Iranian Journal of Chemical Engineering (IJChE)

Abstract This study presents a numerical investigation into the influence of the magnet position and its distance from the channel inlet on heat transfer and flow behavior of ferrofluid (FF), including Fe₃O₄/water flowing through a horizontal channel under a constant wall heat flux. Three magnet positions were considered—at the inlet, middle, and outlet of the channel—to identify the best configuration for heat transfer enhancement. Permanent magnets with a remanent magnetic flux density of 0.4 T were modeled. The nanoparticle concentration was 5 Vol.%, and the Reynolds number was 100. The effects of magnet positions on the local magnetic flux density, Kelvin force, streamlines, velocity and temperature distributions, and Nusselt number (Nu) were investigated. The problem was solved by assuming incompressible, laminar, and steady-state flow. The Galerkin weighted residual finite element method was used to solve the governing equations simultaneously. Results revealed that when magnets were positioned at the inlet or outlet, the magnetic field effects were localized and produced minimal impact on the flow and temperature fields. Conversely, when the magnets were located in the middle of the channel, the most substantial magnetic field gradients and Kelvin forces were generated, which created recirculation zones and increased fluid mixing, resulting in a more uniform temperature distribution and a significant enhancement in the local Nu and an average Nu of 5.31. Finally, this study proposes placing the magnet in the middle of the channel as the most effective configuration for enhancing convection heat transfer.

Abstract Wind energy is used to rotate a magnetic turbine in order to remove heat from the surface of a photovoltaic (PV) panel. A three-bladed turbine, which rotates with wind energy, has rotational motion underneath the studied PV panel in order to move Magnetic Nano-Particles (MNPs). In addition, effects of the magnetic field strength (B=450-830 mT), rotational velocity of the magnetic turbine (ω), and the concentration of MNPs (ϕ) on the heat removal from the PV panel area were investigated. Results showed that heat removal from PV panel was intensified by motion of pinned MNPs in the ferrofluid via the exerted external force of magnetic field. Concurrent application of available magnetic field along with ferrofluid led to 7.6-24 % temperature reduction for a PV panel. Furthermore, the produced electrical energy of the PV panel was augmented between 2.55-3.13 W depending on ϕ, ω, and B. Moreover, the impact of ω on cooling performance was also investigated, and a significant enhancement to generated power was observed. Eventually, the maximum amount of the produced power (3.13 W), maximum power enhancement percentage (32.63 %), and thermal efficiency (24 %) were achieved for B=830 mT, ω=50 cycles/min, and ϕ=0.05 (w/v).

Abstract In the present study, Adaptive Neuro–Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) approach was applied for predicting the heat transfer and air flow pressure drop on flat and discontinuous fins. The heat transfer and friction characteristics were experimentally investigated in four flat and discontinuous fins with different geometric parameters including; fin length (r), fin interruption (s), fin pitch (p), and fin thickness (t). Two ANFIS models were developed using the Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) results which validated by the experimental data. The ANFIS models were applied for prediction of Nusselt number (Nu) and friction factor (f) as functions of Reynolds number (Re), and fin geometric parameters including, spanwise spacing ratio (p/t), and streamwise spacing ratio (s/r). The low error values for testing data set, which were not employed in the training of the ANFIS, proved the precise and validity of the model. The root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.7343 and mean relative error (MRE) of 1.33% were resulted for prediction Nu. In addition, these values for estimation of the f were resulted 0.0158, 3.32%, respectively.

Abstract This study introduces an experimental and theoretical investigation of the performance of a proposed air dehumidification system using a nanofluid of γ-alumina nano-particles in LiBr/H2O as a desiccant. Comparative experiments organized using a central composite design were carried out to evaluate the effects of six numerical factors (air velocity, desiccant flow rate, air humidity ratio, desiccant solution concentration, air temperature, desiccant temperature) and one categorical factor (adding nano-particles) on outlet air humidity ratio and outlet air temperature as responses. Reduced quadratic models were derived for each response. The results revealed that the concentration of LiBr/H2O solution and air temperature had the largest effect on outlet air humidity ratio and outlet air temperature, respectively. It was found that the average increase in mass transfer rate was 12.23% and heat transfer rate was 13.22% when γ-alumina nano-particles (0.02% wt) were added to the LiBr/H2O solution. The average increase in mass transfer coefficient was 22.73% and heat transfer coefficient was 26.51%.

Abstract This paper reports a study on the effect of the heat flux, cooling water flow rate, fill ratio and extra volume on the overall performance of a partially vacuumed thermosyphon. A rig was made from a 1 m copper tube with an inner and outer diameter of 17.5 and 19 mm. The heights of the evaporator, the adiabatic section and the condenser are 40, 20 and 40 cm, respectively. The temperatures at different places on the thermosyphon and on the inlet/outlet ofthe cooling water were measured. It was observed that change in heat flux, fill ratio and employing different extra volumes, has a significant effect on its performance. On the other hand, with changes in the cooling water flow rate the performance ofthe thermosyphon was altered regarding the trapped air movement. In order to illustrate the effect ofthe existence ofair in deactivating the thermosyphon, the pipe was cooled down by disconnecting the evaporator power input. It was seen that the thermosyphon loses its performance as the trapped gas occupies the whole condenser. The whole study shows that due to the existence ofthe trapped air, the heat loads can have significant effects on the thermosyphon performance.