| 1. |
- Abdi, Amir, et al.
(author)
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Experimental investigation of solidification and melting in a vertically finned cavity
- 2021
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In: Applied Thermal Engineering. - : Elsevier BV. - 1359-4311 .- 1873-5606. ; 198
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Extending the heat transfer area is a simple technique to improve the thermal performance of phase change materials with low thermal conductivity. However, as the governing mechanisms differ in solidification and melting, fins can affect the processes in different ways. This demands assessment of fin enhancement in a combined analysis on both solidification and melting, often neglected in literature. This paper presents visual-izations of solidification and melting of n-eicosane in a rectangular cavity and experimentally investigates the enhancing effect of vertical fins with varying number and length. Experiments were conducted at water inlet temperature ranges of 15-25 degrees C and 50-60 degrees C for the solidification and melting processes, respectively. The results show that the vertical fins can be more influential in solidification rather than in melting with similar losses in the storage capacity. In the solidification process, as natural convection is absent, the mean power is enhanced by a maximum of 395% with a 10% loss in the storage capacity, as compared to the benchmark. In the melting case, the mean power is increased by a maximum of 90% with a 9% loss in the storage capacity. Although increasing the surface area with vertical fins contributes to development of convective structures, it makes a modest enhancement. In overall, increasing the fin volume fraction, in exchange for the loss in the storage capacity, enhances the solidification significantly while it has relatively low enhancement effect in melting. At the end, the performed experiments could be helpful for validation of future simulation tools with complex features, particularly solidification models lacking in literature.
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| 2. |
- Abdi, Amir, et al.
(author)
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Experimental investigation of thermo-physical properties of n-octadecane and n-eicosane
- 2020
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In: International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer. - : PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD. - 0017-9310 .- 1879-2189. ; 161
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Reliable knowledge of phase change materials (PCM) thermo-physical properties is essential to model and design latent thermal energy storage (LTES) systems. This study aims to conduct a methodological measurement of thermo-physical properties, including latent enthalpy, isobaric specific heat, thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity, of two n-alkanes, n-octadecane and n-eicosane. The enthalpy and isobaric specific heat of the materials are measured via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique, using a pDSC evo7 from Setaram Instrumentation with a sample mass of 628.4 mg. The influence of the scanning rates, varying from 0.5 K/min to 0.025 K/min, in dynamic continuous mode within temperature range of 10-65 degrees C is investigated. The thermal conductivity and the dynamic viscosity are measured via Hot Disk TPS-2500S instrument and Brookfield rotational viscometer, respectively, up to 70 degrees C. The thermal analysis results via the pDSC show that the isothermal condition can be approached at a very low scanning rate, however at the cost of a higher noise level. A trade-off is observed for n-octadecane, achieving the lowest deviation of 0.7% in latent heat measurement at 0.05 K/min, as compared to the American Petroleum Table values. For n-eicosane, the lowest deviation of 1.2% is seen at the lowest scanning rate of 0.025 K/min. The thermal conductivity measured values show good agreements with a number of documented literature studies in the solid phase, within deviations of 2%. Larger deviations of 5-16% are found for the measurement in the liquid phase. The viscosity values also show a good agreement with the literature values with maximum deviations of 2.9% and 6.3%, with respect to the values of American Petroleum Tables, for n-octadecane and n-eicosane, respectively. The good agreements achieved in measurements establish the reliable thermo-physical properties contributing to the future simulations and designs.
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| 3. |
- Abdi, Amir, 1987-
(author)
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Heat Transfer Enhancement of Latent Thermal Energy Storage in Rectangular Components
- 2022
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Latent Thermal Energy Storage (LTES) is an interesting choice to storethermal energy in a sustainable energy system. The primary benefit of LTESis the relatively high latent heat of fusion of the materials, known as PhaseChange Materials (PCM), used in such a system as the storage medium.However, as the thermal conductivity of PCMs is often very low, there is aneed to enhance the rate of heat transfer within the charging/dischargingprocess and to improve the thermal performance of the LTES systems.This thesis addresses the enhancing effect of extending heat transfer area inrectangular LTES enclosures. A key contribution of this thesis is acomprehensive visualization of the phase change processes for an organicPCM, including solidification and melting, constrained as well asunconstrained, known as Close-Contact Melting (CCM), in a cavity with andwithout fins. Observations have been carried out for fins of different lengthsand numbers with a varying angle of inclination, and a comprehensive analysisin terms of phase change time and thermal power is conducted.The observations show fins are more influential in solidification than inmelting, reducing the solidification time by 80% and increasing the meanpower by 395%, at a cost of 10% loss in the extracted energy. In contrast, inmelting, fins have a modest effect in enhancing the process. The relativeenhancement effect of fin is higher in constrained melting than inunconstrained melting. In a case with maximum enhancement, a reduction by52% in the constrained melting time and a relative enhancement in the meanpower by 90% is achieved at a cost of 9% loss in the stored energy. As thevolume fraction of fin increases, the discrepancies in melting time betweenthe constrained and unconstrained melting diminishes.A numerical model for solidification and constrained melting is validatedbased on the experiments, and a more inclusive sensitivity analysis of finparameters is performed. The enhancing effect of different parameters on thephase change time and the thermal power is analyzed and the relatively moreeffective measures are identified. Analyzing the simulation data withdimensionless parameters for a cavity oriented horizontally and enhancedwith vertical fins, overall dimensionless groups for solidification and constrained melting have been obtained. The dimensionless groupscontribute in general to achieving a better understanding of fins parametersand to facilitating the LTES designs.In addition, this thesis investigates a novel idea of extending the surface areavia incorporating mini-channels into LTES enclosures, used as passages forair as a low thermal conductive Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF). The mini-scaleinternal hydraulic diameter of the mini-channels and their high external areato-volume ratios make a potential for dual enhancement on both the PCMside and the HTF side. An existing design and a conceptual one with thepossibility of adding fins on the PCM side, capable of being manufactured viaproduction methods of extrusion and Additive Manufacturing (AM),respectively, have been simulated and studied.The two mini-channel types provide considerable enhancements in the rateof heat transfer for a PCM heat exchanger working with air. The degree ofenhancement increases as the air flow rate increases, at the cost of anincreasingly higher pressure drop. Regarding this, increasing the number ofchannels is identified as a more effective enhancing measure than adding finsto the PCM side. In addition, the conceptual design with a higher internalhydraulic diameter and considerably a higher aspect ratio has a lower pressuredrop than the existing design, charging/discharging the thermal energy at asimilar rate but with a lower fan power. More optimized designs withminimization of pressure drop, contribute to paving the way in facilitation ofthe utilization of the enhanced air-PCM heat exchanger in variousapplications.
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| 4. |
- Abdi, Amir, et al.
(author)
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Numerical Investigation of Latent Thermal Storage in a Compact Heat Exchanger Using Mini-Channels
- 2021
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In: Applied Sciences. - : MDPI AG. - 2076-3417. ; 11:13, s. 5985-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper aims to numerically investigate the thermal enhancement of a latent thermal energy storage component with mini-channels as air passages. The investigated channels in two sizes of internal air passages (channel-1 with d(h) = 1.6 mm and channel-2 with d(h) = 2.3 mm) are oriented vertically in a cuboid of 0.15 x 0.15 x 0.1 m(3) with RT22 as the PCM located in the shell. The phase change is simulated with a fixed inlet temperature of air, using ANSYS Fluent 19.5, with a varying number of channels and a ranging air flow rate entering the component. The results show that the phase change power of the LTES improves with by increasing the number of channels at the cost of a decrease in the storage capacity. Given a constant air flow rate, the increase in the heat transfer surface area of the increased number of channels dominates the heat transfer coefficient, thus increasing the mean heat transfer rate (UA). A comparison of the channels shows that the thermal performance depends largely on the area to volume ratio of the channels. The channel type two (channel-2) with a slightly higher area to volume ratio has a slightly higher charging/discharging power, as compared to channel type one (channel-1), at a similar PCM packing factor. Adding fins to channel-2, doubling the surface area, improves the mean UA values by 15-31% for the studied cases. The variation in the total air flow rate from 7 to 24 L/s is found to have a considerable influence, reducing the melting time by 41-53% and increasing the mean UA values within melting by 19-52% for a packing factor range of 77.4-86.8%. With the increase in the air flow rate, channel type two is found to have considerably lower pressure drops than channel type one, which can be attributed to its higher internal hydraulic diameter, making it superior in terms of achieving a relatively similar charging/discharging power in exchange for significantly lower fan power. Such designs can further be optimized in terms of pressure drop in future work, which should also include an experimental evaluation.
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| 5. |
- Abdi, Amir, et al.
(author)
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Numerical investigation of melting in a cavity with vertically oriented fins
- 2019
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In: Applied Energy. - : ELSEVIER SCI LTD. - 0306-2619 .- 1872-9118. ; 235, s. 1027-1040
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper investigates the effect of vertical fins, as an enhancement technique, on the heat transfer rate and energy density of a latent heat thermal energy storage system. This contributes with knowledge on the interaction of heat transfer surface with the storage material for optimizing storage capacity (energy) and power (heat transfer rate). For the assessment, numerical modeling is employed to study the melting process in a two-dimensional rectangular cavity. The cavity is considered heated isothermally from the bottom with surface temperatures of 55 degrees C, 60 degrees C or 70 degrees C, while the other surfaces are insulated from the surrounding. Aluminum and lauric acid are considered as fin/enclosure material and phase change material, respectively. Vertical fins attached to the bottom surface are employed to enhance the charging rate, and a parametric study is carried out by varying the fin length and number of fins. Thus, a broad range of data is provided to analyze the influence of fin configurations on contributing natural convection patterns, as well as the effects on melting time, enhanced heat transfer rate and accumulated energy. The results show that in addition to increasing the heat transfer surface area, the installation of vertically oriented fins does not suppress the natural convection mechanism. This is as opposed to horizontal fins which in previous studies have shown tendencies to reduce the impact of natural convection. This paper also highlights how using longer fins offers a higher rate of heat transfer and a better overall heat transfer coefficient rather than increasing the number of fins. Also, fins do not only enhance the heat transfer performance in the corresponding melting time, but also maintain similar total amount of stored energy as compared to the no-fin case. This paper discusses how this is the result of the enhanced heat transfer allowing a larger portion of sensible heat to be recovered. For example, in the case with long fins, the relative mean power enhancement is about 200% with merely 6% capacity reduction, even though the amount of PCM in the cavity has been reduced by 12% as compared to the no-fin case. Although the basis for these results stems from the principles of thermodynamics, this paper is bringing it forward with design consideration. This is because despite its importance for making appropriate comparisons among heat transfer enhancement techniques in latent heat thermal energy storage, it has not been previously discussed in the literature. In the end, the aim is to accomplish robust storage systems in terms of power and energy density.
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| 6. |
- Abdi, Amir, et al.
(author)
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State of the art in hydrogen liquefaction
- 2020
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In: Proceedings of the ISES Solar World Congress 2019 and IEA SHC International Conference on Solar Heating and Cooling for Buildings and Industry 2019. - Freiburg, Germany : International Solar Energy Society. ; , s. 1311-1320
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Hydrogen is a potential option to replace fossil fuels considering the increasing demand of energy applications. It is naturally abundant and is regarded as a suitable energy carrier. There has been extensive research to improve the efficiency of storing hydrogen with different methods, including gas compression, liquefaction and sorption in metal hydrides or carbon nanotubes. A comparison of the storage methods shows that liquefaction of hydrogen is more beneficial than compression of hydrogen in terms of higher volumetric capacity, and it is more technologically mature than sorption technologies. This makes it more plausible for long distance distribution. On the other hand, the obstacles in full exploitation of the method are low energy efficiency of the liquefaction process and associated high cost. The recent research has been focusing on increasing the energy efficiency of the storage process. This paper provides, with regard to the conventional methods, a state of the art review of the novel and modified liquefaction process and the latest developments in increasing the efficiency of the energy intensive process. Furthermore, the developments in combining the hydrogen liquefaction plants with renewable energy sources are covered and reviewed. Finally, the ongoing development of hydrogen liquefaction is highlighted.
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| 7. |
- Castro Flores, José Fiacro, et al.
(author)
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Assessing the techno-economic impact of low-temperature subnets in conventional district heating networks
- 2017
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In: Energy Procedia. - : Elsevier. - 1876-6102. ; 116:C, s. 260-272
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The 4th generation Low-Temperature District Heating (LTDH) is envisioned as a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution to provide heating services to the building stock. Specifically, in countries already with a large share of well-established DH systems, conventional DH and LTDH technologies will be operating simultaneously in the near future. Newly built or refurbished buildings have lower heat demands, which in combination with LTDH brings potential savings compared to conventional DH. This work explores the advantages in DH operation by connecting these loads via LTDH subnets to a conventional DH system, supplied by a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant. A techno-economic analysis was performed, through modelling and simulation, by estimating the annual DH operating costs and revenues achieved by the reduction in return temperatures that LTDH would bring. The savings are related to: (1) the reduction in distribution heat losses in the return pipe; and (2) lower pumping power demand. Likewise, additional revenues are assessed from: (3) improved Power-to-Heat ratio for electricity production; and (4) enhanced heat recovery through Flue Gas Condensation (FGC). The annual savings per kWh of delivered heat are estimated as a function of the penetration percentage of ‘energy efficient’ loads over the conventional DH network. Key outcomes show the trade-offs between the potential savings in operating costs and the reduction in heat demand: relative losses in this scenario are maintained at 13.1% compared to 15.3% expected with conventional DH; and relative pumping power demand decreased as well. In other words, the costs of supplying heat decrease, even though the total heat supplied is reduced.
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| 8. |
- Castro Flores, José Fiacro, et al.
(author)
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Conceptual study of a solar-assisted low-temperature district heating substation
- 2015
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In: Book of abstracts: International Conference on Smart EnergySystems and 4th Generation District Heating. - Copenhagen, DK : Aalborg Universitetsforlag.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- At present, the viability of Low-Temperature District Heating (LTDH) systems has already been tested and demonstrated. Even so, for LTDH to be successfully implemented, further ideas are needed in order to improve the flexibility and effectiveness. In this study, we analyze the performance of a local LTDH network for a multi-dwelling low-energy building supplied by both a roof-mounted solar collector and the conventional DH network via a LTDH substation. The DH network serves as a short-term storage buffer, so no heat storages are required. The collector’s size is chosen based on the available roof area, independently from the building’s loads, and three possible connection configurations were simulated. A mix of both the existing DH forward and return flows are used as thermal energy sources. The results show that more than 15% of the summer heat demand in the LTDH network can be covered by the roof-mounted solar collector. With a feed-in contract, heat costs savings range 3-6% annually according to the Swedish system. System integration in LTDH from the design phase has the potential to enhance the recovery of solar thermal energy, increase its conversion efficiency, and in general, to improve the utilization of low-grade thermal energy sources.
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| 9. |
- Castro Flores, José Fiacro, et al.
(author)
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Energetic and exergetic analysis of a low- Temperature based district heating substation for low energy buildings
- 2015
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In: ECOS 2015 - 28th International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems. - : International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems. - 9782955553909
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- District Heating (DH) technology contributes to the low GHG emissions energy system, facilitates a renewable energy usage, and increases the overall system efficiency, while providing the necessary heating services to the built environment. However, the existing DH technology may not be technically and economically effective to service buildings with low-energy demands. Here, low- Temperature based district heating (LTDH) provides a better match between supply and demand in terms of energy quality. This paper deals with the energy and exergy analyses of a LTDH substation supplying a secondary LTDH network as a subnet of the existing DH system. The substation is supplied with a mix of supply and return flows from the main DH network. An energy and exergy analysis was employed based on modelling and simulation to compare the performance of two proposed substation configurations to that of a conventional DH substation operating at low- Temperature. The study was performed for a year round outdoor temperatures scenario under steady-state conditions. The exergy destruction at the system components was identified and compared. The results of this analysis show that by using the low- Temperature flow from the DH return pipe, the final exergy efficiency of the overall system is increased. On the other hand, assuming an adiabatic system the energy performance stays the same. As compared with the conventional DH network, the integration of the proposed LTDH substation reduced the share of energy demand covered by the main DH supply by 20-25% and improved the overall exergy efficiency from 79% to 85-87% depending on the substation configuration. Based on the results, the solution presented is seen as an effective approach to reduce the system's losses, and to increase the quality match between the low-energy heating demands and the supply.
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| 10. |
- Castro Flores, José Fiacro, et al.
(author)
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Energetic and exergetic analysis of alternative low-temperature based district heating substation arrangements
- 2016
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In: International Journal of Thermodynamics. - : International Centre for Applied Thermodynamics (ICAT). - 1301-9724 .- 2146-1511. ; 19:2, s. 71-80
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- District Heating (DH) technology is an efficient and cost-effective solution to provide heating services to the built environment. However, the existing DH technology may not be technically and economically effective to service buildings with low energy demands. Here, low-temperature based district heating (LTDH) can provide a better match between supply and demand in terms of energy quality and quantity. This paper deals with the energy and exergy analyses of a LTDH substation supplying a secondary LTDH network as a subnet of the existing DH system. In order to improve the temperature match, a mix of supply and return streams from the main DH network are used to supply the substation. Based on modelling and simulation, an energy and exergy analysis is employed to compare the performance of two proposed substation configurations to that of a conventional DH substation operating at low temperatures. The results of this analysis show that the proposed LTDH substation reduced the share of energy demand covered by the main DH supply by 20% to 25%. Likewise, by using the flow from the main DH return pipe, the final exergy efficiency of the overall system increased by 5% on average. The exergy destruction occurring at the system components was also identified and compared: during high heat demands the substation heat exchanger is responsible for the largest share of exergy destruction, whereas for low heat demands, it is due to the pumping effort. Based on these results, the proposed system is seen as an effective approach to increase the quality and quantity match between the low-temperature network and the conventional supply.
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