity profile, dynamic torque coefficient and power coefficient.

CFD simulation study of shell and tube heat exchangers with different baffle segment configurations

The aim of this article is to study the effects of different configurations of baffles in shell and tube heat exchanger (STHX) on heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop. Baffles used in shell and tube heat exchanger improve heat transfer and also result in increased pressure drop. Shell and tube heat exchangers with single, double, triple segmental baffles, helical baffles and flower baffle are designed and fluid dynamic simulations are also carried out with SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation software (ver.2015). Simulation results showed that for same shell side mass flow rate, heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop and heat transfer rate are found to be maximum with single segmental baffles. Almost zero stagnation zones are observed in helical baffles, leading to reduction in fouling, and long operational lifetime as the flow induced vibration is low. Flower ‘A’ and Flower ‘B’ type baffles also showed reduced stagnation zones.

Study of the incidence angle effect on the aerodynamic structure characteristics of an incurved Savonius wind rotor placed in a wind tunnel

In this paper, we are interested on the study of the incidence angle effect on the aerodynamic structure of an incurved Savonius wind rotor. The numerical model is based on the resolution of the Navier-Stokes equations in conjunction with the standard k-ε turbulence model. These equations were solved by a finite volume discretization method. The software “Solidworks Flow simulation” has been used to characterise the flow characteristics in different transverse and longitudinal planes. To confirm the computer method validity, an experimental validation has been done using a wind tunnel equipped by the incurved Savonius wind rotor.

Method for determination of hydrodynamic parameters of trawl doors by means of software SolidWorks Flow Simulation

Modeling by means of SolidWorks Flow Simulation software for determination of hydrodynamic parameters of trawl doors is described by the example of the trawl doors Project 2490 designed by P.P. Augulis.