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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2017) | Viewed by 76640

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Prof. Dr. Bjørn H. Hjertager

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Department of Mechanical and Structural Engineering and Materials Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, N-4036 Stavanger, Norway
Interests: process/chemical engineering; fluid mechanics and transport processes; industrial and environmental flows; multiphase chemical reactors; chemical reactions in turbulent flows; combustion hazards
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Dear Colleagues,

Over the last few decades, the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental fluid dynamics (EFD) methods have penetrated into all fields of engineering. CFD is now becoming a routine analysis tool for design in some fields (e.g., aerodynamics of vehicles), and its implementation in other fields (e.g., chemical and marine application) is being quickly adopted. Additionally, in the last decade, open source software has had a tremendous impact in the use of CFD. Laser-based methods have also made significant improvements in methods to obtain data for the validation of the CFD codes.

The present Special Issue invites contributions on the topic of engineering fluid dynamics, both experimental as well as computational studies. Of special interest are submissions from the fields of mechanical, chemical, marine, safety, and energy engineering. We welcome both original research articles as well as review articles.

Prof. Dr. Bjørn H. Hjertager
Guest Editor

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

chemical reactors
fluidized beds
bioreactors
combustors
wind turbines
offshore structures
open source CFD software
explosions
dispersion
fires
multiphase flows
laser doppler anemometry (LDA)/phase doppler anemometry (PDA)/laser doppler velocimetry (LDV)
particle image velocimetry (PIV)/planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF)

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

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163 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Engineering Fluid Dynamics

by Bjørn H. Hjertager

Energies 2017, 10(10), 1467; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10101467 - 22 Sep 2017

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2949

Abstract

Over the last few decades, the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental fluid dynamics (EFD) methods has penetrated into all fields of engineering. [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Fluid Dynamics)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

5903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Equivalence Ratio (ER) and Feedstock Particle Size on Birchwood Gasification

by Rukshan Jayathilake and Souman Rudra

Energies 2017, 10(8), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10081232 - 19 Aug 2017

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 7108

Abstract

This paper discusses the characteristics of Birchwood gasification using the simulated results of a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model. The CFD model is developed and validated with the experimental results obtained with the fixed bed downdraft gasifier available at the University of Agder (UIA), Norway. In this work, several parameters are examined and given importance, such as producer gas yield, syngas composition, lower heating value (LHV), and cold gas efficiency (CGE) of the syngas. The behavior of the parameters mentioned above is examined by varying the biomass particle size. The diameters of the two biomass particles are 11.5 mm and 9.18 mm. All the parameters investigate within the Equivalences Ratio (ER) range from 0.2 to 0.5. In the simulations, a variable air inflow rate is used to achieve different ER values. For the different biomass particle sizes, CO, CO₂, CH₄, and H₂ mass fractions of the syngas are analyzed along with syngas yield, LHV, and CGE. At an ER value of 0.35, 9.18 mm diameter particle shows average maximum values of 60% of CGE and 2.79 Nm³/h of syngas yield, in turn showing 3.4% and 0.09 Nm³/h improvement in the respective parameters over the 11.5 mm diameter biomass particle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Fluid Dynamics)

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9070 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of a High-Pressure External Gear Pump with a Computational Fluid Dynamic Modeling Approach

by Emma Frosina, Adolfo Senatore and Manuel Rigosi

Energies 2017, 10(8), 1113; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10081113 - 31 Jul 2017

Cited by 65 | Viewed by 9406

Abstract

A study on the internal fluid dynamic of a high-pressure external gear pump is described in this paper. The pump has been analyzed with both numerical and experimental techniques. Starting from a geometry of the pump, a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model has been built up using the commercial code PumpLinx^®. All leakages have been taken into account in order to estimate the volumetric efficiency of the pump. Then the pump has been tested on a test bench of Casappa S.p.A. Model results like the volumetric efficiency, absorbed torque, and outlet pressure ripple have been compared with the experimental data. The model has demonstrated the ability to predict with good accuracy the performance of the real pump. The CFD model has been also used to evaluate the effect on the pump performance of clearances in the meshing area. With the validated model the pressure inside the chambers of both driving and driven gears have been studied underlining cavitation in meshing fluid volume of the pump. For this reason, the model has been implemented in order to predict the cavitation phenomena. The analysis has allowed the detection of cavitating areas, especially at high rotation speeds and delivery pressure. Isosurfaces of the fluid volume have been colored as a function of the total gas fraction to underline where the cavitation occurs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Fluid Dynamics)

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5009 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Parametric Investigation Using Computational Fluid Dynamics of the HVAC Air Distribution in a Railway Vehicle for Representative Weather and Operating Conditions

by Christian Suárez, Alfredo Iranzo, José Antonio Salva, Elvira Tapia, Gonzalo Barea and José Guerra

Energies 2017, 10(8), 1074; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10081074 - 25 Jul 2017

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4568

Abstract

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of air distribution in a representative railway vehicle equipped with a heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system is presented in this paper. Air distribution in the passenger’s compartment is a very important factor to regulate temperature and air velocity in order to achieve thermal comfort. A complete CFD model, including the car’s geometry in detail, the passengers, the luminaires, and other the important features related to the HVAC system (air supply inlets, exhaust outlets, convectors, etc.) are developed to investigate eight different typical scenarios for Northern Europe climate conditions. The results, analyzed and discussed in terms of temperature and velocity fields in different sections of the tram, and also in terms of volumetric parameters representative of the whole tram volume, show an adequate behavior from the passengers’ comfort point of view, especially for summer climate conditions. Full article

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7075 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Effects of Evaporation and Condensation on the Underfloor Space of Japanese Detached Houses Using CFD Analysis

by Wonseok Oh and Shinsuke Kato

Energies 2017, 10(6), 798; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10060798 - 13 Jun 2017

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5023

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of evaporation and condensation on the underfloor space of Japanese detached houses. In this underfloor space, natural ventilation is applied. A typical Japanese wooden detached house is raised 0.3–0.5 m over an underfloor space made of concrete. The bottom of the underfloor space is usually paved with concrete, and the ceiling which is directly underneath the indoor occupant zone is made of wood. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis is applied to calculate the rates of the evaporation and condensation generated inside the underfloor under two conditions, namely, a constant (fixed) outdoor environmental condition and a fluctuating environmental condition. In the constant condition, we verified the effects of the outdoor humidity, ventilation rate, and ratio of wetted surface (RWS, ω) on the evaporation and condensation inside the underfloor space. In this condition, the rate of evaporation and condensation was quantified considering the varying outdoor humidity between 0 to 100%, and the RWS (ω = 1 or 0). In addition, the influence of the different ventilation rates at 1.0 m/s for normal and 0.05 m/s for stagnant wind velocities were confirmed. Under fluctuating environmental conditions, the outdoor conditions change for 24 h, so the RWS varies. Therefore, the rate of evaporation and condensation, the amount of the condensed water, and the area of condensation were confirmed. The results were as follows: with a high airflow rate on the underfloor space, the evaporation and condensation phenomenon occurs continuously and is easily affected by outdoor humidity, while under low airflow rate conditions, only the condensation appeared steadily. If the wind velocity is strong, the convective mass transfer on a surface becomes large. In a condition of the outdoor humidity and the airflow rate on underfloor are high, condensation mainly occurs in a corner of the underfloor space due to high evaporation by convection in the mainstream of the airflow. By contrast, when the airflow rate is low, condensation occurs along the air stream. Accordingly, this information could be employed as design considerations for the underfloor space at the architectural design stage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Fluid Dynamics)

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9474 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Investigation of the Restitution Coefficient Impact on Simulating Sand-Char Mixing in a Bubbling Fluidized Bed

by Xinjun Zhao, Qitai Eri and Qiang Wang

Energies 2017, 10(5), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10050617 - 03 May 2017

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4262

Abstract

In the present work, the effect of the restitution coefficient on the numerical results for a binary mixture system of sand particles and char particles in a bubbling fluidized bed with a huge difference between the particles in terms of density and volume fraction has been studied based on two-fluid model along with the kinetic theory of granular flow. Results show that the effect of restitution coefficient on the flow characteristics varies in different regions of the bed, which is more evident for the top region of the bed. The restitution coefficient can be categorized into two classes. The restitution coefficients of 0.7 and 0.8 can be included into one class, whereas the restitution coefficient of 0.9 and 0.95 can be included into another class. Moreover, four vortices can be found in the time-averaged flow pattern distribution, which is very different from the result obtained for the binary system with the similar values between particles in density and volume fraction. Full article

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22663 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Investigation of Periodic Fluctuations in Energy Efficiency in Centrifugal Pumps at Different Working Points

by Hehui Zhang, Shengxiang Deng and Yingjie Qu

Energies 2017, 10(3), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10030342 - 10 Mar 2017

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4968

Abstract

In order to simulate the energy efficiency fluctuation behavior of an industrial centrifugal pump with a six-blade impeller, a full-scale three-dimensional (3D) an unsteady state computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was used. Five operational points with different flow fluxes were numerically investigated by using the Navier–Stokes code with shear-stress transport (SST) k-ω turbulence model. The predicted performance curves agreed well with the test data. A sine function was fitted to the transient calculation results and the results show that the efficiency fluctuates mainly on the blade passing frequency, while the fluctuation level varies with flow rate. Furthermore, high efficiency is not necessarily associated with low fluctuation level. The efficiency fluctuation level is high at part-load points, and becomes relatively low when flow rate exceeds the design value. The effect of change in torque is greater than that of the head lift with respect to fluctuations of efficiency. Based upon the analysis of velocity vector distribution of different impeller phase positions, a hypothesis which considers both the effect of pump’s structural shape and flow fluxes was proposed to explain the above behavior by analyzing the impeller–tongue interaction. This work enriches the theoretical system of flow parameters fluctuation of centrifugal pump, and provides useful insight for the optimal design of centrifugal pumps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Fluid Dynamics)

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4750 KiB

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Study the Flow behind a Semi-Circular Step Cylinder (Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD))

by S. M. Sayeed-Bin-Asad, Tord Staffan Lundström and Anders Gustav Andersson

Energies 2017, 10(3), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10030332 - 09 Mar 2017

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6233

Abstract

Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) measurements, flow visualizations and unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations have been carried out to study the turbulent wake that is formed behind a semi-circular step cylinder at a constant flow rate. The semi-circular cylinder has two diameters, a so-called step cylinder. The results from the LDV measurements indicate that wake length and vortex shedding frequency varies with the cylinder diameter. This implies that a step cylinder can be used to attract fish of different size. By visualizations of the formation of a recirculation region and the well-known von Kármán vortex street behind the cylinder are disclosed. The simulation results predict the wake length and shedding frequency well for the flow behind the large cylinder but fail to capture the dynamics of the flow near the step in diameter to some extent and the flow behind the small cylinder to a larger extent when compared with measurements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Fluid Dynamics)

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7784 KiB

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Computational Study of the Noise Radiation in a Centrifugal Pump When Flow Rate Changes

by Ming Gao, Peixin Dong, Shenghui Lei and Ali Turan

Energies 2017, 10(2), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10020221 - 14 Feb 2017

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5647

Abstract

Noise radiation is of importance for the performance of centrifugal pumps. Aiming at exploring noise radiation patterns of a typical centrifugal pump at different flow rates, a three-dimensional unsteady hydro/aero acoustic model with large eddy simulation (LES) closure is developed. Specifically, the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings model (FW-H) is employed to predict noise generation by the impeller and volute. The simulated flow fields reveal that the interactions of the blades with the volute induce root mean square (RMS) pressure and further lead to noise radiation. Moreover, it is found that the profiles of total sound pressure level (TSPL) regarding the directivity field for the impeller-generated noise demonstrate a typical dipole characteristic behavior, whereas strictly the volute-generated noise exhibits an apparently asymmetric behavior. Additionally, the design operation (Here, 1 Q represents the design operation) generates the lowest TSPL vis-a-vis the off-design operations for all the flow rates studied. In general, as the flow rates decrease from 1 Q to 0.25 Q, TSPL initially increases significantly before 0.75 Q and then levels off afterwards. A similar trend appears for cases having the larger flow rates (1–1.25 Q). The TSPL deviates with the radiation directivity and the maximum is about 50%. It is also found that TSPL by the volute and the blades can reach ~87 dB and ~70 dB at most, respectively. The study may offer a priori guidance for the experimental set up and the actual design layout. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Fluid Dynamics)

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4671 KiB

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Possibilities and Limitations of CFD Simulation for Flashing Flow Scenarios in Nuclear Applications

by Yixiang Liao and Dirk Lucas

Energies 2017, 10(1), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10010139 - 23 Jan 2017

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 7469

Abstract

The flashing phenomenon is relevant to nuclear safety analysis, for example by a loss of coolant accident and safety release scenarios. It has been studied intensively by means of experiments and simulations with system codes, but computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is still at the embryonic stage. Rapid increasing computer speed makes it possible to apply the CFD technology in such complex flow situations. Nevertheless, a thorough evaluation on the limitations and restrictions is still missing, which is however indispensable for reliable application, as well as further development. In the present work, the commonly-used two-fluid model with different mono-disperse assumptions is used to simulate various flashing scenarios. With the help of available experimental data, the results are evaluated, and the limitations are discussed. A poly-disperse method is found necessary for a reliable prediction of mean bubble size and phase distribution. The first attempts to trace the evolution of the bubble size distribution by means of poly-disperse simulations are made. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Fluid Dynamics)

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7331 KiB

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A Performance Prediction Method for Pumps as Turbines (PAT) Using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modeling Approach

by Emma Frosina, Dario Buono and Adolfo Senatore

Energies 2017, 10(1), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10010103 - 16 Jan 2017

Cited by 64 | Viewed by 6950

Abstract

Small and micro hydropower systems represent an attractive solution for generating electricity at low cost and with low environmental impact. The pump-as-turbine (PAT) approach has promise in this application due to its low purchase and maintenance costs. In this paper, a new method to predict the inverse characteristic of industrial centrifugal pumps is presented. This method is based on results of simulations performed with commercial three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software. Model results have been first validated in pumping mode using data supplied by pump manufacturers. Then, the results have been compared to experimental data for a pump running in reverse. Experimentation has been performed on a dedicated test bench installed in the Department of Civil Construction and Environmental Engineering of the University of Naples Federico II. Three different pumps, with different specific speeds, have been analyzed. Using the model results, the inverse characteristic and the best efficiency point have been evaluated. Finally, results have been compared to prediction methods available in the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Fluid Dynamics)

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3906 KiB

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Numerical Models for Viscoelastic Liquid Atomization Spray

by Lijuan Qian, Jianzhong Lin and Fubing Bao

Energies 2016, 9(12), 1079; https://doi.org/10.3390/en9121079 - 17 Dec 2016

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5502

Abstract

Atomization spray of non-Newtonian liquid plays a pivotal role in various engineering applications, especially for the energy utilization. To operate spray systems efficiently and well understand the effects of liquid rheological properties on the whole spray process, a comprehensive model using Euler-Lagrangian approaches was established to simulate the evolution of the atomization spray for viscoelastic liquid. Based on the Oldroyd model, the viscoelastic linear dispersion relation was introduced into the primary atomization; an extended viscoelastic version of Taylor analogy breakup (TAB) model was proposed; and the coalescence criteria was modified by rheological parameters, such as the relaxation time, the retardation time and the zero shear viscosity. The predicted results are validated with experimental data varying air-liquid mass flow ratio (ALR). Then, numerical calculations are conducted to investigate the characteristics of viscoelastic liquid atomization process. Results showed that the evolutionary trend of droplet mean diameter, Weber number and Ohnesorge number of viscoelastic liquids along with axial direction were qualitatively similar to that of Newtonian liquid. However, the mean size of polymer solution increased more gently than that of water at the downstream of the spray, which was beneficial to stable control of the desirable size in the applications. As concerned the effects of liquid physical properties, the surface tension played an important role in the primary atomization, which indicated the benefit of selecting the solvents with lower surface tension for finer atomization effects, while, for the evolution of atomization spray, larger relaxation time and zero shear viscosity increased droplet Sauter mean diameter (SMD) significantly. The zero shear viscosity was effective throughout the jet region, while the effect of relaxation time became weaken at the downstream of the spray field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Fluid Dynamics)

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8413 KiB

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Comparative Study of Shell and Helically-Coiled Tube Heat Exchangers with Various Dimple Arrangements in Condensers for Odor Control in a Pyrolysis System

by Sun-Min Kim, Jun-Ho Jo, Ye-Eun Lee and Yeong-Seok Yoo

Energies 2016, 9(12), 1027; https://doi.org/10.3390/en9121027 - 05 Dec 2016

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5560

Abstract

This study performed evaluations of the shell and helically-coiled tube heat exchangers with various dimple arrangements, that is, flat, inline, staggered, and bulged, at different Dean numbers (De) and inlet temperatures of a hot channel. Conjugated heat transfer was analyzed to evaluate the heat transfer performance of the exchangers through temperature difference between the inlet and outlet, Nusselt number inside the coiled tube, and pressure drop of the coiled tube by using 3-D Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations with shear stress transport turbulence closure. A grid dependency test was performed to determine the optimal number of the grid system. The numerical results were validated using the experimental data, and showed good agreement. The inline and staggered arrangements show the highest temperature differences through all De. The staggered arrangement shows the best heat transfer performance, whereas the inline arrangement shows the second highest performance with all ranges of De and the hot channel’s inlet temperature. The inline and staggered arrangements show the highest pressure drop among all inlet temperatures of the hot channel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering Fluid Dynamics)

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