Synthesis Lectures on Engineering
3 total works
Fin-Shape Thermal Optimization Using Bejan's Constuctal Theory
by Giulio Lorenzini, Simone Moretti, and Alessandra Conti
Published 2 January 2011
The book contains research results obtained by applying Bejan's Constructal Theory to the study and therefore the optimization of fins, focusing on T-shaped and Y-shaped ones. Heat transfer from finned surfaces is an example of combined heat transfer natural or forced convection on the external parts of the fin, and conducting along the fin. Fin's heat exchange is rather complex, because of variation of both temperature along the fin and convective heat transfer coefficient. Furthermore possible presence of more fins invested by the same fluid flow has to be considered.
Classical fin theory tried to reduce the coupled heat transfer problem to a one-dimensional problem by defining an average temperature of the fin and writing equations using this parameter. However, it was shown that this approach cannot be used because of the effects of two-dimensional heat transfer, especially in the presence of short fins. CFD codes offer the possibility to consider bi-dimensional (and more generally, three-dimensional) effects and then a more real approach to the physic phenomena of finned surface's heat exchange.
A commercial CFD code was used to analyse the case of heat exchange in presence of T-shaped fins, following an approach suggested by Bejan's Constructal Theory. The comparative results showed a significant agreement with previous research taken as a reference, and this result allows for the application of this approach to a wider range of systems. T-shaped optimized fin geometry is the starting point for further research.
Starting from the optimal results (T-shape optimized fins), we show the trend of the assessment parameter (the dimensionless conductance) in function of the angle ? between the two horizontal arms of the fin. A value for ?, 90 Degrees ? 180 Degrees capable of a higher value of the dimensionless conductance, has not been found. The thermal efficiency showed a significant increase of this parameter, especially for values of ? smaller than 100 Degrees. Thus, a new definition of optimisation is achieved by introducing the fundamental ""space factor."" The present work unifies the ""classic"" definitions of optimisation and efficiency in a new general performance criterion, opening a new perspective on multi-fin systems.
The last chapter deals with a brief overview on Bejan's Constructal Theory. It explains either tree-shape natural flows or other geometric form in nature and engineering, applying the principle of performance maximization. The Constructal principle also recognizes that a new good form comes to another previous good form which serve the same objective and have the same constraints. Changes in configuration are dynamic, thus a time arrow is then associated to the evolution in system's configuration.
Classical fin theory tried to reduce the coupled heat transfer problem to a one-dimensional problem by defining an average temperature of the fin and writing equations using this parameter. However, it was shown that this approach cannot be used because of the effects of two-dimensional heat transfer, especially in the presence of short fins. CFD codes offer the possibility to consider bi-dimensional (and more generally, three-dimensional) effects and then a more real approach to the physic phenomena of finned surface's heat exchange.
A commercial CFD code was used to analyse the case of heat exchange in presence of T-shaped fins, following an approach suggested by Bejan's Constructal Theory. The comparative results showed a significant agreement with previous research taken as a reference, and this result allows for the application of this approach to a wider range of systems. T-shaped optimized fin geometry is the starting point for further research.
Starting from the optimal results (T-shape optimized fins), we show the trend of the assessment parameter (the dimensionless conductance) in function of the angle ? between the two horizontal arms of the fin. A value for ?, 90 Degrees ? 180 Degrees capable of a higher value of the dimensionless conductance, has not been found. The thermal efficiency showed a significant increase of this parameter, especially for values of ? smaller than 100 Degrees. Thus, a new definition of optimisation is achieved by introducing the fundamental ""space factor."" The present work unifies the ""classic"" definitions of optimisation and efficiency in a new general performance criterion, opening a new perspective on multi-fin systems.
The last chapter deals with a brief overview on Bejan's Constructal Theory. It explains either tree-shape natural flows or other geometric form in nature and engineering, applying the principle of performance maximization. The Constructal principle also recognizes that a new good form comes to another previous good form which serve the same objective and have the same constraints. Changes in configuration are dynamic, thus a time arrow is then associated to the evolution in system's configuration.
Simplified Models for Assessing Heat and Mass Transfer in Evaporative Towers
by Giulio Lorenzini, Alessandra De Angelis, Onorio Saro, and Stefano D'Elia
Published 1 July 2013
Simplified Models for Assessing Heat and Mass Transfer in Evaporative Towers
by Giulio Lorenzini, Alessandra De Angelis, Onorio Saro, and Stefano D'Elia
Published 1 July 2013
The aim of this book is to supply valid and reasonable parameters in order to guide the choice of the right model of industrial evaporative tower according to operating conditions which vary depending on the particular industrial context: power plants, chemical plants, food processing plants and other industrial facilities are characterized by specific assets and requirements that have to be satisfied. Evaporative cooling is increasingly employed each time a significant water flow at a temperature which does not greatly differ from ambient temperature is needed for removing a remarkable heat load; its aim is to refrigerate a water flow through the partial evaporation of the same.