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In this paper, a numerical model describing the heat transfer and air flow inside and outside the casing of the permanent magnet brushless direct current (PM BLDC) motor is presented. In the model, a conjugate heat transfer including the heat conduction with heat sources in windings, magnets, bearings, natural and forced convection and radiation phenomena within internal and external air domain were analysed. The complex geometrical model included windings, a magnet circuit, a rotor with neodymium magnets, a PCB electronic plate, plastic covers, internal air between solid parts as well as a portion of the external air. The validation process of the developed model was realised on the basis of the velocity and temperature fields. The experimental data were recorded by 7 constant temperature anemometers at 4 levels above the motor housing, Laser Doppler Anemometry sensors in two axes inside the rear portion of the motor and 25 thermocouples fixed inside and outside the motor. The experimental and numerical tests were performed for 4 motor loadings and 3 rotational speeds. The average temperature error for the internal point was of 9 K, while that of the external points was of 2 K. The velocity field was very well predicted close to the housing wall in terms of horizontal and vertical components. A slightly worse agreement was found for the vertical component, especially in the vicinity of the shaft. The results were consistent for all the considered motor loadings and rotational speeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently researchers have proposed innovative solutions aiming to improve the energy performance of building envelope components such as Trombe walls, ventilated storage walls. The principle of all the innovative systems can be simplified as heat/cold sources in walls. However, the thermal performance and energy savings potential of the innovative heating walls comparing to the traditional heating pattern with heat sources in room air are still lack of clarification. In this paper, the thermal response of an ideal building model under two ideal heating patterns, are analyzed by using a simple thermal and airflow macroscopic model. The analytical formulas for indoor air temperature and thermal mass temperature are also derived to identify the critical parameters that affect the levels and fluctuations of them. By numerical calculation, it can be observed that the indoor air temperature under HP1 quickly falls down as the heat source removed and has big variation, while the results of HP2 look favourable with less variation, and the mean air temperature during the non-heating period is higher than that of HP1. This implies that the heating pattern HP2 has the potentials to create a stable indoor thermal environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When designing ground source heat pump systems in northern regions, we usually face the problem of soil freezing/melting around ground heat exchanger. The impact of freezing on heat transfer should be evaluated. An improved thermal resistance and capacity model based on the effective heat capacity method is developed in the paper to evaluate the effect. Further comparisons have been carried out against measured data from an experimental set-up, and agreement of the results validates the proposed model when the parameters of the model are set properly. The heat transfer capacity could rise by 30% because of phase change. The quantity of heat transfer could stay at 75 W/m to 80 W/m during three-month operation, which is feasible for a GSHP system to operate normally in such extreme condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, two sets of design schemes of air source heat pump heating and gas boiler heating are given, and the economical performance of the two heating modes is compared. Through the simulation and calculation of the two kinds of heating system economy, it can be concluded that the operating cost of the gas-fired boiler is about 21.39 RMB•m -2 in the normal operation of the whole year. The operating cost of the air-source heat pump system in the regular operation is about 17.81 RMB•m -2 , and it is about 10.82 RMB•m -2 in the valley operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, The utility model relates to a heating system which is composed of a traditional solar air collector, a floor air supply and a phase change heat storage air duct, which is used for heating the room in winter. Using Fluent software to simulate the whole system in winter. The results show that this system conforms to the standard of winter heating. The system needs to add an electric heating auxiliary heat source, which is used to heat the room in the night or rainy day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scale of urban construction has increased gradually, a large amount of energy consumption and human activities have affected the outdoor thermal environment and the quality of the urban air. Based on this situation, this paper uses PHOENICS to simulate and evaluate outdoor thermal environment, taking a university campus in Jinan as an example. Google Sketchup and AutoCAD software are used to build a three-dimensional model with 30m elevation difference. It is found that among the main outdoor area of the university campus, the thermal environment meets the requirements of the Green Campus Evaluation Criteria basically. Because of the variation of the terrain height, the distribution of average wind speed and temperature mostly exist the lamination at the pedestrian level. The simulation results provide the reference for the optimization of thermal environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A Flibe blanket has been proposed to be used in FFHR. Since Flibe has poor heat transfer performance, heat transfer promoter is required, and a sphere-packed pipe (SPP) has been proposed to enhance the heat transfer performance in the Flibe blanket. In this paper, the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics in the SPP is evaluated numerically using a k–ɛ turbulent model for the flow field and an algebraic model for the thermal field. As a result, it was shown that bypass flows in the SPP play a significant role in heat transfer. Also it is thought that the turbulent energy can strongly affect heat transfer performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many energy conversion and other thermal-fluid systems exhibit unsteady convective heat exchange. In such systems, generic spatiotemporal variations in the flow give rise to variations in the heat flux for a given fluid–solid temperature difference, which can be interpreted as spatiotemporal fluctuations of the instantaneous heat transfer coefficient. These variations can lead to unsteady conjugate heat transfer, in which the exchanged heat flux arises from an interaction between the bulk fluid temperature and the temperature in the solid. Further, the nonlinear coupling between the fluctuating temperature differences and the heat transfer coefficient can lead to an effect we refer to as augmentation, which quantitatively describes the ability of a particular arrangement to have a different time-mean heat flux from the product between the mean heat transfer coefficient and the mean temperature difference across the fluid. It is important to be able to understand and to model in a simple framework the effects of the material properties, the geometry and the character of the heat transfer coefficient on the thermal response of the fluid–solid system, and consequently to predict the overall heat transfer performance of these systems. This paper, which follows on from its predecessor [1], is concerned with the phenomenon of augmentation in simple, one-dimensional, unsteady and conjugate fluid–solid systems. A simple semi-analytical one-dimensional model of heat transfer with a time-varying heat transfer coefficient, which was presented in Mathie and Markides [1], is applied herein to two different paradigm problems. Such a model can be an important tool in the design of improved heat exchangers and thermal insulation, through for example, the novel selection of materials to exploit these augmentation effects. The first flow considered is a thin, wavy fluid film flowing over a heated plate. This film flow exhibits a periodic fluctuation in the heat transfer coefficient, that is linked to the wavy interfacial deformations of free surface of the liquid film. The second flow considered concerns the heat transfer behind a backwards-facing step, which exhibits broadband fluctuations in the heat transfer coefficient due to the flow separation and turbulence behind the step. The model predictions of the augmentation ratio for these problems are also compared to direct measurements from each case. Good agreement is observed with the experimental results for the global heat transfer trends. In both cases the augmentation ratio was negative, reflecting a reduction in time-averaged heat transfer. For the backwards-facing step flow a low magnitude of augmentation ratio was observed, however, the thin film flows exhibited augmentation ratios of as high as 10%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a numerical investigation for examining the secondary vortex motion and associated heat transfer process in fluid flow through curved passages. Overcoming current modelling limitations, the study formulates an improved simulation model based on 3-dimensional vortex structures for describing secondary flow and its thermal characteristics. For developing laminar fluid flow through curved rectangular ducts, the analysis performs a detailed parametric study involving the contours of helicity and outer duct wall pressure gradient for a range of flow rates, duct aspect ratios, duct flow curvatures and external wall heat fluxes. The flow conditions leading to hydrodynamic instability and Dean vortex generation in curved passages are carefully analysed, identifying the flow and geometrical parametric influences. Active interaction of buoyancy force on fluid motion arising from wall heating is considered where aspects of boundary layer separation is used in recognising thermal enhancement due to secondary flow. The simulated results are validated with the available experimental data. Surpassing precision and reliability of current practise, the study develops two numerical approaches offering improved capabilities for capturing the onset of hydrodynamic instability and resulting Dean vortices. These techniques are compared and assessed for their merits of application in determining the onset of secondary flow hydrodynamic instability with and without external wall heating. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper is concerned with the exact solutions for thermal diffusion in a straight fin with varying exponential shape when the thermal conductivity and heat transfer coefficients are temperature dependent. The conduction and heat transfer terms constitute the strong nonlinearity given by power laws. Explicit analytical solutions are derived for the relevant parameters in terms of special functions of advanced mathematics. The effects of parameters of physical interest such as the fin tip temperature, the fin efficiency and the fin base heat transfer rate can be better captured from the presented formulas. Moreover, with the help of the analysis here, the best shape of the straight fin is identified under a variety of operating conditions. Analysis further shows that the efficiency and base heat transfer rate of the exponential profiles are higher than those of the rectangular fin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The wave-finned flat tube heat exchangers are widely used in air-cooled condensers of a power plant. Due to the oblique arrangement of the wavy fins on the A-frame tube bundles of the air-cooled condenser, the finned tube is prone to fouling thus the thermo-flow performances of air-cooled condensers are likely to become deteriorated. A new configuration of wave-finned flat tube, in which the fin surface rotates to be perpendicular, is proposed in this paper to prevent the fouling from gathering on the finned tube. The physical and mathematical models for the fluid and heat flows of the cooling air through the present and proposed wave-finned flat tube bundles are setup, and the thermo-flow characteristics are compared. For the proposed finned tube, the influences of the fin pitch, height and the Reynolds number on the flow and heat transfer performances are investigated, and the correlations of the friction factor and Nusselt number are recommended. The results show that the buoyancy effect should be taken into account for the correlation of the friction factor at low Reynolds numbers, but this buoyancy force can be ignored for the Nusselt number. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thermal performance in oil-immersed power transformers is governed by the flow of oil, acting both as an electrical insulator and a medium for the transfer of heat generated in the core and windings toward the tank and the surrounding air. This paper presents the development of an advanced three-dimensional (3D) finite element model for the coupled solution of heat transfer and fluid flow equations governing transformer thermal performance. The main advantages of the proposed method are: (i) no need to predefine the convection coefficients at the interfaces between the active part/tank walls and the circulating oil, (ii) detailed representation of specific transformer parts that play an important role in the accurate representation of oil flow and heat dissipation (such as winding cooling ducts and corrugated tank panels) through an automated design process, enhancing the model accuracy with the least possible computational effort and (iii) accurate definition of the transformer heat sources (core and windings loss). The proposed methodology provides an integrated tool for thermal simulation, able to predict detailed thermal distribution in a specific transformer, without requiring prior knowledge of nodal temperature or temperature gradient values. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The groundwater heat pump (GWHP) system utilizes groundwater as alternative renewable and clean energy source for space heating and cooling, which is an open-loop system that withdraws water from a production well, passes it through a heat exchanger and discharges the water into an injection well. By utilizing the relatively stable temperature of groundwater, GWHP system can work with a higher coefficient of performance. It is necessary to evaluate the aquifer capacity for the proper design and application of GWHP. In this paper, a numerical method of underground heat transfer, energy balance method and thermal storage method were presented to calculate the load capacity of a unit area of shallow aquifer. The model results indicate that the numerical method, which is based on performance efficiency of groundwater heat pump, reflects the behavior of groundwater pumping and recharging processes, and better than energy balance method and thermal storage method, additionally it has the advantages of energy saving and environmental protect. The capacity is positively related to aquifer thickness. The final results show that it is easy for ground water recharging in alluvial and pluvial fan located at the piedmont, while load capacity is relatively smaller. In contrast, it is difficult for groundwater recharging in south-east plain where a larger load capacity is obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper presents a model-based investigation of a metal hydride reactor applied as a solid state hydrogen storage device. The elements of a metal hydride reactor are hydrogen supply duct, internal hydrogen distribution, hydride bed, reactor shell and the flow domain of the heat transfer fluid. Internal hydrogen distribution and hydride bed are porous media. Therefore, hydrogen flows through non-porous and porous regions during its reversible exothermic absorption and endothermic desorption, respectively. The interface between porous and non-porous regions is a discontinuity with respect to energy transport mechanisms. Hence, Danckwerts-type boundary conditions for the energy balance equation are introduced. Application of the first and second law of thermodynamics to the interface reveals that temperature jumps may occur at the hydrogen inlet but are not allowed at the hydrogen outlet. Exemplarily the loading behavior of a metal hydride storage tank based on sodium alanate is analyzed. It is demonstrated and experimentally validated that only Danckwerts-type boundary conditions predict the important cooling effect of the inlet hydrogen on the exothermic absorption process correctly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper is devoted to modelling of the thermal interface condition between a solid wall and a granular porous bed through which a fluid flows. Far from the wall, the porous medium, a bed of monodisperse glass beads, is homogeneous. An average enthalpic temperature, based on spatial averaging of the local field over a representative elementary volume, is defined, and a corresponding heat equation can be derived: it uses a Darcy velocity, dispersion coefficients that depend on this velocity, and two volumetric heat capacities (fluid and solid). The presence of a solid wall modifies the local arrangement of the beads, with a porosity that varies with the distance to the wall. In a plug flow situation in the core of the bed, the local velocity becomes larger in the near-wall region, creating a channelling effect that affects the wall-to-porous medium heat transfer. This transfer is studied, for transient wall heating, using heat transfer models of increased complexity and specific analytical methods. Finally a reduced model is proposed for this channelling effect, with its advection component that modifies heat transfer between wall and core region in a way that cannot be modelled by a single heat transfer coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper the two main drawbacks of the heat balance integral methods are examined. Firstly we investigate the choice of approximating function. For a standard polynomial form it is shown that combining the heat balance and refined integral methods to determine the power of the highest order term will either lead to the same, or more often, greatly improved accuracy on standard methods. Secondly we examine thermal problems with a time-dependent boundary condition. In doing so we develop a logarithmic approximating function. This new function allows us to model moving peaks in the temperature profile, a feature that previous heat balance methods cannot capture. If the boundary temperature varies so that at some time t >0 it equals the far-field temperature, then standard methods predict that the temperature is everywhere at this constant value. The new method predicts the correct behaviour. It is also shown that this function provides even more accurate results, when coupled with the new CIM, than the polynomial profile. Analysis primarily focuses on a specified constant boundary temperature and is then extended to constant flux, Newton cooling and time dependent boundary conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, laminar and turbulent flows in channels are considered. The primary interest for industrial purpose is a macroscale description of mean flow quantities derived from the microscopic details of the flow in each subchannel. A double averaging procedure has been used to derive balance equations for mean flow variables within laminar and turbulent regimes. This up-scaling procedure results in additional contributions, amongst which dispersion predominates. Thermal dispersion might be seen as the sum of a first contribution, hereafter denoted “passive”, due to velocity heterogeneities, and a second one, called “active”, due to wall heat transfer. The aim of the present work is to propose practical models for thermal dispersion that account for laminar and turbulent regimes. Embedded in CFD code, they are validated against RANS simulations. Our results illustrate the importance of thermal dispersion for heated flows in the presence of nonuniform wall heat flux or temperature jumps. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a thermal fluid analysis on the air cooling of a permanent magnet electric motor with a centrifugal impeller. A numerical model is developed for the heat transfer and fluid flow process. The flow rates of the cooling air are also experimentally measured. The agreement between the numerical model prediction and experimental data is reasonably good. Detailed structures of the cooling flow are presented. Convection heat transfer on the surface of the armature is quantified. Comments on the application of the motor architecture are given. Design modifications are proposed for performance improvements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: One of the major challenges in the study of thermal transport and its analysis, based on the hyperbolic model associated with Cattaneo equation, is the fact that it is necessary to determine the thermal relaxation time for the analyzed materials. This parameter has been an elusive physical quantity to be determined experimentally even though it is of crucial importance in heat transport. In this paper a system formed by a semi-infinite layer in contact with a finite one, that is excited by a modulated heat source is studied. It is shown that a frequency range can be found in which the amplitude and phase of the spatial component of the oscillatory surface temperature show strong oscillations when the thermal relaxation time of the finite layer is close to its thermalization time. When the thermal effusivities of the layers are quite different or their thermal relaxation times are similar, it is shown that simple analytical expressions for the values of the maxima and minima of the oscillations as well as for the frequencies, at which they occur, are obtained. These results were used to establish a methodology to determine the thermal relaxation time as well as additional thermal properties of the finite layer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]