A novel approach to manage temperature non-uniformity in minichannel heat sink by using intentional flow maldistribution

Kumar, Sanjeev; Singh, Pawan Kumar

doi:10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2019.114403

Cited by 41 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…Their numerical results indicated that compared to uniform velocity profile, certain non-uniform flow profiles could lead to the reduced thermocline thickness and smaller entropy generation. This is actually in line with some observations reported in the literature [Kumar and Singh, 2019;Milman et al, 2012;Wei et al, 2015a] in that the optimal flow distribution is usually not uniform but obeys certain trend subjected to a defined optimization objective and constraints. However, controversy still exists on the relation between the optimal velocity profile and the expected thermocline evolution.…”

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Single-tank thermal energy storage systems for concentrated solar power: Flow distribution optimization for thermocline evolution management

Lou

Fan

Luo

2020

Journal of Energy Storage

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Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology captures solar radiation and converts it into heat for electricity production. It has received an increasing attention because integrated thermal energy storage (TES) systems can largely enhancing the reliability and the dispatchability. Over the last decade, low-cost single storage tank based on the thermocline technology becomes an alternative to commonly-used two-tank TES system. However, the improper inlet/outlet manifolds may cause the strong mixing of hot and cold fluids and disturb the temperature stratification, resulting in reduced thermal performances of the storage tank. This study aims at solving the flow maldistribution problem in the single-tank thermocline storage system by appropriately structuring the inlet/outlet manifolds. The technical solution is based on the insertion of optimized perforated baffles in the manifolds. 2D Computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed to calculate the transient flow and temperature profiles in the storage tank during the charging and discharging operations. The optimal size distribution of orifices on the upper baffle has been determined for homogenizing passage times of the thermal front, so as to enhance the temperature stratification. A novel intermediate evaluation indicator was introduced to characterize the real-time thermal behavior, which could reduce the computational cost of the optimization problem by a factor of 6 at least. Numerical results shown that the proposed optimization algorithm could significantly improve the thermal performances, indicated by the increased values of charging/discharging efficiency, the capacity ratio and the overall efficiency, ex., the fully charging efficiency be increased by 29% by comparing the unstructured manifold geometry and the one with optimized baffles. The parametric study on certain geometry and operating factors also demonstrated that the proposed method for flow distribution optimization was robust, effective and efficient.

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Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Single-tank thermal energy storage systems for concentrated solar power: Flow distribution optimization for thermocline evolution management

Lou

Fan

Luo

2020

Journal of Energy Storage

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“…Regarding minichannels, two distribution systems with the U-and Z-arrangements were considered. Validation data were derived from CFD simulations performed by Kumar and Singh [20]. The modeled systems with 28 parallel rectangular channels were of a total area of 55 × 47 mm, and flow behavior was investigated under isothermal conditions with the inlet volumetric rate being 0.5 LPM, which corresponded in the channels to the Reynolds number of 223.…”

Section: Minichannel/minigap Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Moreover, the distribution systems may be very complex and employ a remarkable variety of channel shapes, as numerous studies reveal [16][17][18]. On the other hand, some authors intentionally developed uneven flow rates [19] in channels, or they took advantage of natural flow maldistribution as it may compensate non-uniform heating conditions in a mini-scale heat sink and mitigate hot spots [20].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experimentally Verified Flow Distribution Model for a Composite Modelling System

Fialová

Jegla

2021

Energies

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Requirements of modern process and power technologies for compact and highly efficient equipment for transferring large heat fluxes lead to designing these apparatuses as dense parallel flow systems, ranging from conventional to minichannel dimensions according to the specific industrial application. To avoid operating issues in such complex equipment, it is vital to identify not only the local distribution of heat flux in individual parts of the heat transfer surface but also the uniformity of fluid flow distribution inside individual parallel channels of the flow system. A composite modelling system is currently being developed for accurate design of such complex heat transfer equipment. The modeling approach requires a flow distribution model enabling to yield accurate-enough predictions in reasonable time frames. The paper presents the results of complex experimental and modeling investigation of fluid flow distribution in dividing headers of tubular-type equipment. Different modeling approaches were examined on a set of header geometries. Predictions obtained via analytical and numerical models were validated using data from the experiments conducted on additively manufactured header samples. Two case studies employing parallel flow systems (mini-scale systems and a conventional-size heat exchanger) demonstrated the applicability of the distribution model and the accuracy of the composite modelling system.

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“…inlet/outlet tubes are perpendicular to the parallel channels). Kumar and Singh [13] investigated different types of flow arrangement in various water-cooled heat sinks, and their numerical results showed that I-type flow arrangement could provide better thermal performance for uniform heating than D-type heat sink having the more uniform flow distribution. Manikanda Kumaran et al [11] also tested different header shapes (rectangular, triangular and trapezoidal) and header sizes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tailoring the fluid flow distribution in a parallel mini-channel heat sink under multiple-peak heat flux

Roux

Castlain

et al. 2022

Thermal Science and Engineering Progress

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A novel approach to manage temperature non-uniformity in minichannel heat sink by using intentional flow maldistribution

Cited by 41 publications

References 21 publications

Single-tank thermal energy storage systems for concentrated solar power: Flow distribution optimization for thermocline evolution management

Single-tank thermal energy storage systems for concentrated solar power: Flow distribution optimization for thermocline evolution management

Experimentally Verified Flow Distribution Model for a Composite Modelling System

Tailoring the fluid flow distribution in a parallel mini-channel heat sink under multiple-peak heat flux

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