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Abstract: Heat transfer by natural convection occurs in many physical problems and engineering applications such as geothermal systems, heat exchangers, petroleum reservoirs and nuclear waste repositories. These problems and phenomena are modeled by ordinary or partial differential equations. In most cases, experimental solutions cannot be applied to these problems, so these equations should be solved using special techniques. Recently, much attention has been devoted to these methods to construct analytic solutions; such as the perturbation method. Perturbation techniques are dependent upon small parameter. Thus, it is worthwhile developing a new technique independent of small parameter. The Reconstruction of Variational Iteration Method technique is a powerful and convenient algorithm in finding the solutions for the equations. While this method is capable of reducing the size of calculation, it overcomes the difficulty of the perturbation technique or Adomian polynomials by applying Laplace Transform. In this paper an analysis has been performed to study the natural convection of a non-Newtonian fluid between two infinite parallel vertical flat plates and the effects of the non-Newtonian nature of fluid on the heat transfer are studied. In order to compare with exact solution, velocity and temperature profiles are shown graphically. The obtained results are valid with significant accuracy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes the analysis of a real case of multiple Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage systems. The Hague, the capital city of the province of South Holland in the Netherlands, is densely populated with many ATES systems. A total of 19 ATES systems are installed in an area of 3.8 km2 with a total of 76 functioning wells. The analysis focuses on the development of a coupled groundwater flow and heat transfer model over a period of 10 years. Results are then post-processed to evaluate efficiency of each individual well and system. Efficiency of the ATES systems has ranged between 68% and 87%. The analysis showed that efficiency tends, in general, to increase over time and stabilize at an asymptotic value after few years. Analysis of interference among individual wells of an ATES system and wells of other systems showed that interference could, in fact, have a positive impact on the efficiency of a well/system. Interference can increase efficiency of an ATES system since it can help in trapping energy (cold or warm) within the capture zone of all operating ATES systems. In the study area, the interference phenomenon affects efficiency, in general, positively where it increases the efficiency of individually operating wells by a maximum of 20%. However, the phenomenon also affects efficiency of some wells negatively where it reduces the efficiency of individually operating wells by a maximum of 25%. In average, systems in the study area are positively affected by interferences among each other with an overall average of 3.2% for all wells (over the 10 years operation period). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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: The Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) is the most common type of high-temperature solar thermal technology, in which the heat transfer fluid is usually synthetic oil, molten salt or water/steam. Experiences in existing plants have shown some operating problems with all these types of fluid, which limit solar to thermal efficiency and increase power plant costs. To solve such constraints an innovative solar Transparent Parabolic Through Collector (TPTC) working with gas-based nanofluid has been proposed and investigated in the present paper. Transparent receivers combined with gas-based nanofluids were found to be able to directly adsorb solar radiation due to the very high total surface of nanoparticles. The use of directly radiated nanoparticles allows compensating the relatively low heat transfer coefficient typical of gaseous heat transfer fluids with an increase of the exchange surface. Yet to allow a complete absorption of the solar energy within the transparent receiver tube a proper mixture of CuO and Ni nanoparticles has been designed. The proposed solar collector has been modelled by means of a discretized in space model to simplify the description of the behaviour of the physical system under the assumptions of quasi steady state conditions. The above-mentioned model has then been used to run an optimization procedure to define the main geometrical and operational parameters of the TPTC. Simulations have shown that the maximum TPTC solar to thermal efficiency is 62.5%, for a nanofluid outlet temperature of 650 °C and a nanoparticles volume concentration of 0.3%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a parametric study on instantaneous heat transfer of a direct-injection hydrogen-fueled engine using a multidimensional model. A simplified single-step mechanism was considered for estimating the reaction rate of hydrogen oxidation. The modified wall-function was used for resolving the near-wall transport. An arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian algorithm was adopted for solving the governing equations. Experimental measurements were implemented to verify the developed model. They show that the instantaneous heat-transfer model is sufficiently accurate. The influence of engine speed, equivalence ratio, and the start of injection timing were investigated. The flow fields appeared to have greater size vectors and coarser distribution with an increase of engine speed. A heterogeneous distribution was obtained for an ultra-lean mixture condition (φ ≤ 0.5), which decreased with an increase of equivalence ratio. There was no pronounced influence of the start of injection on the flow field pattern and mixture homogeneity. Thermal field analysis was used to demonstrate trends in the instantaneous heat transfer. It was observed that there was a crucial distinction between the lean and ultra-lean mixtures as well as the engine speed. Furthermore, a non-uniform behavior was found for the impact of the equivalence ratio on temperature distribution. It is clear that the developed models are powerful tools for estimating the heat transfer of the hydrogen-fueled engine. The developed predictive correlation is highly accurate in predicting the heat transfer of the hydrogen-fueled engine, focusing on the equivalence ratio as a governing variable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thermal modeling of some nano-scale devices requires attention to multiple length scales and physical phenomena, ranging from continuum level heat diffusion to atomic-scale interactions and phonon confinement. At the nanometer-scale, thermal phenomena such as ballistic phonon transport may be important. The present paper uses a multiscale thermal modeling approach including diffusion in the Boltzmann Transport Equation (BTE) to study heat transport in several applications like Silicon on Insulator transistors, Si thin films with heat pulse, a Si thin film sandwiched between two bulk layers of Silicon dioxide as in solar cells. Analytical solutions of both a multilayered Fourier model and a simple gray BTE with and without a diffusion term in the steady state are computed. Thermal modeling and analysis of some of these applications is performed using the COMSOL Multiphysics finite element software package. The BTE model with and without diffusion for multilayers is discussed for interface conditions involving reflectance and transmittance of phonons. The results obtained from the models are compared to existing published results for Si/Si, Si/Diamond layers and are found to be in good agreement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Wet method is a promising method to fabricate VIP core materials. [•] A multiphase medium model was established in this paper. [•] We analyzed the moisture and heat transfer characteristics during convection drying. [•] We compared the distinctions among different drying conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study investigates the dynamic functioning of a new solar desalination process based on the humidification/dehumidification (HD) principle. The design and the principle of working of the desalination system are described. The paper deals with the modeling, simulation aspects, and experimental validation of the main components of the system. Mathematical models were established including the mechanism of heat and mass transfer in the various components. These models use real meteorological data to predict the performance of a thermal solar driven system. Series of experiments were conducted and experimental results were then compared with the simulation results. Our findings showed that the developed models could be used to design and help in predicting the behavior of the installation in various meteorological conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present paper describes a mathematical study on peristaltic flow of viscoelastic fluids (with the robust Jeffrey model) through a finite length channel under the influence of heat transfer. The study is motivated by the need to further elucidate the mechanisms inherent in swallowing of diverse food bolus types (bread, fruit jam and almost all edible semi-solids) through the oesophagus, by taking account of the viscous and elastic effects. The expressions for temperature field, axial velocity, transverse velocity, volume flow rate, pressure gradient, local wall shear stress, mechanical efficiency, stream function, and reflux limit are obtained, when the Reynolds number is small and the wavelength is large, by using appropriate analytical and numerical methods. The computational results are presented in graphical form. The influence of thermophysical (heat transfer), relaxation time and retardation time parameters on pressure distribution, local wall shear stress profiles, temperature profiles and velocity profiles are studied in detail. Furthermore we investigate the effects of these parameters on two inherent phenomena (reflux and trapping) characterizing peristaltic flow using streamline plots. The present study emphasizes an important observation, namely that pressure along the entire length of the channel reduces when the magnitude of relaxation time (retardation time is fixed) or Grashof number or indeed thermal conductivity increase, whereas pressure is enhanced by increasing the magnitude of retardation time (relaxation time is fixed). [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: This paper presents a novel superstructure and optimization model for the simultaneous synthesis of process water and heat exchanger networks. This superstructure combines the water network and heat exchanger network using interconnecting hot and cold streams. The water network has been extended for both direct and indirect heat exchanges. In addition, opportunities for heat integration between hot and cold streams, splitting and mixing of the freshwater and wastewater streams are incorporated within the superstructure. The proposed model is formulated as a non-convex MINLP (mixed-integer non-linear program), where the objective is to minimize the total annual costs of the network. A new convex hull formulation is presented for identifying the streams' roles within the network. Three examples involving single and multiple contaminant problems are presented in order to illustrate the applicability and capabilities of the proposed superstructure and model. In all cases the resultant networks exhibit lower total annual costs, whilst the freshwater and utilities consumption are the same as reported in the literature. In addition, novel designs for heat-integrated process water networks with smaller or same number of heat exchangers are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper deals with the determination of dried cake resistance in a freeze-drying process using the Smart Soft Sensor, a process analytical technology recently proposed by the authors to monitor the primary drying stage of a freeze-drying process. This sensor uses the measurement of product temperature, a mathematical model of the process, and the Kalman filter algorithm to estimate the residual amount of ice in the vial as a function of time, as well as the coefficient of heat transfer between the shelf and the product and the resistance of the dried cake to vapor flow. It does not require expensive (additional) hardware in a freeze-dryer, provided that thermocouples are available. At first, the effect of the insertion of the thermocouple in a vial on the structure of the product is investigated by means of experimental tests, comparing both sublimation rate and cake structure in vials with and without thermocouple. This is required to assess that the temperature measured by the thermocouple is the same of the product in the non-monitored vials, at least in a non-GMP environment, or when controlled nucleation methods are used. Then, results about cake resistance obtained in an extended experimental campaign with aqueous solutions containing different excipients (sucrose, mannitol and polyvinylpyrrolidone), processed in various operating conditions, are presented, with the goal to point out the accuracy of the proposed methodology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Metal foams are a class of cellular structured materials with open cells randomly oriented and mostly homogeneous in size and shape. In the last decade, several authors have discussed the interesting heat transfer capabilities of these materials as enhanced surfaces for air conditioning, refrigeration, and electronic cooling applications. This paper experimentally characterizes twenty-one aluminum and copper foam samples with different number of pores per linear inch (PPI), which vary between 5 and 40 and with porosity ranging between 0.896 and 0.956; samples of different heights (20 and 40mm) have been studied. The most important parameters both geometrical (porosity, pore density, and foam core height) and operative (air mass flow rate, imposed heat flux) affecting the heat transfer and fluid flow behavior of these enhanced surfaces are analyzed and discussed. The results are presented with reference to different performance parameters: overall and interstitial heat transfer coefficients, foam finned surface efficiency, normalized mean wall temperature, pumping power per area density, and pressure gradient. From the experimental measurements two correlations for the heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop calculations have been developed, validated and here proposed. These models can be successfully used to optimize different foam heat exchangers for any given application. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The development of two analytical models that describe the thermal behaviour of solar air heaters of double-parallel flow and double-pass counter flow is presented. Based on the local energy balances, algebraic expressions for the efficiency factor F′ and the overall heat loss coefficient, U L , as well as air temperature distributions along the collectors were obtained. In addition, the expressions of the mean temperatures of the two air streams and of the absorber plate were determined. The model corresponding to the solar collector with double-parallel flow predicts that the mass flow of air flowing between the absorber plate and the transparent cover is greater than the mass flow circulating through the other channel. The model corresponding to the solar collector of double-pass counter flow indicates that increasing the airflow proportionally increases the percentage temperature rise in the inlet channel. The analytical expressions developed are valuable tools that can be included in computational codes for the design and thermal analysis of solar air heating facilities or to improve current facilities. The paper include a graphic to estimate the heat transfer coefficients involved in energy balances. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on finite-time thermodynamics, a comparative performance analysis of air standard Dual and Dual-Atkinson cycles with heat-transfer loss, friction like term losses and variable specific-heats of the working fluid have been performed. Also the effects of heat loss, as characterized by a percentage of the fuel’s energy, friction and variable specific-heats of the working fluid, on performance of the mentioned irreversible cycles are analyzed. Moreover, detailed numerical examples show the relations between the power output and the compression ratio, between the thermal efficiency and the compression ratio, as well as the optimal relation between the power output and the thermal efficiency of cycles. Results show the importance of consideration of heat loss effects on the both cycles’ performance. Also performance comparison of two cycles show that heat efficiency and power output of a Dual-Atkinson cycle are higher than a Dual cycle’s ones. The results obtained from this paper will provide guidance for the design of Dual-Atkinson engines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: One of the main drawbacks in modeling absorption chillers is the lack of justified hypotheses of heat and mass diffusion in an annular flow on the outer surface of horizontal tubes. Heat and mass transfer in diffusion is a three-dimensional problem with vector characteristics. This paper introduces the characterization of vapor–absorbent heat and mass transfer phenomena in three dimensional space to obtain steady state simulation results for single effect LiBr–H2O absorption chillers. It is thus possible for the first time to ascertain in the simulation that the heat and mass transfer characteristics are not uniform throughout the solution film. The diffusion boundary layer gradually becomes thicker towards the downstream tubes, which has previously been assumed but never confirmed in simulations. The radial component of the concentration field exhibits a potential for determining an optimum film thickness which enhances the system performance. The ability to use the proposed model with various absorbents and different cooling capacities increases its applicability. The model also offers the possibility to analyze different firing techniques at different temperatures. All the simulation results are consistent with the experimental data found in the literature. [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: There are two different ways to model reactive transport: ad hoc and innovative reaction-based approaches. The former, such as the Kd simplification of adsorption, has been widely employed by practitioners, while the latter has been mainly used in scientific communities for elucidating mechanisms of biogeochemical transport processes. It is believed that innovative mechanistic-based models could serve as protocols for environmental remediation as well. This paper reviews the development of a mechanistically coupled fluid flow, thermal transport, hydrologic transport, and reactive biogeochemical model and example-applications to environmental remediation problems. Theoretical bases are sufficiently described. Four example problems previously carried out are used to demonstrate how numerical experimentation can be used to evaluate the feasibility of different remediation approaches. The first one involved the application of a 56-species uranium tailing problem to the Melton Branch Subwatershed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) using the parallel version of the model. Simulations were made to demonstrate the potential mobilization of uranium and other chelating agents in the proposed waste disposal site. The second problem simulated laboratory-scale system to investigate the role of natural attenuation in potential off-site migration of uranium from uranium mill tailings after restoration. It showed inadequacy of using a single Kd even for a homogeneous medium. The third example simulated laboratory experiments involving extremely high concentrations of uranium, technetium, aluminum, nitrate, and toxic metals (e.g., Ni, Cr, Co). The fourth example modeled microbially-mediated immobilization of uranium in an unconfined aquifer using acetate amendment in a field-scale experiment. The purposes of these modeling studies were to simulate various mechanisms of mobilization and immobilization of radioactive wastes and to illustrate how to apply reactive transport models for environmental remediation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to study the influence of moisture transfer on the wall internal surface temperature, a coupled heat and moisture transfer transient model was proposed in this paper. Relative humidity and temperature were chosen as the driving potentials. The accuracy of the proposed model was verified by comparing the simulated results with the experimental data. By employing the developed model, the internal surface temperature of walls made of different materials was evaluated under the constant and variable boundary conditions. The results show that the effect of moisture transfer on the wall internal surface temperature is significant. When the moisture transfer is taken into account, the internal surface temperature has cooling effect on the indoor air and is beneficial to improve the indoor thermal environment during the working hours in summer, which lays a scientific basis for low energy building design. [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: This paper presents results obtained from a numerical simulation for the horizontal slinky-loop heat exchanger of a ground-source heat pump system. A three-dimensional numerical model was developed and the results of the thermal performance of various heat exchanger configurations are presented. The investigation was carried out on five types of loop pitch (loop spacing), three types of loop diameter, three values of soil thermal properties, and allowing continuous and intermittent operation. Comparison was made for the heat transfer rate, the amount of pipe material needed, as well as excavation work required for the horizontal slinky-loop heat exchanger. The results indicate that system parameters have a significant effect on the thermal performance of the system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we developed a mathematical model to numerically analyze the coal pyrolysis and heat transfer inside a heated coal particle. The distributed activation energy model (DAEM) was used to depict the coal pyrolysis. The heat transfer and temperature variation of a coal particle were modeled with a transient energy conservation equation. The endothermic effect of decomposition and the transpirational convective heat transfer were taken into account in the model. We firstly validated the coupled comprehensive model with published experimental data of both pulverized coal and large particles. Then, the temperature history and coal pyrolysis of coal particle heated were numerically analyzed. To physically understand the transient temperature and volatile evolution of coal particle, we clarified the effects of endothermic of pyrolysis, transpirational convection and particle size. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, a magnesium (Mg) reduction model considering both heat transfer and chemical reaction kinetics was firstly developed. The reduction model was carried out on a single retort to investigate the impact of different constant heating temperature on the magnesium reduction process in the retort. And then, the reduction model was incorporated into the conventional coal combustion model to describe the process of magnesium production in a coal-fired furnace. The comprehensive model was solved according to the actual industrial operation. The characteristics of magnesium production in the coal-fired furnace, such as thermal-flow field around the retorts in the furnace, the distribution of magnesium reduction extent in the retorts and the total extent of magnesium reduction with time were in detail studied. Especially, the impact of external thermal-flow around the retorts on the extent of magnesium reduction was investigated and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper a fictitious domain method is used to study the local heat transfer from an isothermal circular cylinder at low to moderate Reynolds numbers in order to provide a high quality correlation for the calculation of the local Nusselt numbers. A trigonometric series with 13 coefficients is found to best describe the local Nusselt number curves. A 5th order 2D polynomial in terms of Reynolds and Prandtl numbers is then used to provide a correlation for each of the 13 coefficients. A very high resolution database consisting of 25 Reynolds numbers from 10 to 250 in increments of 10, and 24 Prandtl numbers from 0.1 to 40 comprising a total of 600 simulations is used for the modeling. In addition to the 5th order polynomials cubic interpolants are also used to provide highly accurate fits. The maximum error in calculating the average Nusselt number is always less that 2.5% for the cubic interpolants and is 10% maximum for the 5th order polynomials. [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: Common approaches to the simulation of borehole heat exchangers assume heat transfer within the circulating fluid and grout to be in a quasi-steady state and ignore axial conduction heat transfer. This paper presents a numerical model that is three-dimensional, includes explicit representations of the circulating fluid and other borehole components, and so allows calculation of dynamic behaviours over short and long timescales. The model is formulated using a finite volume approach using multi-block meshes to represent the ground, pipes, fluid and grout in a geometrically correct manner. Validation and verification exercises are presented that use both short timescale data to identify transport delay effects, and long timescale data to examine the modelling of seasonal heat transfer and show the model is capable of predicting outlet temperatures and heat transfer rates accurately. At long timescales borehole heat transfer seems well characterized by the mean fluid and borehole wall temperature if the fluid circulating velocity is reasonably high but at lower flow rates this is not the case. Study of the short timescale dynamics has shown that nonlinearities in the temperature and heat flux profiles are noticeable over the whole velocity range of practical interest. The importance of representing the thermal mass of the grout and the dynamic variations in temperature gradient as well as the fluid transport within the borehole has been highlighted. Implications for simplified modelling approaches are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The OpenSees framework has been extended to deal with frame structures under fire conditions. OpenSees is an object-oriented, open source software framework developed at UC Berkeley and has so far been focused on providing an advanced computational tool for analyzing the non-linear response of structural frames subjected to seismic excitations. New classes defining time-dependent temperature distributions in the cross-section of members have been created and OpenSees material classes have been modified to include temperature dependent properties based on the Eurocode. New functions and interfaces have been added into existing element and section classes to calculate the member actions due to arbitrary thermal loading taking into account material degradation with increasing temperature for non-linear analyses. This paper reports on a number of benchmark tests to ascertain the performance of the new codes implemented in OpenSees for beams, frames, and plate structures. The analysis procedures being developed for structures exposed to fire in OpenSees will make it easier for users to define temperature-dependent material properties and allow for arbitrary non-uniform temperature distributions across and along an element by interfacing a fire and heat transfer analysis module also being developed for OpenSees. This work will also enable the modeling of earthquake damaged structural frames subjected to a subsequent fire. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cold-formed thin-walled steel sections are usually used as the load-bearing elements of wall panels in building construction. Such panels consist of channel steel sections with gypsum plasterboard layers attached to the flanges on the outside and interior insulation. This paper proposes a simple method to calculate temperature distributions in the steel section when the panel is exposed to fire from one side. This method calculates the average temperatures in the flanges of the steel section and assumes that the temperature in the web is linear. The proposed method is based on simple heat balance analysis for a few nodes representing the key components of the panel. The thermal resistance of these nodes is obtained from the weighted average of thermal resistances in an effective width of the panel within which heat transfer in the panel width direction is assumed to occur. The effective width of the panel for calculating the weighted average of thermal resistances can be taken as the steel section flange width plus 15% of the difference between 300mm and the flange width of the steel section. Validity of the proposed method has been checked by comparison of the temperature results between the proposed 1-D modelling and 2-D ABAQUS Finite Element modelling for an extensive set of parametric and sensitivity studies covering different steel section dimensions (width, depth, thickness and lips), different spacing between steel section, number of gypsum layers (1 or 2) and different interior insulation properties. Further assessment of accuracy of the proposed temperature calculation method has been provided by comparing compressive resistance of the steel studs between using temperature profiles produced by 2-D ABAQUS Finite Element simulation and by using the proposed simplified method. Although the simplified method still requires a numerical procedure, it is extremely easy to implement to give designers of this structural system a much more efficient tool than using Finite Element simulations to calculate its fire resistance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a methodology combining experimental measurements with computational modeling to find the heat flux extracted during spray cooling of a metal surface. Controlled experiments are performed to impinge air-mist spray onto a metal probe surface while applying induction heating to follow a desired temperature history. A transient axisymmetric computational model of induction heating which couples electromagnetics and heat conduction has been developed and validated with a test problem. The model is calibrated to match transient dry measurements and then used to simulate a steady-state air-mist spray cooling experiment in order to quantify the heat extracted from the probe surface by the boiling water droplets. A detailed example is presented to illustrate this approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper focuses on the mathematical modeling and optimization of Multi-Effect Evaporation plants (MEE). A simplified and detailed enough model to accurately predict the MEE system performance is presented. The model is highly nonlinear and it is based on mass and energy balances which are derived from a superstructure. The superstructure involves several process configurations which have to be simultaneously optimized to determine the best stream flow-patterns (synthesis), the size of each evaporation effect (sizing) and the operating conditions of the whole process. Beside the conventional configuration, the model also includes different alternative flow-patterns for the distillate and the vapor streams. An equation-oriented environment was selected to develop and implement the model, allowing different application instances, such as simulation, sensitivity analysis and optimization, to be easily performed. Simulation results have shown a good agreement with realistic design data and other authors'' results. A ranking of the model parameters is presented according to their impact on the heat transfer area. Moreover, optimization results showed that the modification of the flow patterns improve the process performance, reducing the process specific total heat transfer area in about 5% compared to the optimal value of the conventional case. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper concerns mathematical and numerical modeling of thermal phenomena accompanying single laser and laser-arc hybrid butt welding of steel sheets. Coupled heat transfer and fluid flow in the fusion zone were described respectively by transient heat transfer equation and Navier–Stokes equation. Laser beam and electric arc heat sources were modeled using different heat source power distributions. Latent heat associated with the material’s state changes, buoyancy forces and liquid material flow through a porous medium were taken into account in considerations. Differential governing equations were numerically solved using projection method combined with finite volume method. Elaborated solution algorithm was implemented into computer solver used for simulation of heat transfer and fluid flow during welding. The geometry of the weld and heat affected zone as well as cooling rates were estimated on the basis of numerically obtained temperature field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper investigates the effect of implementing a varying effective thermal conductivity term on heat transfer simulations within a metal hydride (MH) reactor. The work presented utilises a 1D transient heat transfer analysis comparing simulations either with a fixed effective thermal conductivity or a varying effective thermal conductivity. This builds on previously published work in the literature that has investigated varying effective thermal conductivity for metal hydrides at a single point. The results of these simulations are compared to experimental work for validation. The 1D simulation results clearly show that the varying effective thermal conductivity term more closely matches experimental results compared to the fixed effective thermal conductivity term. The results show that whilst a 1D simplification within the model may be valid in a bed some distance from the heating source, there are issues close to the heating source. It is speculated that neglect of losses outside of the 1D assumption are the cause of these issues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper a numerical model to analyze the thermal behaviour of vertical ground heat exchangers with a helical shaped pipe is presented. This type of configuration can be a suitable alternative to conventional ground heat exchangers, especially when the heating and cooling loads of the building are very low. The model describes the heat transfer problem by means of a network of interconnected thermal resistances and capacitances. Moreover, as the investigated ground heat exchanger is usually installed in shallow depth, the model takes into account the interaction between the ground and the ambient environment which affects the fluid heat carrier temperature into the heat exchanger and, as a consequence, the energy efficiency of the heat pump. After a sensitivity analysis on the mesh parameters, the presented model is compared with experimental data and the simulation results show good agreement with the measurements. Finally, analyses to investigate the influence of the weather conditions, of the axial heat transfer and of the pitch between the turns of the helical pipe for two types of ground are carried out. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The continuous development of electronic devices requires optimum solutions for heat dissipation. This prompts the needs to the development of novel polymer composites that possess high thermal conductivity and high electrical resistivity. This paper discusses the challenges in this research area and some potential strategies to solve the problems. In this work, a thermal conductivity analyzer was designed and implemented to measure the effective thermal conductivity of composites with heterogeneous structures. An analytical model was developed to simulate the effect of contents of spherical fillers on the effective thermal conductivity of the composites. Using the developed model, together with experimentally-measured effective thermal conductivity of various composites, a semi-empirical approach was developed to estimate the thermal interfacial resistance at the polymer–filler interface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper a two-dimensional model of an annular cylindrical reactor filled with metal hydride suitable for hydrogen storage is presented. Comparison of the computed bed temperatures with published experimental data shows a reasonably good agreement except for the initial period. Effects of hydrogen pressure and external fluid temperatures on heat transfer and entropy generation are obtained. Results show that the time required for hydrogen charging and discharging is higher when the thermal capacity of the reactor wall is considered. The time required for absorption and desorption can be reduced significantly by varying the hydrogen gas pressure and external fluid temperatures. However, along with reduction in time the entropy generated during hydrogen storage and discharge increases significantly. Results also show that for the given input conditions, heat transfer between the external fluid and hydride bed is the main source of entropy generation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This article is about heat transport limitation standard-used construction wick heat pipes with various working fluids operating at temperatures from −30 °C to 140 °C. In this paper is the proposal and verification of a mathematical model for calculating heat transport limitations of heat pipe. The calculations of the various variants of the wick structure of heat pipe and working fluid are presented in diagrams as a dependency of the heat transport limitations on the working temperature. In the conclusion, the effect of these limits on the cooling power of the heat pipe is evaluated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a three-dimensional model describing thermal and hydrodynamic characteristics of a Microtube heat sink with tangential impingement with nanoencapsulated phase change materials (NEPCM) slurry as coolant. In this study, octadecane for NEPCM and polyalphaolefin (PAO) is used as a base fluid. The continuity, momentum, and energy equations are solved using a finite volume method. The model is validated by comparing results with available data in the literature. The effects of dominant parameters including mass concentration and melting range of NEPCM as well as Reynolds number on temperature uniformity, thermal resistance, Nusselt number, pressure drop and generated entropies in the system are investigated. Results indicated that adding NEPCM to base fluid leads to considerable heat transfer enhancement. However, using NEPCM slurry as coolant has also induced drastic effects on the pressure drop that increases with mass concentration and Reynolds number. It was found that that an increase in nanoparticles mass concentration, inlet Reynolds number and melting range of NEPCM, results in a higher Nusselt number, better temperature uniformity and lower thermal resistance. Furthermore, the effects of different parameters on slurry entropy production are demonstrated. It is found that generated total entropy decreases with increasing mass concentration and Reynolds number. [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: Phase change material (PCM) suspensions have received wide spread attention for increased thermal storage in various thermal systems such as heat sinks for electronics and solar thermal applications. To achieve further heat transfer enhancement, this paper investigates the effect of focusing micron-sized phase-change particles (PCMs) to a layer near the heated wall of a parallel plate channel. A numerical model for fully-developed laminar flow with a constant heat flux applied to one wall is developed. Melting of the focused PCMs is incorporated using a temperature-dependent effective heat capacity. The effect of channel height, height of the focused PCM stream, heat flux, and fluid properties on the peak local Nusselt number (Nu∗ ) and the averaged Nusselt number over the melting length (Numelt ) are investigated. Compared to the thermally-developed Nusselt number for this geometry (Nuo =5.385), Numelt and Nu∗ enhancements of 8% and 19% were determined, respectively. The local heat transfer performance is optimized when the PCMs are confined to within 30% of the channel height. The present work provides an extended understanding of local heat transfer characteristics during melting of flowing PCM suspensions, and offers a new method for enhancing heat transfer performance in various thermal-fluidic systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thermal stratification in solar energy storage tanks plays an important role in enhancing the performance of solar domestic hot water systems. The mixing that occurs when hot fluid from the solar collector enters the top of the tank is detrimental to the stratification. Mathematical models that are used for system analysis must therefore be able to capture the effects of this inlet jet mixing in order to accurately predict system performance. This paper presents a computational study of the heat transfer and fluid flow in a thermal storage tank of a solar domestic hot water system with a vertical inlet under negative buoyant plume conditions. The effects of parameters such as the fluid inlet velocity and temperature as well as inlet pipe diameter on the thermal mixing were considered. The work culminated in the development of a one-dimensional empirical model capable of predicting the transient axial temperature distribution inside the thermal storage tank. Predictions from the new model were in good agreement with both experimental data and detailed computational fluid dynamics predictions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper deals with modeling the convective drying process. A relevant and reliable mathematical model that captures the history and distribution of temperature is presented. The attention is focused on the simultaneous heat and mass transfer occurring during drying where dry and hot air flows about the food. In the present study, external resistance to mass transfer is considered negligible. As a result, the drying curve is almost independent of the boundary conditions, which means that drying is diffusion-controlled. The main connotation of present study regards to undertake analytical procedure to establish the novel model for practical applications. The results show that the temperature evolution can be evaluated from an advanced analytical solution in a quick and efficient manner. The model is validated with the literature experimental data obtained for carrot and mango slabs. A good agreement is obtained between the model predictions and the available experimental results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present work presents a model (Fin1Dx3) for air-to-refrigerant microchannel condensers and gas coolers, with any refrigerant circuitry. The model applies a segment-by-segment discretization to the heat exchanger, adding in each segment a novel bi-dimensional discretization to the fluids flow, fin and tube wall. Fin1Dx3 introduces a new approach to model the air-side heat transfer by using a composed function for the fin wall temperature, which allows to take into account more fundamentally the heat conduction between tubes. The proposed model accounts for: 2D longitudinal heat conduction in the tube wall, the heat conduction between tubes along the fin, and the unmixed air influence on performance. The paper presents the heat exchanger discretization, the governing equations, the numerical scheme employed to discretize equations and the solving methodology. The model has been validated against experimental data for both a condenser and a gas cooler, resulting in predicted capacity errors within ±5%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sufficient downhole steam equality is important for the success of steam injection performance. In this paper, a system model is developed to predict steam quality with variable (T, P) fields in steam injection wells. In particular, the formation temperature, which changes over time, was examined. A hybrid algorithm for solving the model is used, along with the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method and the finite difference method. Data from a Chinese X Well is used as a case history to verify the calculations and a trend and sensitivity analysis was also done for the model. The effect of the process variables such as injection rate, injection pressure, pipe diameter and heat insulation thickness were put into test for the sensitivity of the model. The results provide technical reliability when designing well tests in deviated wells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sorption enhanced methane reforming (SER), employing a CaO-based solid as a high temperature CO2 sorbent, is generally considered to be a promising route for H2 production. In this paper we present a dynamic pseudo-homogeneous model to describe the operation of a packed bed reactor in which the SER reaction is carried out under adiabatic conditions. This reactor can be implemented according to several process schemes, including a novel Ca/Cu looping process for hydrogen generation with inherent CO2 capture. The proposed SER model is based on the well-established principles of gas–solid contact and heat transfer in fixed-bed reactors and on the kinetic expressions published in the literature that describe the main reactions involved in the process. The resulting model describes the transient performance of the SER reaction and confirms the theoretical viability of this critical reaction stage in a large scale H2 production facility. It is demonstrated that the SER process can yield a CH4 conversion and H2 purity of up to 85% and 95%, respectively, under operating conditions of 923K, 3.5MPa, a steam/carbon ratio of 5 and a space velocity of 3.5kg/m2 s. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a numerical model which simulates the dynamic molten pool formation and the crystal orientations of solidified SX alloy in a multi-layer laser powder deposition process. Based on the mathematical model of coaxial laser direct deposition, the effect of parameters (laser power, scanning speed, powder feed rate) on the tendency to form [001] direction expitaxial grains during solidification was evaluated. In the transient three- dimensional model, physical phenomena including heat transfer, melting, grain formation during solidification, mass addition, and fluid flow in the melt pool, were modeled in a self-consistent manner. The temperature fields, fluid flow velocity, clad geometry (width, height and melt pool depth) and grain formation in melting pool of single layer are predicted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper presents various approaches for determining the current rating of the bunch of self-supporting insulated 10kV cables including the developed finite element method. The calculation results are compared to the experimental data obtained in laboratory tests. It has been shown that all available approaches have provided results that match with the experiments with a reasonable accuracy. However, the results obtained by the finite element approach have been found to be in the closest agreement with the measurements. This can be explained by the fact that this model makes it possible to consider all circumstances affecting the ampacity of cables including the heat transfer to the surrounding ambient by radiation and convection, as well as the effect of solar heating. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Oxy-fuel combustion is one of the promising options for carbon dioxide capture in future coal power plants. Radiative properties of combustion gases and heat transfer characteristics inside oxy-fuel furnaces are different from those found in air-fired furnace. Nowadays, few publications provide appropriate radiation property correlations for oxy-fuel conditions. The available correlations are based on previous versions of HITRAN database, which is not accurate for prediction of spectral intensities at high temperature in combustion applications or above 1000K. This paper considers the determination and evaluation of new correlations for the weighted-sum-of-gray-gases model to predict the radiative transfer in gases under oxy-fuel conditions. The new correlations are fitted from emittance charts calculated from the up-to-date HITEMP 2010 database for molar ratios of water vapor to carbon dioxide between 0.125 and 4, temperature range of 400–2500K, and pressure path-length varying from 0.001 to 60barm. The new correlations are validated by comparing the radiative source term with line-by-line calculations from HITEMP 2010 database for a one-dimensional slab system. The radiative transfer equation is solved with the discrete ordinate method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The co-firing of pulverised coal/biomass in power generation plants is receiving considerable attention due to its influence in reducing all forms of emissions. Unlike coal, milled biomass, such as straw, may contain large particles of different sizes and shapes, which can have an impact on the combustion characteristics and emissions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is often used to understand the influence of large biomass particles in a furnace. However, most CFD sub-models simplify heat transfer effects within the particles during combustion. In this paper a particle heat-up model, which considers the influence of thermal gradients within large biomass particles, is applied to a co-firing coal/biomass simulation in a tangentially fired furnace with up to 12% thermal biomass loading. Different sizes of biomass particles of non-spherical shape and their impact on the combustion behavior have been investigated. The influence of the particle size and shape distribution on the combustion characteristics and emissions was found to be significant. The computed results were found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The slagging of heat transfer surfaces during the combustion of pulverized coal in power stations is a major problem as power generators strive to improve the efficiency of their plants. In this paper, a numerical model to predict ash deposition rates in boilers has been developed. The deposition model is based on the sticking tendency of ash particles on impaction on boiler walls. A numerical slagging index (NSI) that correlates with the practical performance of different coals has also been developed. The index is based on ash viscosity, ash fusibility and the ash loading. Experimental data from the Australian Coal Industries Research Laboratories (ACIRL) furnace have been used to validate the models. The predicted results from the ash deposition model on four different coals are in good agreement with the experimental measurements, and the new slagging index has successfully ranked the investigated coals according to their field performance. In general, the predicted results from both the ash deposition model and the new NSI are in good agreement with the experimental data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper proposes an effective general numerical procedure for the accurate evaluation of the geometric view factors between equally sized spheres in a randomly packed assembly. The procedure is a novel combination of three key techniques: the Tanaka integral expression for the view factor between two equal spheres, the product form of the Fibonacci integration scheme for integrals on spheres, and the non-uniform variable scaling. The Tanaka integral not only provides a simple integral to numerically compute the exact value of the view factor between two unit spheres without a blockage, but also plays a fundamental role in improving the computed shaded view factor between two spheres subject to any blockage. The product Fibonacci integration scheme, essentially a ray-tracing method, appears to be a low cost but sufficiently accurate cubature for evaluating the dual-integral defining the view factor. The use of a particular non-uniform scaling function very favourably modulates the properties of the view factor integrals, and thus substantially improves the solution accuracy of the Fibonacci integration scheme. Several practical issues associated with the accuracy and efficiency of the procedure are discussed, and test cases are provided to illustrate the applicability of the procedure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]