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This paper presents a computational heat transfer model of a rotary kiln used for the production of rutile titanium dioxide by the calcination of paste-like hydrous titanium dioxide. The work details the modelling of several chemical reactions occurring in the solid bed region along with turbulent convection of gas, radiation heat exchange among hot gas, refractory wall and the solid surface, and conduction in the refractory wall. Finite-difference techniques are used and the steady state thermal conditions are assumed. The kiln is divided into axial segments of equal length. The solution is of marching type and proceeds from the solid inlet to the solid outlet. The direction of gas flow is opposite to that of the solids. Mass balance of each species in the solid charge, and mass and energy balances of the solid and gas in an axial segment are used to obtain solids and gas temperatures, and species concentration at the exit of that segment. The kiln length predicted by the present model is 45.75 m as compared to 45 m of an actual kiln reported by Ginsberg and Modigell (2011). The steady-state axial gas and solid temperature profiles have been also satisfactorily validated with the numerical results of the aforementioned paper. The output data consist of refractory wall temperature distribution, the axial solids and gas temperature profiles, axial solids composition profile, the length required for drying of the solid charge and the total kiln length required to achieve 98% conversion of anatase TiO 2 to rutile TiO 2 . A detailed parametric study with respect to the controlling parameters such as percent water content (with respect to dry solids), solids flow rate, gas flow rate, kiln inclination angle and kiln rotational speed lent a good physical insight into the rutile-TiO 2 production process in a rotary kiln. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Normal mode stability analysis performed on counjugate heat transfer (CHT) 1D problem. • Stability analysis reveals existence of lower stability bound for coupling coefficient in Robin-Dirichlet interface boundary conditions. • Validity of stability analysis results is verified empirically. • Stability analysis is extended to more general CHT problems. This paper aims to evaluate and validate a mathematical coupling model, based on a normal mode stability analysis, for steady conjugate heat transfer problems. In order to achieve this goal, an aerothermal computational code was designed specifically ex novo to meet the needs of the current study. A large number of numerical simulations were carried out within the framework of the Dirichlet-Robin fluid-solid interface procedure and with conditions strictly identical to those adopted in the mathematical model. These coupled computations have been synthesized in five representative cases. The computed results show that the stability limit and the numerical Biot number derived from the coupling model are very reliable parameters. Many other physical and numerical aspects, such as the splitting of the coupling period are also considered in this work from which some interesting and promising results are obtained. At the end of this paper, we assess the general potential, limits and constraints of the mathematical model and its extension to multidimensional cases is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effects of the buoyancy and finite size particles on the heat transfer process in the turbulent thermal boundary layer, we have carried out three simulations in the present paper, a single-phase neutral boundary layer, an unstable boundary layer with buoyancy effect, and a multi-phase boundary layer with thousands of finite size particles. This is the first time that particle-resolved direct numerical simulation (PR-DNS) is used in the study of thermal boundary layer. The DNS results show the turbulent statistics as well as the thermal structures. It turns out that both the buoyancy and the finite size particles will dramatically affect the turbulent statistics of the boundary layer. Detailed comparisons between the three simulations reveal that the buoyancy effect reshapes the coherent structures in the boundary layer, while finite size particles mainly induce additional disturbance all over the computational domain. Specifically, the Reynolds shear stress and the wall normal turbulent heat flux are remarkably enhanced in the log region by the effect of buoyancy. On the other hand, the finite size particles cause remarkable increment of velocity fluctuations all over the boundary layer, while have the effect of stabilizing temperature fluctuation near the wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism behind heat transfer deterioration, occurring in fluids at supercritical pressures under particular conditions accompanying strong property variations, is not fully understood. The numerical simulations employing RANS type turbulence modelings have never succeeded in reproducing the thermal field of fluids under such conditions, although some success in particular cases has been reported, since the widely-used turbulence models do not account for the property variations and consequential boundary layer deformation. The authors recently reported that an introduction of varying dimensionless damping length ( A + ) as a function of the shear stress ratio between the wall and boundary layer edge into a turbulence model greatly improved the RANS type numerical simulation of highly buoyant flows. In this paper, the authors attempted to directly integrate the momentum equation under appropriate assumptions and approximations, and to establish a functional relation between A + and shear stress in the buffer layer ( τ δ t ). The introduction of A + as a function of τ δ t in the eddy viscosity formula in addition to the property-dependent turbulent Prandtl number, which was proposed earlier by the first author, resulted in numerical simulations of supercritical fluid with strong buoyancy agreeing excellently with the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a numerical study of heat and mass transfer in counter-flow indirect evaporative air coolers is presented using an approach proposed by previous work. The mathematical model equations of continuity, momentum, energy and concentration are solved by the finite volume method to obtain the value of primary outlet dimensionless temperature. This mathematical model developed is validated against published data acquired from literature. The key target of presented analysis is to develop a performance correlation based on five dimensionless factors: ratio of channel length to half width of secondary air channel, ratio of water to secondary air mass flow rate, primary air inlet Reynolds number, secondary air inlet dimensionless temperature and water film inlet dimensionless temperature. Numerical simulations are performed by changing the value of each dimensionless factor under a constant value for other parameters. The simulation results are regressed to obtain the empirical constants of the correlation. The value of outlet dimensionless temperature is varied from 0.47 to 0.92. The developed correlation can predict the performance of the counter-flow indirect evaporative air coolers within a discrepancy of 12.6%. The correlation would be helpful to provide a simpler equation to improve the calculation speed within the engineering allowable accuracy range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel model is presented for predicting thermophysical properties of superheated steam (SHS) in offshore superheated steam injection wells (OSSIW). Firstly, a mathematical model comprised of mass, energy and momentum balance equations is proposed for OSSIW. Secondly, the distribution of temperature, pressure and superheat degree along the wellbores are obtained by finite difference method on space and solved by using the iteration technique. Then, model validation and sensitivity analysis are conducted. The results show that (1). The superheat degree increases at first but then turns to decrease with the increase of injection rate. (3). The superheat degree increases with the increase of injection temperature. (4). The superheat degree at well bottom increases at first but then turns to decrease with the increase of injection pressure. (5). The superheat degree in the wellbore has a drop when seawater starts to flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) creates an artificial geothermal reservoir by hydraulic fracturing which allows heat transmission through the fractures by the circulating fluids as they extract heat from Hot Dry Rock (HDR). The technique involves complex thermal–hydraulic–mechanical (THM) coupling process. A numerical approach is presented in this paper to simulate and analyze the heat extraction process in EGS. The reservoir is regarded as fractured porous media consisting of rock matrix blocks and discrete fracture networks. Based on thermal non-equilibrium theory, the mathematical model of THM coupling process in fractured rock mass is used. The proposed model is validated by comparing it with several analytical solutions. An EGS case from Cooper Basin, Australia is simulated with 2D stochastically generated fracture model to study the characteristics of fluid flow, heat transfer and mechanical response in geothermal reservoir. The main parameters controlling the outlet temperature of EGS are also studied by sensitivity analysis. The results shows the significance of taking into account the THM coupling effects when investigating the efficiency and performance of EGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study numerically examines three-dimensional natural convection of air induced by temperature difference between a cold outer cubic enclosure and a hot inner cylinder. Simulations have been carried out for Rayleigh numbers ranging from 10 3 to 10 7 and a titled angle of the enclosure varying from 0° to 90°. The developed mathematical model is governed by the coupled equations of continuity, momentum and energy and is solved by finite volume method. The effects of cylinder inclination and Rayleigh number on fluid flow and heat transfer are presented. The distribution of isocontours of temperature, components of velocity and streamtraces eventually reaches a steady state for Rayleigh numbers ranging from 10 3 to 10 7 for titled inclination of 90°. However, for the remaining inclinations, Rayleigh numbers must be in the range 10 3 –10 6 to avoid unsteady state which is manifested by the subdivision of the area, containing the maximum local heat transfer rate, into three parts for a Rayleigh number equal to 10 7 and an inclination of 90°. We mention that instability study is not included in the present paper which is solely devoted to three dimensional calculations. Results indicate also that optimal average heat transfer rate is obtained for Rayleigh number set to 10 6 and an inclination of 90° for both cases of the inner cylinder and lateral walls of cubical enclosure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is Part III of the series (Buczynski et al., 2016) concerning the mathematical modeling of HR/NR coke ovens and it formulates one-dimensional models describing combustion and heat transfer in the space above coking-bed (upper-oven), in down-comers and in sole-flues. The space above a coking-bed is modeled using the well-stirred reactor concept while other oven branches are modeled using the long plug-flow furnace concept. The numerical simulations indicate a slow mixing-controlled combustion of gaseous mixtures in the down-comers and in the sole-flue channels. Such a behavior is typical for industrial coke ovens. Thermal radiation is the main mechanism of heat transfer and it accounts for up to 90% of the overall heat transfer rate. The mathematical model calculates also the refractory temperatures and in some sole-flue branches they approach too high values which may render oven damages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A numerical model for heat and mass transfer in vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) under laminar flow was developed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Three-dimensional (3D) simulations of temperature and concentration polarization in single and multiple fibre VMD modules were used to estimate permeate flux (kg m −2 h −1 ) over a range of temperatures (30–70 °C), vacuum pressures (10–100 mmHg), crossflow velocities (0.0072–0.72 m/s), and feed concentrations (0–0.4 kg/L NaCl). Simulated flux differed by less than 7% from experimental data for a module with comparable dimensions. Simulations indicate that a 56% increase in fibre packing density resulted in a 24% flux decline at high operating temperature (70 °C), and more than 50% flux decline at low crossflow velocity (0.0072 m/s). The effect of vacuum pressure on flux was found to be independent to the module packing density, while the effect of salt concentration was found to be 28% lower than estimates based on Raoult's law, due to lower spatial variations in membrane surface temperatures at higher salt concentrations. The approach developed in this paper may be used to evaluate performance of alternative configurations for VMD models to aid module design, scale-up and process optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is focuses on the numerical simulation and analysis of coupled heat and mass transfer under ice formation conditions in the cross-flow plate heat exchanger. The simulation is performed using the original mathematical model. The presented model was validated against experimental data. The obtained results showed satisfactory agreement with the data obtained from the experimental measurements. Numerical simulation reveals many unique features of considered heat exchanger connected with the heat and mass transfer occurring in the return air channel under ice formation conditions. The results of computer simulation showed that the efficiency gains are sensitive to various inlet conditions, and allow for estimation of the safe operating conditions for different inlet return airflow parameters, based not only on the exhaust air temperature but also on its relative humidity and different thermal efficiency of the exchanger. Several goals were achieved, including: establishing the most unfavorable operating conditions (from the standpoint of ice formation on the plate surface of the return air channels) for cross-flow plate heat exchanger, which correspond to the inlet value of the return airflow dew point temperature equaled to 0 °C, impact of the ice formation on temperature effectiveness, impact of inlet relative humidity on temperature effectiveness and safe operating conditions and safe operating conditions for variety of inlet exhaust air parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy conversion devices undergo thermal loading during their operation as a result of inefficiencies in the energy conversion process. This will eventually lead to degradation and possible failure of the device if the heat generated is not properly managed. The ability to accurately predict the thermal behavior of such a device during the initial developmental stage is an important requirement. However, accurate predictions of critical temperature is challenging due to the variation of heat transfer parameters from one device to another. The ability to determine the model parameters is key to accurately representing the heat transfer in such a device. This paper presents the use of an inverse identification technique to estimate the model parameters of an energy conversion device designed for vehicular applications. To simulate the imperfect contact and the presence of insulating materials in the permanent magnet electric machine, thin material are introduced at the component interface of the numerical model. The proposed inverse identification method is used to estimate the equivalent thermal conductance of the thin material. In addition, the electromagnetic losses generated in the permanent magnet is also derived indirectly from the temperature measurement using the same method. With the thermal properties and input parameters of the numerical model obtained from the inverse identification method, the critical temperature of the device can be predicted more accurately. The deviation between the maximum measured and predicted winding temperature is less than 2.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates a mathematical simulation of the heat and mass transfer in the two different Maisotsenko Cycle (M-Cycle) heat and mass exchangers used for the indirect evaporative cooling in different air-conditioning systems. A two-dimensional heat and mass transfer model is developed to perform the thermal calculations of the indirect evaporative cooling process, thus quantifying the overall heat exchangers’ performance. The mathematical model was validated against the experimental data. Numerical simulations reveal many unique features of the considered units, enabling an accurate prediction of their performance. Results of the model allow for comparison of the two types of heat exchangers in different applications for air conditioning systems in order to obtain optimal efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laminar and turbulent forced convection heat transfer and flow characteristics of nanofluids in small smooth tubes are numerically simulated using two kinds of multiphase-flow models. The simulated results are compared with the experimental results from the published papers and the traditional predicting correlations to investigate the applicability of these models for nanofluids. The multiphase-flow models including mixture model and Eulerian model, and both of them belong to the well-known Euler–Euler model. The effects of various parameters such as Reynolds number and nanoparticles concentration on the heat transfer and flow characteristics are investigated and discussed in each model. The study results show that little deviation exists between the simulated results and the traditional predicting correlations for low concentration nanofluid, which indicates that low concentration nanofluid has no meaningful nano-effect on forced convection heat transfer. While, non-traditional fluid characteristics occur and increase with increasing the nanoparticles concentration, and the simulated results using special models of multiphase flow are closer to the experimental data than that of the traditional correlations, which means the multiphase flow models are more accurate than traditional correlations for high concentration nanofluid. Moreover, the numerical results also indicate that the drag coefficients of simulated results have only little difference less than 0.4% with that of experimental results for nanofluids in the laminar flow region. However, the drag coefficients of simulated results have a increase by about 60–22% compared with the experimental results in the turbulent flow region. As conclusion, the present study indicates that the two-phase models, including mixture model and Eulerian model, can predict the forced convection heat transfer and flow characteristics of nanofluid well, and have important implications for the application of nanofluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents the advanced object-oriented design of finite element representations in a complex multi-physics finite element environment OOFEM [1–3]. The focus is on reuse of existing single-physics capabilities when implementing elements for coupled simulations. This has been achieved by decoupling the description of element geometry, element problem specific capabilities, element interpolation, and integration schemes. The individual problem specific capabilities, represented by a hierarchy of classes derived form ElementEvaluator, can be assembled together to define an evaluator for coupled analysis. The presented design leads to an extremely flexible implementation, with clean modular design. The application is demonstrated on an implicit gradient formulation of a damage-plastic model and on coupled heat and mass transfer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper presents a new proposal of a discrete event simulation (DEVS) model for heat transfer in an enclosure. To our knowledge this is the first proposal in this direction, therefore the model is not comprehensive (has no windows, no ground coupling, etcetera). It is a first step of DEVS into the heat transfer in buildings. The model presented is just one possible implementation for a single thermal zone, although it has been designed to be used in multi-zone models. Common methods like CTF (conduction transfer functions) or RTF (response transfer functions) cannot be used. Instead it employs the successive transition state formulation for the 1D conduction heat transfer through multi-layered walls. An example test room has been calculated and the results compared with software that uses well known methods (CTF, RTF). Finally the DEVS model has been tested with a random convective internal-load signal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper deals with the development of a phenomenological combustion single zone model of Diesel engine. The aim of this work is to build a model suitable for HiL (Hardware in the Loop), and thus to be able to run in Real-Time applications. The combustion sub-model estimates the heat release rate by the sum of two algebraic expressions related to premixed and diffusive burning process. The Wiebe correlation has been used to model each algebraic expression of the combustion sub-model. The ignition delay time required by the combustion sub-model has been modeled through an Arrhenius correlation and an algebraic simple correlation. An extensive identification analysis has been performed to express their dependence with respect to engine operating conditions. The global model has been built with the constraints of computational CPU load that characterize the real time simulations. The accuracy of the model in predicting the in cylinder pressure has been tested over a large set of measurements at different engine operating conditions. The comparison of in-cylinder pressure profiles with experimental traces has shown that the Arrhenius expression is less accurate than the simple correlation. However, these two approaches may be used in real time modeling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present paper, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling study was performed for the combustion of the brown coal in a large-scale tangentially-fired furnace (550MW) under different operating conditions. The AVL Fire CFD code has been used to model the combustion processes. The mathematical models of coal combustion with the appropriate kinetic parameters were written and incorporated to the code as user defined functions. These models consist of pulverised coal (PC) devolatilization, char burnout, and heat and mass transfer. The simulation of the PC combustion was carried out using multi-step reaction chemistry mechanisms. The level of confidence of this numerical model was based on the previous validations of the lignite combustion in a lab-scale furnace, as well as the validation parameters of the present furnace at the standard existing conditions in terms of temperature values and species concentrations. Performance of the boiler under ten different operating conditions was investigated. The strategy of operation schemes for the first six combustion scenarios were based on the change of the out-of-service (turned off) burners under full load operation, while the rest cases were carried out at 20% lower and 20% higher loads than the standard operating conditions. The validated model was used to perform the following investigation parameters: furnace gas temperatures, species concentrations (O2, CO and CO2), velocity distributions, and char consumption. The predictions demonstrated that there are good temperature distributions in the furnace when the turned off burners are set in the opposite direction under full load operation. For higher aerodynamic effect, the numerical results showed improvements on the combustion characteristics in terms of species concentrations and char burnout rates in comparison with the standard operating case. The findings of this study provide good information to optimize the operations of the utility tangentially coal-fired boiler with less emission. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Air is a cheap and safe fluid, widely used in electronic, aerospace and air conditioning applications. Because of its poor heat transfer properties, it usually flows through extended surfaces, such as finned surfaces, to enhance the convective heat transfer. In this paper, experimental results are reviewed and numerical studies during turbulent air forced convection through extended surfaces are presented. The thermal and hydraulic behavior of a reference trapezoidal finned surface, experimentally evaluated by present authors in an open-circuit wind tunnel, has been compared with numerical simulations carried out by using the commercial CFD software COMSOL Multiphysics. Once the model has been validated, numerical simulations have been extended to other rectangular finned configurations, in order to study the effects of the fin thickness, fin pitch and fin height on the thermo-hydraulic behavior of the extended surfaces. Moreover, several pin fin surfaces have been simulated in the same range of operating conditions previously analyzed. Numerical results about heat transfer and pressure drop, both for plain finned surfaces and for pin fin surfaces, have been compared with empirical correlations from the open literature, and more accurate equations have been developed and proposed. As shown with an optimization example, these new equations can be used as an easy-to-implement calculation approach for heat sink design in electronic thermal management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper addresses results for the case of convective drying of particulate solids in a packed and in a fluid bed, analyzing agreement between the numerical results and the results of corresponding experimental investigation, as well as the differences between packed and fluid bed operation. In the fluid bed simulation model of unsteady simultaneous one-dimensional heat and mass transfer between solids, gas phase and bubble phase during drying process, based on two-phase bubbling model, it is assumed that the gas–solid interface is at thermodynamic equilibrium. The basic idea is to calculate heat and mass transfer between gas and particles (i.e., the drying process) in suspension phase as for a packed bed of particles, where the drying rate (evaporated moisture flux) of the specific product is calculated by applying the concept of a “drying coefficient”. Mixing of the particles (i.e., the impact onto the heat and mass transfer coefficients) in the case of fluid bed is taken into account by means of the diffusion term in the differential equations, using an effective particle diffusion coefficient. Model validation was done on the basis of the experimental data obtained with narrow fraction of poppy seeds characterized by mean equivalent particle diameter (dS , d =0.75mm), re-wetted with required (calculated) amount of water up to the initial moisture content (X 0 =0.54) for all experiments. Comparison of the drying kinetics, both experimental and numerical, has shown that higher gas (drying agent) temperatures, as well as velocities (flow-rates), induce faster drying. This effect is more pronounced for deeper beds, because of the larger amount of wet material to be dried using the same drying agent capacity. Bed temperature differences along the bed height are significant inside the packed bed, while in the fluid bed, for the same drying conditions, are almost negligible due to mixing of particles. Residence time is shorter in the case of a fluid bed drying compared to a packed bed drying. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper reports a study of steady-state heat transfer of gas and liquid flowing through a packed bed with spherical particles of 2.06mm and constant wall temperature with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFDs). The effect of gas and liquid flow rates on heat transfer in packed beds are discussed. The effective radial bed conductivity (λ er ) is calculated based on the steady-state two dimensional model. The results of the CFD simulations have been validated with experiments and they are in a good agreement. For most of the cases the results of the CFD simulations deviate from the experimental results not more than 10%. The results show that the effective radial bed conductivity increases with increase of the velocity of gas and liquid. In trickle flow regime the effective radial bed conductivity is much bigger than in a dry gas flow regime. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes the modelling and simulation of a wind-hydrogen system aimed at supplying electrical and thermal residential loads, where the thermal load is in part supplied by a catalytic hydrogen combustion device with hydrogen stored in a metal hydride system composed of a cluster of five metal hydride tanks equipped with a metal foam heat exchanger. The complete mathematical model has been developed from models available in literature and describing the different sub-systems that constitute the overall wind-hydrogen system. It has been later implemented in a multi-domain software environment to simulate system operations. Results over a year-long simulation show complete stand-alone capabilities, with an electrical efficiency and a combined heat and power efficiency of 8.2% and 12.5% respectively. At the end of the simulation period, a hydrogen annual surplus of 110.5 kg is left over which can, for instance, be used to feed a hydrogen powered car for about 9500 km. [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 deals with the numerical solution of a three-dimensional problem of non-isothermal moisture transfer in the anisotropic structure of wood and corresponding wood deformations in convective drying. The simulation is based on the unsteady-state nonlinear diffusion of moisture and heat with respect to the orthotropic nature of wood. The moisture gradient and the temperature gradient are set as driving forces for mass and heat transfer. The model respects the dependence of material coefficients on temperature and moisture, the Soret effect, the Duffour effect and the anisotropic nature of wood. A matrix form of the multiphysics model for FEM solver was derived and numerical simulations were performed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the system design and mathematical modeling on Multi-Effect Evaporation Forward-Feed (MEE-FF) seawater desalination system using hybrid Renewable Energy Sources (solar and wind) in Turkey. It will serve as a feasibility study on multi-effect evaporation seawater desalination system in 18 stations locating at on-shore regions of Turkey. This study illustrates the formulations developed for the mathematical modeling of MEE-FF seawater desalinating system, flat-plate collector and wind turbine. The system model includes the basic thermodynamic laws, continuity equation, heat transfer equations and the thermodynamic relations which are applied to each sub-system. A simulation program was built with Visual Basic programming language in order to achieve the objective. Hourly values of solar radiation flux on horizontal surface, ambient temperatures, wind velocities and seawater temperatures which have been measured for ten years (1999 to 2009) used for 18 stations to obtain more reliable and realistic simulation results. A system was designed and the design criteria for all sub-systems were developed to provide the interconnection among them. Simulation results of the developed mathematical models were compared with the literature, accordingly the yielded satisfactory results make feasible to compare the stations from the point of renewable energy potential. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a numerical modeling study of coupled thermodynamic, multiphase fluid flow and heat transport associated with underground compressed air energy storage (CAES) in lined rock caverns. Specifically, we explored the concept of using concrete lined caverns at a relatively shallow depth for which constructing and operation costs may be reduced if air tightness and stability can be assured. Our analysis showed that the key parameter to assure long-term air tightness in such a system was the permeability of both the concrete lining and the surrounding rock. The analysis also indicated that a concrete lining with a permeability of less than 1×10−18 m2 would result in an acceptable air leakage rate of less than 1%, with the operation pressure range between 5 and 8MPa at a depth of 100m. It was further noted that capillary retention properties and the initial liquid saturation of the lining were very important. Indeed, air leakage could be effectively prevented when the air-entry pressure of the concrete lining is higher than the operation air pressure and when the lining is kept at relatively high moisture content. Our subsequent energy-balance analysis demonstrated that the energy loss for a daily compression and decompression cycle is governed by the air-pressure loss, as well as heat loss by conduction to the concrete liner and surrounding rock. For a sufficiently tight system, i.e., for a concrete permeability of less than 1×10−18 m2, heat loss by heat conduction tends to become proportionally more important. However, the energy loss by heat conduction can be minimized by keeping the air-injection temperature of compressed air closer to the ambient temperature of the underground storage cavern. In such a case, almost all the heat loss during compression is gained back during subsequent decompression. Finally, our numerical simulation study showed that CAES in shallow rock caverns is feasible from a leakage and energy efficiency viewpoint. Our numerical approach and energy analysis will next be applied in designing and evaluating the performance of a planned full-scale pilot test of the proposed underground CAES concept. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper an improvement of the model CaRM (CApacity Resistance Model) is presented to consider the borehole thermal capacitance, both of the filling material of the borehole and of the heat carrier fluid inside the ground heat exchanger. Several models, numerical and analytical, are available in literature for short time step analyses of ground-coupled heat pump systems. According to the modelling for the surrounding ground, the new approach for the inside of the borehole is based on electrical analogy. In this study the double U-tube ground heat exchanger is analyzed. The new model has been validated by means of a commercial software based on the finite elements method as well as measurements of ground response test, using a suitable plant system. In this last comparison, the contribution of the thermal capacitance of the circulating fluid is investigated, since it is frequently neglected in short time step simulations. In both cases, there is agreement between the CaRM results and data from numerical simulations and measurements as well. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: With the study object of an 100kt/a SL-II ethylene cracking furnace, this paper used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method to carry out coupled simulation studies on the flow, combustion, radiative heat transfer and thermal cracking reaction processes in the cracking furnace. The standard k–ε two-equation model was applied to turbulence simulation. The finite-rate/eddy-dissipation model was used for modeling of non-premixed combustion of the bottom burners and premixed combustion of the sidewall burners. The Discrete Ordinates (DO) model was applied to the simulation of radiative heat transfer of furnace. The simulation results show the detailed information about velocity, temperature and concentration fields in the furnace and heat flux distribution on the reactor tubes skin. This work will provide a theoretical basis for the optimization of the geometrical structure and operational parameters of the cracking furnace. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A computational model is developed to describe the thermo-fluid-dynamic behaviour of a helically coiled steam generator device working with water and widely adopted in the nuclear industry. The discretized governing equations are coupled using an implicit step by step method. The mathematical model includes: a subcooled liquid region, a two-phase flow region, and a superheated vapour region (according to the once-through nature of the heat exchanger). All the flow variables (enthalpies, temperatures, pressures, vapour qualities, velocities, heat fluxes, etc.), together with the thermo-physical properties, are evaluated at each point of the grid in which the domain is discretized. A full-scale experimental investigation carried out at SIET thermal-hydraulics labs in Piacenza (Italy), and aimed at characterizing the fluid-dynamic behaviour of two-phase flows in helically coiled tubes, is referenced in the present paper. Two-phase pressure drops data reduction allowed optimizing a suitable form of the friction factor multiplier required by momentum balance equation. Comparisons of the numerical simulations with a wide range of two-phase pressure drops measurements (experiments conducted both in diabatic and adiabatic conditions) are shown in order to validate the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The gasification behavior of a fuel droplet has been studied. The convective heat transfer is focused on in most literature on droplet evaporation. In this paper, a mathematic model of droplet evaporation is improved. Considering the presence of simultaneous mass and heat transfer at the interface between phases, a proper heat transfer equation for droplet evaporation model is established. Based on the model, a computer simulation program was developed, and the predictions of the model are compared with the experimental data. Sample calculations show the capabilities of the model for droplet evaporation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to obtain a better reliability, consistency and accuracy of results obtained with a numerical simulation of an AMRR (active magnetic regenerator refrigerator), a dimensionless numerical model was developed, which can equally be used for determination of regenerator’s heat transfer coefficient and simulation of passive heat regenerators or AMRR operation. Regenerator’s heat transfer coefficient α f, is a crucial input parameter in the simulation of AMRR operation and has a primal effect on the outcome of a solution. This paper deals with a derived dimensionless model and discusses errors involved when using different models for heat transfer coefficient and AMRR operation simulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a numerical model conceived for a multi-physics evaluation of a magnetic refrigeration system. The model takes into account the variable magnetic field, the characteristics of the magnetocaloric materials (MCM) as well as the efficiency of the fluid flow heat transfer between the hot and the cold sources via the MCM. This model allows us to optimize these elements and to determine their impact on the overall performance of a magnetocaloric device. We present here a finite-difference model of AMRR cycles for a sub-unit of MCM crossed by micro-channels of fluid connected to cold and hot regenerative receivers. Thus, the calculation of the output parameters such as the temperature span, and thermal power passing from the cold receiver to the hot receiver has been performed. The influence of the geometry of the MCM and the fluid flow were investigated over the working domain highlighting the current technological achievements and indicating possible improvements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes the formulation adopted for the numerical simulation of the shaped metal deposition process (SMD) and the experimental work carried out at ITP Industry to calibrate and validate the proposed model. The SMD process is a novel manufacturing technology, similar to the multi-pass welding used for building features such as lugs and flanges on fabricated components (see Fig. 1a and b). A fully coupled thermo-mechanical solution is adopted including phase-change phenomena defined in terms of both latent heat release and shrinkage effects. Temperature evolution as well as residual stresses and distortions, due to the successive welding layers deposited, are accurately simulated coupling the heat transfer and the mechanical analysis. The material behavior is characterized by a thermo-elasto-viscoplastic constitutive model coupled with a metallurgical model. Nickel super-alloy 718 is the target material of this work. Both heat convection and heat radiation models are introduced to dissipate heat through the boundaries of the component. An in-house coupled FE software is used to deal with the numerical simulation and an ad-hoc activation methodology is formulated to simulate the deposition of the different layers of filler material. Difficulties and simplifying hypotheses are discussed. Thermo-mechanical results are presented in terms of both temperature evolution and distortions, and compared with the experimental data obtained at the SMD laboratory of ITP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper conveys a numerical simulation of an active enhancement device for natural convection in the interfin spaces of a fin array. A baseline solution for the non-enhanced situation revealed that the confinement created by the walls of adjacent fins and the base surface gave rise to a drastic reduction of the heat transfer coefficient values compared with those for the standard vertical plate. This outcome demonstrated the necessity for enhancement. The enhancement device investigated here communicated with the interfin space via an opening in the base surface. Enhancement was achieved by alternately introducing and extracting air into and from the space. The frequency of the introduction/extraction cycle was varied over values of 0, 10, 50, and 100Hz. For each of these cases, spatially local, cycle-averaged heat transfer coefficients were determined on the bounding surfaces of the interfin space and on the outboard surface of a fin that faced a large ambient space. Results were also obtained for the cycle- and spatially averaged coefficients. Even at a low oscillation frequency of 10Hz, the interfin heat transfer coefficients were significantly enhanced but not sufficiently to overcome the confinement effect. At 100Hz, the enhancement gave rise to coefficient values that are about 64 times greater than the unenhanced values. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The mathematical modeling and computer simulation have been widely used in the analysis of system''s dynamic characteristics, and often useful for system control. One of the popular methods for this purpose is the lumped parameter method. For flow boiling heat transfer system, the traditional lumped parameter modeling method has a problem that the heat transfer coefficients change suddenly at the boundary of coolant phase change. It can cause error. In this paper, an idea of flexibility model is developed to deal with the boundary problem and to improve the model of flow boiling heat transfer. The segments of coolant phase change''s boundary are identified, and the membership functions which are derived from Fuzzy Mathematics are used to derive approximate expressions of heat transfer coefficient in those regions. The continuity of heat transfer coefficient can be described by those expressions. The membership functions are derived from mathematical analysis and transformation. The result shows that this idea is feasible and the conclusion is practicable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An integrated model for the composting process was developed. The structure of the model is such that it can be implemented in any mixture of different substrates, even in the case of co-composting of a solid waste with industrial wastewater. This paper presents a mathematical formulation of the physicochemical and biological principles that govern the composting process. The model of the co-composting ecosystem included mass transfer, heat transfer and biological processes. The biological processes included in the model were hydrolysis of particulate substrates, microbial growth and death. Two microbial populations (bacteria and fungi) were selected using Monod kinetics. Growth limiting functions of inhibitory factors, moisture and dissolved oxygen were added in the Monod kinetics. The bacteria were considered to utilise the easy biodegradable carbon hydrolysis product, fungi the difficult one, while both could degrade the carbon of wastewater. The mass balances of the most important nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorous, were also included in this approach. Model computer simulations provided results that fitted satisfactory the experimental data. Conclusively, the model could be a useful tool for the prediction of the co-composting process performance in the future and could be used to assist in the operation of co-composting plants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the numerical simulation of heat transfer and solidification process in an industrial silicon directional solidification system. The energy efficiency in the production system is analyzed. The effects of the heating power and the position of the side insulation layer on the solidification interface position/shape are investigated. The numerical results indicate that the directional solidification of the silicon can be controlled by adjusting the heating power and moving the side insulation layer. The knowledge gained from the thermal analysis can be used to improve the energy efficiency in the current silicon production system. An easy method to detect the solidification interface shape was proposed and has been conceptually proven. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Unsteady natural convection in a reservoir model subject to constant cooling at the water surface is considered in this paper. In such a case, the unequal heat loss resulting from a varying water depth creates a horizontal temperature gradient which in turn drives a horizontal exchange flow between the coastal region and the main water body of the reservoir. Understanding of the flow mechanisms pertinent to this flow is important for predicting the transport of nutrients and pollutants across the reservoir. The present numerical simulations impose random perturbations at the water surface in order to trigger flow instabilities. First, numerical tests are carried out to investigate the flow response to different perturbation amplitudes. These tests reveal a linear range of the flow response to the perturbations. Subsequently, the transient flow development at different stages is described in details based on numerical data, and the effects of the Grashof number on the unsteady flow are examined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work presents a numerical solution of Burgers’ equation using the Network Simulation Method, a method that has been used previously to solve problems of heat transfer through the electro-thermal analogy. In this paper, the analogy is extended to velocity, providing an electro-motion analogy. This method permits the direct visualisation of the local and/or integrated transport variables (velocities, temperatures, fluxes) at any point or section of the medium. It also permits both transient and steady-state problems to be solved simultaneously, while programming does not require the manipulation of sophisticated mathematical software that is inherent in other numerical methods. The accuracy and effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by comparing the results with the information existing in the literature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents a mathematical model based on a three-phase theory, which is used to describe the mass and heat transfer between the gas and solids phases in a batch fluidised bed dryer. In the model, it is assumed that the dilute phase (i.e., bubble) is plug flow while the interstitial gas and the solid particles are considered as being perfectly mixed. The thermal conductivity of wet particles is modelled using a serial and parallel circuit. The moisture diffusion in wet particles was simulated using a numerical finite volume method. Applying a simplified lumped model to a single solid particle, the heat and mass transfer between the interstitial gas and solid phase is taken into account during the whole drying process as three drying rate periods: warming-up, constant rate and falling-rate. The effects of the process parameters, such as particle size, gas velocity, inlet gas temperature and relative humidity, on the moisture content of solids in the bed have been studied by numerical computation using this model. The results are in good agreement with experimental data of heat and mass transfer in fluidised bed dryers. The model will be employed for online simulation of a fluidised bed dryer and for online control. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents the results of a mathematical and computer model used to predict building indoor wall heat fluxes. The model is based on an energy balance approach that uses conduction transfer functions (CTF) and simplified solar heat gain calculations via solar heat gain factors (SHGF). The model was implemented via computer programming. The purpose of the research was to produce an accurate model driven by only a time series set of measured outdoor and indoor air temperatures. In addition to the model, an experimental test set up was constructed and instrumented to gather data for verifying the model. It was found that the energy balance/CTF/SHGF enabled heat fluxes to be predicted with accepted degrees of accuracy, from which space cooling and heating loads as well as building energy could be estimated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]