Numerical modeling of tidal currents and the effects of power extraction on estuarine hydrodynamics along the Georgia coast,USA

The tidal stream power potential along the coast of the state of Georgia is evaluated based on numerical modeling and validated with the available data. The Georgia coast consists of a complex network of tidal rivers and inlets between barrier islands that funnel and locally amplify the strength of the ambient tidal currents in the region. The number of existing tidal current prediction locations is not sufficient to resolve the temporal and spatial changes in the current speeds and patterns. Therefore, the currents are modeled with the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) to determine the locations with high tidal stream power potential and the results are validated against measurements. The wetlands and the topographical features are integrated in the computational model with wetting and drying of computational cells. The locations with the largest mean tidal stream power density are identified and their characteristics are provided. The effect of power extraction on estuarine hydrodynamics is simulated by implementing an additional retarding force in the governing momentum equations in ROMS. Two different power extraction schemes are simulated at the Canoochee River. The first scheme involves extracting 20% of the original kinetic power across the entire cross-section of the river, and is found to have substantially lower impact on the original flow than the second scheme with 45% extraction. The summation of removed and residual kinetic powers is found to be larger than the original kinetic power in the cross-section, which is attributed to the recovery in the flow momentum through reorganization of stream flow energy. In both of the cases the major impact on the currents is limited to a partial reach of the river. The change in the maximum and minimum water levels is observed to be on the order of centimeters.     

Numerical modeling and optimization of perforated twisted tape insert based on hybrid ANSYS-RSM approach

Heat exchangers have a wider scope in numerous applications, such as space heating, chemical industries, power stations, and so on. Due to heat loss and the thermal properties of the materials involved, the overall performance of a heat exchanger is questionable. Therefore, studies related to heat transfer techniques are appreciated in the research community. Thus, the present study numerically investigates the heat transfer performance of a horizontal heat pipe equipped with hexagonal perforated twisted tape inserts. Further, the numerical solutions of Nusselt number (Nu), friction factor (f), and thermal performance factor (TPF) are optimized with the help of response surface methodology (RSM). The parameters investigated in this study are Reynolds number (Re), which varies between 500 and 1500, input heat supply (Q) between 100 and 1000 W, and pitch ratio (3.2, 4, and 5.2). ANSYS fluid flow fluent was used to perform flow simulations for three different twisted tape inserts: horizontal, vertical, and alternate hexagon perforations. Optimum solutions are obtained at 1000 W heat supply, 1500 Re, and p/d_i = 4 from alternatively perforated twisted tape inserts. The optimum Nu, f, and TPF achieved are 119.545, 0.437, and 1.82, respectively. Also, the proposed RSM optimization method is evidenced with a maximum of 2.673% error during the confirmatory test.     

Numerical modeling of microchannel reactor with porous surface microstructure based on fractal geometry

A microchannel reactor with porous surface for hydrogen production can enhance fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics. To improve the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics of a microreactor with a porous surface, a numerical model is proposed based on fractal geometry. The porous surface in the microreactor is fabricated using a layered powder sintering and dissolution method with NaCl particles, in which two sizes of NaCl particles (180–280 μm and 280–450 μm) are utilized. For the construction of the porous surface, these two types of fabricated surfaces are measured and the fractal dimensions are characterized as 1.905 and 1.849, respectively. Subsequently, a numerical model based on fractal geometry for a microchannel reactor with porous surface is developed to study the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics. This is followed by the microchannel reactor fabrication and experimental testing. Both model calculation and experimental results demonstrate that a microreactor with a porous surface can enhance the heat transfer performances compared with that with a non-porous surface, and that a microchannel reactor fabricated with larger NaCl particles (280–450 μm) has better heat transfer characteristics compared with a microreactor with small NaCl particles (180–280 μm). Thus, the developed numerical model based on fractal geometry can be used to accurately predict the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics of the microreactor for hydrogen production.     

Numerical modeling of the electrohydrodynamic effect to natural convection in vertical channels

The electrohydrodynamic effect to natural convection inside the vertical channels is numerically investigated by computational fluid dynamics technique. The range of parameters considered are 10⁴ = Ra = 10⁷, 7.5 = V₀ = 17.5 kV, and 2 = aspect ratio = 10. Flow and temperature distributions are affected with supplied voltage at the wire electrodes, and the heat transfer enhancement is significantly influenced at low Rayleigh number. The augmented volume flow rate of fluid is indicated in relation with the number of electrodes. Moreover, heat transfer enhancement also depended on the electrode arrangement while the number of electrodes is initially fixed. The relation between channel aspect ratio and number of electrodes that performs the maximum heat transfer is expressed incorporating with the optimum concerning parameters.     

Numerical modeling of microchannel reactors with gradient porous surfaces for hydrogen production based on fractal geometry

A microchannel reactor with a porous surface catalyst support has been applied to methanol steam reforming (MSR) for hydrogen production. The fluid flow, heat transfer, and hydrogen production efficiency of the microchannel reactor are significantly affected by the fabricated porous surface support, such as the pore sizes and their distributions. This paper presents a novel microchannel reactor with a gradient porous surface as the reaction substrate to enhance the performance of the microreactor for hydrogen production. Numerical modeling of the gradient porous surface is developed based on fractal geometry, and three different types of porous surfaces as the catalyst supports (two gradient porous surfaces and one uniform pore-size surface) are investigated. The fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics of these three types of microchannel reactors are studied numerically, and the results showed that the microreactor with a positive gradient pore sized surface exhibited relatively better overall performance. Experimental setups and tests were performed and the results validate that the microchannel reactor with a positive gradient porous surface can increase the heat transfer performance by up to 18% and can decrease the pressure drop by up to 8% when compared to a microreactor with a uniform pore sized surface. Hydrogen production experiments demonstrated that the microreactor with positive gradient pore sizes has the highest methanol conversion rate of 56.3%, and this rate is determined to be 6% and 9% higher than that of microreactors with reverse gradient porous surfaces and uniform pore sized surface, respectively.     

Numerical modeling of SOFCs operating on biogas from biodigesters

In this study, numerical predictions of SOFCs performance operating on biogas are performed in order to evaluate the potential use of biogas produced from different organic sources processed in biodigesters as the fuel for SOFCs. The SOFC performance is predicted numerically by using a fully three-dimensional non-commercial CFD code called DREAM-SOFC. The analysis mainly focuses on the effect of biogas composition on the fuel cell performance. Different biogas compositions are used as the fuel supplied to the SOFC and the concentration of the species in the biogas are those measured by means of a gas chromatography system of the biogas produced in biodigesters installed at University of Guanajuato. Particularly, the biogas produced from water lily and cactus was evaluated as potential fuel for SOFCs. It was observed that the SOFC performance is higher when biogas from water lily is supplied to the SOFC when compared with biogas from cactus.     

Numerical simulations of hydrodynamics and convective heat transfer in a turbulent tube mist flow

A computation model is developed, and flow dynamics and heat and mass transfer in a turbulent two-phase gas-drop ducted flow are numerically studied. To calculate the turbulent characteristics of the gas phase, the two-equation Nagano-Tagawa E-ε model was used, modified so that to account for presence of liquid drops in the flow. The impact of various parameters on heat transfer intensification is analyzed. An increase in the gas concentration in the vapor-gas mixture enhances the rate of heat transfer over the initial length of the duct and reduces the length of the evaporation zone. The computed flow dynamics and heat- and mass transfer data are compared with previously reported experimental and numerical results, and a fairly good agreement between the compared data is obtained.     

Numerical modeling of bed-to-wall heat transfer in a circulating fluidized bed combustor based on cluster energy balance

The bed-to-wall heat transfer in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) combustor depends on the heat transfer contributions from particle clusters, dispersed/gas phase and radiation from both of them. From the available CFB literature, most of the theoretical investigations on cluster and bed-to-wall heat transfer are based on mechanistic models except a few based on mathematical and numerical approaches. In the current work a numerical model proposed to predict the bed-to-wall heat transfer based on thermal energy balance between the cluster/dispersed phase and the riser wall. The effect of cluster properties and the thermal boundary conditions on the cluster heat transfer coefficient are analyzed and discussed. The fully implicit finite volume method is used to solve the governing equations by generating a 2D temperature plot for the cluster and the dispersed phase control volumes. From this 2D temperature profile, space and time averaged heat transfer coefficients (for cluster, dispersed phase and radiation components) are estimated for different operating conditions. The results from the proposed numerical simulation are in general agreement with published experimental data for similar operating conditions. The results and the analysis from the current work give more information on the thermal behavior of the cluster and dispersed phases, which improves the understanding of particle and gas phase heat transfers under different operating conditions in CFB units.     

Numerical modeling of Basin and Range geothermal systems

Basic qualitative relationships for extensional geothermal systems that include structure, heat input, and permeability distribution have been established using numerical models. Extensional geothermal systems, as described in this paper, rely on deep circulation of groundwater rather than on cooling igneous bodies for heat, and rely on extensional fracture systems to provide permeable upflow paths. A series of steady-state, two-dimensional simulation models is used to evaluate the effect of permeability and structural variations on an idealized, generic Basin and Range geothermal system of the western U.S.Extensional geothermal systems can only exist in a relatively narrow range of basement (bulk) permeability (10⁻¹⁵ m² to 10⁻¹⁶ m²). Outside of this window, shallow subsurface fault zone temperatures decrease rapidly. Mineral self-sealing does not significantly affect the flow system until the flow path is almost completely sealed off. While topography gives an extra “kick” to convective circulation, it is not a requirement for geothermal system development. Flow from the ranges to the fault dominates the circulation, while secondary flow systems exist on the range front slopes. A permeable fault in one valley can also induce cross-range flow if there are no equally good upflow paths in the adjacent valleys. When bulk permeability is high enough, additional deep circulation cells develop in adjacent valleys, diverting heat and fluid from the fault and consequently reducing temperatures in the fault itself. Qualitative comparison between temperature–depth logs from actual geothermal systems and from the generic models is a significant aid to understanding real-world geothermal fluid flow, and suggests new or better interpretations of existing systems.     

Numerical modeling of dynamics of steam superheaters

The paper presents a numerical solution of transient flow in superheaters in the state of parallel- and counter flow. The time and space temperature distributions of the working media and separating wall were evaluated. The partial differential equations describing the mentioned heat transfer were also solved using the method of lines coupled with Gear's method. Furthermore, the above temperature distributions were obtained by solving the mathematical model describing the conservation laws of mass, momentum and energy. Obtained results were compared to the suggested approximate solution.     

New smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) formulation for modeling heat conduction with solidification and melting

When modeling the phase change, the latent heat released (absorbed) during solidification (melting) must be included in the heat transfer equation. In this paper, different smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) methods for the implementation of latent heat, in the context of transient heat conduction, are derived and tested. First, SPH discretizations of two finite element methods are presented, but these prove to be computationally expensive. Then, by starting from a simple approximation and enhancing accuracy using different numerical treatments, a new SPH method is introduced, that is fast and easy to implement. An evaluation of this new method on various analytical and numerical results confirms its accuracy and robustness.     

“冲击-气膜”复合式结构冷却效果数值研究

分析了六种不同的"冲击-气膜"复合式冷却结构,将其应用在燃气轮机涡轮导向器叶片中弦区并对其内部流体的流动和换热进行了数值模拟.计算条件采用某燃气轮机的典型工况,流体物性参数随温度变化.将不同"冲击-气膜"复合式冷却结构的计算结果进行对比得出:冲击孔与气膜孔在展向的排列形式对冷却效果有较大影响,叉排明显优于顺排;随着冲击孔的后移,冷却气体对腔内壁的覆盖面积逐渐减小,冷却效果逐渐降低,流阻逐渐增大;在来自冲击冷却和气膜冷却多种影响因素的共同作用下,气膜孔角度和所在面曲率对冷却效果和流阻的影响被大幅度削弱.     

Numerical modeling of a hydrothermal system around Waita volcano, Kyushu, Japan, based on resistivity and self-potential survey results

A self-potential survey has been conducted around Waita volcano, Kyushu, Japan. A large negative anomaly, generally interpreted as a surface recharge zone, has been observed at medium altitude. However, combined resistivity and self-potential modeling suggests that this anomaly is not necessarily related to surface recharge but to a high permeability column within the body of the volcano. This column encourages lateral flow, which results in a mixture of meteoric water and hot fluid flowing laterally towards the Takenoyu geothermal system. Such a combined modeling analysis has proved to be a useful technique for imaging subsurface fluid circulations.     

Numerical modeling of shock-to-detonation transition in energetic materials

Determining the hazard classification of energetic materials is important for transportation safety and storage concerns. To avoid costly grain redesign and additional testing, a model that adequately predicts the shock sensitivity of energetic materials is required, particularly the outcome of the Naval Ordnance Laboratory Large Scale Gap Test. The goals of this effort are to develop and validate computational tools that predict the shock sensitivity of energetic materials. Specifically, to use our packing code, Rocpack, to generate morphologies of interest for shock sensitivity assessments, and to use our CFD code, RocSDT, to propagate shocks of various strengths through the pack to predict the onset of detonation.Dealing accurately with the material interfaces in this problem is a long-standing challenge, as familiar strategies lead to spurious temperature spikes, and therefore spurious reaction rate spikes. We describe a new strategy, which does not generate spurious spikes, and demonstrate via a number of test problems that numerical convergence can be achieved. We also examine two problems that are stepping stones to a complete simulation; both are planar. In the first, we consider the passage of a shock wave through pure HMX in which a line of hot spots of the kind generated by void collapse are located a short distance behind the shock. When the hot spot spacing is large, the shock remains a shock; when small, transition to detonation occurs. In the second problem we also insert hot spots, but into a matrix of HMX particles and binder.     

Numerical modeling of a steam-assisted tubular coal gasifier

Understanding the heat and mass transfer phenomena in a coal gasifier is very useful for the assessment of gasifier performance and optimization of the design and operating parameters. In this paper, performance of an entrained flow air blown laboratory scale gasifier is numerically simulated with Fluent software. In the model, the continuous phase conservation equations are solved in an Eulerian frame, while those of particle phase are solved in a Lagrangian frame, with coupling between the two phases carried out through interactive source terms. The dispersion of the particles due to turbulence is predicted using a stochastic tracking model, in conjunction with the k–ε equations for the gas phase. The coal gasification model adopted includes devolatilization, combustion of volatiles, char combustion and gasification. The gasification performance inside the gasifier has been predicted for different air ratios as well as for different air and steam inlet temperatures. The overall temperature inside the gasifier is found to increase when the degree of air/steam pre-heating is increased, resulting in acceleration of the different reaction steps in the gasifier. The overall gasification performance indices such as carbon conversion, heating value of the exit gas and cold gas efficiency have been predicted. The predicted results show good agreement with available experimental data in literature.     

Numerical modeling of aquifer thermal energy storage system

The performance of the ATES (aquifer thermal energy storage) system primarily depends on the thermal interference between warm and cold thermal energy stored in an aquifer. Additionally the thermal interference is mainly affected by the borehole distance, the hydraulic conductivity, and the pumping/injection rate. Thermo-hydraulic modeling was performed to identify the thermal interference by three parameters and to estimate the system performance change by the thermal interference. Modeling results indicate that the thermal interference grows as the borehole distance decreases, as the hydraulic conductivity increases, and as the pumping/injection rate increases. The system performance analysis indicates that if η (the ratio of the length of the thermal front to the distance between two boreholes) is lower than unity, the system performance is not significantly affected, but if η is equal to unity, the system performance falls up to ∼22%. Long term modeling for a factory in Anseong was conducted to test the applicability of the ATES system. When the pumping/injection rate is 100 m³/day, system performances during the summer and winter after 3 years of operation are estimated to be ∼125 kW and ∼110 kW, respectively. Therefore, 100 m³/day of the pumping/injection rate satisfies the energy requirements (∼70 kW) for the factory.     

基于格子玻尔兹曼方法的横向交变质量力对核沸腾影响的数值分析

采用格子玻尔兹曼方法的单组份伪势模型与有限差分耦合的混合热格子玻尔兹曼模型,对在横向交变质量力作用下的单汽泡核态沸腾过程进行了研究,探讨了在不同接触角和过热度下,横向交变质量力的振幅和交变频率对汽泡脱离底壁的脱离特性的影响。结果表明,施加横向交变质量力会造成汽泡脱离直径减小,同时加速汽泡脱离底壁。其次,壁面越疏水,汽泡的脱离行为受到横向交变质量力的影响越大;壁面过热度越大,汽泡的脱离行为受到横向质量力的影响也越大。另外,在模拟工况下,当横向交变质量力的振幅大于0.01时,添加横向交变质量力会使汽泡的脱离直径与脱离周期均减小;而横向交变质量力的交变频率仅在某一频段时,使得汽泡的脱离周期减小。     

Performance analysis and modeling of energy from waste combined cycles

Municipal solid waste (MSW) is produced in a substantial amount with minimal fluctuations throughout the year. The analysis of carbon neutrality of MSW on a life cycle basis shows that MSW is about 67% carbon-neutral, suggesting that only 33% of the CO₂ emissions from incinerating MSW are of fossil origin. The waste constitutes a “renewable biofuel” energy resource and energy from waste (EfW) can result in a net reduction in CO₂ emissions. In this paper, we explore an approach to extracting energy from MSW efficiently – EfW/gas turbine hybrid combined cycles. This approach innovates by delivering better performance with respect to energy efficiency and CO₂ mitigation. In the combined cycles, the topping cycle consists of a gas turbine, while the bottoming cycle is a steam cycle where the low quality fuel – waste is utilized. This paper assesses the viability of the hybrid combined cycles and analyses their thermodynamic advantages with the help of computer simulations. It was shown that the combined cycles could offer significantly higher energy conversion efficiency and a practical solution to handling MSW. Also, the potential for a net reduction in CO₂ emissions resulting from the hybrid combined cycles was evaluated.     

The effect of Lewis number on radiative extinction and flamelet modeling

This study investigates the influence of Lewis number on radiative extinction and flamelet modeling. The interaction of Lewis number with different transient effects, such as fluctuating reactant concentrations, fluctuating reactant temperatures, and variable partial premixing, are considered. The results underscore the importance of including the effect of non-unity Lewis numbers and their interaction with chemistry and unsteadiness in improving the predictive capability of flamelet combustion modeling approach, and in precise determination of radiation-induced extinction limits. An increase of Lewis pushes the radiation-induced extinction limit, which occurs at low strain rates, toward higher values of strain rates.