Thermal Regenerator Research Articles

The Influence of Pressure Cycling on Thermal Regenerators

A theoretical and experimental investigation examines the performance of thermal regenerators in which rapid flow cycling is accompanied by large pressure variations with time. This class of regenerators is characterized by two basic parameters: (a) the ratio of the convective heat transfer within the regenerator to the work of compression, and (b) the ratio of the rate of mass storage within the regenerator void volume to the through-flow. The definition of heat exchanger effectiveness is extended to include the effects of mass storage within the regenerator void volume. A method of predicting this effectiveness is presented.

Digital computer simulation of a thermal regenerator

Much recent work has been devoted to the simulation of thermal regenerators, in particular, Cowper Stoves. A numerical step-by-step procedure to solve the differential equations describing the regenerative heat exchanger is set out. This uses the trapezoidal difference representation of the equations. This method has been programmed for a digital computer and a comparison made with another independent method of calculation. The two techniques yield identical solutions to the equations. It is necessary to decide upon the minimum number of steps in the space variable which require to be incorporated into the computer simulation for an accurate solution of the equations, especially in an analogue representation where step length cannot easily be altered. The factors governing the truncation errors are therefore discussed and it is shown that the larger the Hausen factor K K 0 the fewer the steps necessary for accurate solution.

The Heat and Mass Flow Analyzer

After having introduced in a simplified way the RC circuit-heat conduction analogy in one- and two- dimensional problems, the influence of variable properties is added to the electrical setup. The processes involving freezing and melting of pure metals and alloys are studied as an important application of these simulators. Problems with repetitive processes are particularly suited to be solved by computers. Networks can be built for simulating heat exchange. These simulators can be made more flexible by introducing active elements like voltage-dependent voltage- and current-sources. One application of these devices is the simulation of a thermal regen erator. A DC-electrolytic tank has been developed for the study of three-dimensional problems.

The heat and mass flow analyzer a simulator for the study of heat conduction

After having introduced in a simplified way the R-C-circuit-heat conduction analogy in one- and two-dimensional problems, the influence of variable properties is added to the electrical set-up. The processes involving freezing and melting of pure metals and alloys are studied as an important application of these simulators. Problems with repetitive processes are particularly suited to be solved by computers. Networks can be build for simulating heat exchange. These simulators can be made more flexible by introducing active elements like voltage dependent voltage- and current-sources. One application af these devices is the simulation of a thermal regenerator. A D.C.-electrolytic tank has been developed for the study of three-dimensional problems.