Thermal Performance Analysis of a Tube Considering Nusselt Number CFD Simulation, Numerical Paper Validation
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Researchers can use experiments and simulations to examine numerous aspects influencing heat transfer, such as material qualities, fluid dynamics, and insulation methods. This research enables the creation of more efficient solar collector designs, resulting in improved energy output, decreased environmental effects, and wider use of sustainable energy sources, ultimately contributing to climate change mitigation and a more sustainable future.
As the project title suggests, we will study thermal performance inside a heat pipe considering the Nusselt number. The heat pipe concept is taken from a renewable energy paper entitled “Thermal performance analysis of solar parabolic trough collector using nanofluid as working fluid: A CFD modeling study [1]”. The following figure is indicative of our assumed pipe.
- Reference [1]: Ghasemi, Seyed Ebrahim, and Ali Akbar Ranjbar. “Thermal performance analysis of solar parabolic trough collector using nanofluid as working fluid: A CFD modelling study.” Journal of Molecular Liquids222 (2016): 159-166.
Figure 1- The solar collector as a heat pipe
Simulation Process
Prior to future steps, the simple cylindrical heat pipe will be modeled using Design Modeler software. Due to the symmetrical geometry of the pipe, only half of it is modeled. The appropriate blocking enables us to generate a fine structured grid later. The following figure represents the grid. It should be noted that the pipe as a solid part is taken into account. Then, in the solver settings, Nusselt number is aimed to be calculated. It requires specific consideration in terms of calculating bulk temperature, etc.
Figure 2- Structured grid over the pipe and flow inside
Post-processing
The Nusselt number (Nu) is a dimensionless measure used to determine convective heat transfer efficiency. In the context of heat pipes, Nu measures the effectiveness of internal fluid flow in passing heat from a source to a sink. Higher Nu values suggest more effective heat transmission. Nu is commonly calculated by dividing the convective heat transfer coefficient (h) by the thermal conductivity (k) and a characteristic length scale (L) inside the system: Nu = (h * L)/k. Based on the given equation, the software reports a value of 271.5; in the paper (Fig5.a), it is 245. In other words, there is only a 10% error and the paper is fully validated by our CFD simulation.
Reference Paper | CFD Simulation | Error | |
Nusselt Number | 245 | 271.5 | 10% |
The temperature contour shows a regular thermal gradient along the heat pipe, with temperatures ranging from 320 to 329.965K. The distribution pattern shows strong thermal stratification, with the highest temperatures concentrating near the heat input zone and gradually moving to cooler regions closer to the outflow. This temperature range suggests efficient heat transport across the pipe, with a temperature difference of around 10K between the hottest and coldest sections. The symmetrical character of the temperature distribution supports the decision to represent only half of the pipe shape, as thermal patterns behave consistently along the longitudinal axis.
Figure 3: Temperature distribution Thermal Performance Analysis of a Tube Considering Nusselt Number
We pride ourselves on presenting unique products at CFDLAND. We stand out for our scientific rigor and validity. Our products are not based on guesswork or theoretical assumptions like many others. Instead, most of our products are validated using experimental or numerical data from valued scientific journals. Even if direct validation isn’t possible, we build our models and assumptions on the latest research, typically using reference articles to approximate reality.
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