Animal-Fats Biodiesel as a Heating Fuel for Agricultural Hot Air Heaters

Biodiesel （BD） was made from animal-fats reacting with methanol and potassium hydroxide in the laboratory. The biodiesel made in the laboratory was sent to K-petro, the government agency to inspect the quality of animal-fats biodiesel, of which generally the quality was acceptable for heating oil for agricultural hot air heater. Kinematic viscosity and calorific values of the biodiesels were measured. BD20（K）, kerosene based biodiesel, showed 18 cSt at -20 ~C. It seems that BD100 can not be suitable for heating fuel under some temperature. As BD content increased calorific value decreased up to 40,000 J/g for 100% BD （BD100） while, light oil calorific value was 45,567 J/g, showing difference of 5,567 J/g （about 12% difference）, Several different fuels including BD20 （biodiesel 20% ＋ light oil 80%）, BD50 （biodiesel 50% ＋ light oil 50%）, BD100 （biodiesel 100%） and light oil were prepared and tested for fuel combustion qualities for agricultural hot air heater and their combustion performances were compared and analyzed. Flame dimensions of biodiesels and light oil were almost same shape at the same combustion condition in the burner of the hot air heater. Generally, CO2 amounts of BDs were greater than light oil, but the differences were so small that it is hard to tell there was significant difference between the BDs combustion and light oil.

A comprehensive review of rectangular duct solar air heaters featuring artificial roughness

Solar air heaters(SAHs)are widely used solar thermal systems with applications in diverse sectors.However,its effectiveness is re-strained by low convective heat transfer(HT)coefficients at the absorber plate,leading to inefficient HT,and the elevated temperature of the absorber plate causes significant heat losses,reducing thermal efficiency.This study addresses these challenges by introducing ribs or roughness on the absorber plate creating turbulence in the airflow,resulting in significant improvements.The research inves-tigates various rib configurations,the influence of rib parameters,performance methods,and arrangements to evaluate their HT and friction characteristics.Among these rib configurations,a comparative analysis is done on various factors such as the Nusselt number ratio,thermal enhancement factor,friction factor ratio,and thermal efficiency to optimize distinct roughness parameters and rib ar-rangement patterns.This study also provides valuable recommendations from existing literature,offering insights into the effective design,prospects,and implementation of SAH systems.

Design and Development of a Parabolic Trough Solar Air Heater for a Greenhouse Dryer

Design and Development of a Parabolic Trough Solar Air Heater (PTSAH) for a Greenhouse Dryer (GD) was done to improve the dryer’s performance. The materials used for the fabrication of the PTSAH included galvanized sheets covered with aluminium foil, an absorber tube made of GI pipe painted matt black to increase heat absorbance at the focal line, mild steel square tubes, shutter plywood, and an axial fan to push air through the absorber tube. Key geometrical parameters used for the design of the PTSAH were a rim angle of 98 degrees, focal length of 0.2608 m, height of 0.3451 m, length of 2 m, and an aperture width of 1.2 m. The PTSAH’s total aperture surface area was 2.4 m2, while its absorber tube surface area was 0.1587 m2. The PTSAH was experimentally tested to establish its thermal performance. It was found that the ambient air recorded an average value of 31.1˚C and that the air heater could increase the air temperature by 45.6˚C above ambient with a thermal efficiency of 5.3%. It can, therefore, be concluded that the PTSAH can significantly improve the performance of a GD by supplying the GD with air at a higher temperature than ambient.

Experimental Investigation on Turbulent Convection in Solar Air Heater Channel Fitted with Delta Winglet Vortex Generator

The paper presents an experimental study on the heat transfer and flow friction characteristics in a solar air heater channel fitted with delta-winglet type vortex generators （DWs）. The experiments are conducted by varying the airflow rate for Reynolds number in the range of 5000 to 24000 in the test section with a uniform heat-flux applied on the upper channel wall. Firstly, the DW pairs are mounted only at the entrance of the lower wall of the test channel （called DW-E） to create multiple vortex flows at the entry. The effect of two transverse pitches （Re= Pt/H= 1 and 2） at three attack angles （a= 30°, 45° and 60°） of the DW-E with its relative height, b/H= 0.5 （half height of channel） is examined. Secondly, the 30° DWs with three different relative heights （blH = 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5） are placed on the upper wall only （absorber plate, called DW-A） of the test channel. The experimental result reveals that in the first case, the 60° DW-E at Rp = 1 provides the highest heat transfer and friction factor while the 30° DW-E at Rp = 1 performs overall better than the others. In the second case, the 30° DW-A at b/H= 0.5 yields the highest heat transfer and friction factor but the best thermal performance is found at b/H = 0.4.

Using the Taguchi Method and Grey Relational Analysis to Optimize the Performance of a Solar Air Heater

Solar energy is regarded as one of the promising renewable energy sources in the world.The main aim of this study is to use the Taguchi-Grey relational grade analysis to optimize the performance of two Solar Air Heaters(SAHs).A typical Grey–Taguchi method was applied.The Orthogonal Array,Signal-to-Noise ratio,Grey Relational Grade,and Analysis of Variance were employed to investigate the performance characteristics of SAH.Experimental observations were made in agreement with Jordanian climate 32°00′N latitude and 36°00′E longitude with a solar intensity of 500 W\m^(2).The operating factors selected for optimization are the tilt angle(T)with three levels(0°,22°,45°),inlet velocity(V)with two levels(1.2,1.8 m/s),and absorber plate material(M)with two levels(Aluminum,wood).In this study,the Grey–Taguchi approach is validated by performing 12 individual experiments.The results show that the process factors sequence required for a maximum SAH efficiency(SAHµ)is V>T>M.Using this approach,we combined the Orthogonal Array design with Grey Relational Analysis.As a result of that,the level of each operating conditions which optimizes both process responses(Temperature difference,ΔT and Solar air heater efficiency,SAHµ)can be specified with a minimum number of tests compared with classic Grey Relational Analysis.The optimal operating conditions of a SAH for multiple performance characteristics are determined as T2,M2,and V2,respectively,which are in congruence with the experimental results.

Experimental Performance Analysis of a Corrugation Type Solar Air Heater(CTSAH)

This paper explains the experimental performance evaluation of a Corrugated Type Solar Air Heater(CTSAH)for understanding its performance in a humid tropical climatic condition in Puducherry,India.This helps in understanding its effectiveness in using it for drying application of products like seafood,etc.Experiments were conducted at different mass flow rates and their effect on the heat gain,efficiency,friction factor heat transfer,etc.,was analyzed.Experiments were carried out at different mass flow rates,i.e.,M1=0.06 kg/s,M2=0.14 kg/s,M3=0.17 kg/s,M4=0.25 kg/s,M5=0.3 kg/s,and were conducted from 11:00 h to 14:00 h.The air inlet&air temperature is found to be at an average of 40°C whereas the incident solar radiation is at an average of 795 W/m2.Experimental results show that the optimum performance of the CTSAH is in the mass flow rate range of 0.14–0.25(kg/s).Also,the calculated useful heat produced,convective heat transfer coefficients,effective efficiency,optical efficiency provides knowledge on the potential use of the air heater.

Research and Development of Hot Primary Air Heater for Coal-Fired Boilers in Power Plant

The reasons of introducing cold air into pulverizer are analyzed for boilers with large capacity and high parameters. The temperature rises of the exhaust gas are calculated when varying the amount of the cold air. The hot primary air heater, a new technology, is developed to eliminate the cold air from the pulverized coal system. The applications, advantages and disadvantages are introduced in detail for the new device and system. It is concluded that introducing cold air into pulverizer is one of the major factors that causes the exhaust gas temperature of boilers with large capacity to be high. The amount of the cold air could be reduced signif icantly, even to zero in some cases by adopting the hot primary air heater, which drops the exhaust gas temperature of the boiler effectively. The hot primary air heater, which could play part roles of the steam-air heater or the hot air recirculation system, could also be used to adjust the exhaust gas temperature within the range of 20 ℃ by controlling the flow rate of the cooling medium. Moreover, the startup period of the steam-air heater or the hot air recirculation system will be shortened, which is a unique advantage of the hot primary air heater among the measures to drop the exhaust gas temperature.

Temperature Profiles in the Flow Channel of a Natural Convection Solar Air Heater

An experimental investigation was conducted to measure the temperature variation across the flow channel and to determine the performance of a natural convection solar air heater at various tilt angles from 15, 30 and 45°. The results of the temperature profile across the air gap showed that heat transfer from the absorber plate to the air stream was mainly by convection. At a particular section, mean air temperature could be calculated from the arithmetic mean of the temperature profile across the air gap to within ± 2 ℃. The axial air temperature distribution was non linear and did not increase much beyond 1 m of collector length. It tended to decrease towards the end of the collector. Overall glass, absorber plate and mean air temperatures over the entire length of the solar air heater could be determined by averaging the mean axial temperatures to within ± 2 ℃. The heater performed better as inclination increased.

Numerical analysis of the return flow solar air heater(RF-SAH)with assimilation of V-type artificial roughness

A novel design of Return Flow Solar Air Heater(RFSAH)with different arrangements of baffles especially V-Type Artificial roughness is simulated and numerically analyzed with energy balance equations.To enhance the effectiveness of baffles,numerous studies have been conducted.The performance of the RFSAH is studied in terms of thermal efficiency,thermo-hydraulic efficiency,and optimization of baffle parameters.Maximum Thermal efficiency and thermo-hydraulic efficiency are found in RFSAH with baffle on both sides of the absorber plate and mass flow rate above 0.2kg/s.Sensitivity analysis of the influencing parameters is carried out and reported the best performance of the system on selective geometrical parameters(ψ=0.7,β=20%,e/H=1,p/e=0.8,α=60°).The results obtained from the present model are validated with the published experimental results and have been found in quite reasonable agreement with an average error of 16.45%.Thermal and Thermohydraulic efficiency of RFSAH with a baffle on both sides of the absorber plate is maximum among baffles below,above,and on both sides of the absorber plate.It is observed that the thermal efficiency of RFSAH is greater than SF-SAH.The proposed optimum baffles roughness is suggested to increase the air upholding time period for more efficient output.

Technical Measures and Selections for Reducing Flue Gas Heat Loss of Large Coal-Fired Boilers

The main technologies for reducing flue gas heat loss of pulverized coal-fired boilers are introduced, and the suitability of these technologies for boiler operation and the principles for selection of these technologies are explored. The main conclusions are： 1） the non-equilibrium control over flue gas flow rates at the inlet of the air heater and the reversal rotation of the air heater rotator should be popularized as regular technologies in large boilers; 2） increasing the area of the air heater to reduce the flue gas heat loss in pulverized coal-fired boilers should be the top option and increasing the area of the economizer be the next choice; 3） low- pressure economizer technology could save energy under special conditions and should be compared with the technology of increasing economizer area in terms of technical economics when the latter is feasible; 4） the hot primary air heater is only suitable to the pnlvefizing system with a large amount of cold air mixed.

Application of Response Surface Methodology for Analysing and Optimizing the Finned Solar Air Heater

In this research paper,a solar air heater with triangular fins has been experimentally analysed and optimized.Initially,an experimental set-up of a solar air heater having triangular fins has been developed at the location of 28.10°N,78.23°E.The heat transfer rate through fins and fins efficiency has been determined by the Finite Difference Method model equations.The experimental data and modeled data of response parameters have been optimized in MINITAB-17 software by the Response Surface Methodology tool.For creating the response surface design,three input parameters have been selected namely solar intensity,Reynolds number,and fin base-to-height ratio.The range of solar intensity,Reynolds number,and fin base-to-height ratio is 600 to 1000W/m^(2),4000 to 6000,and 0.4 to 0.8 respectively.The response surface design has been analyzed by calculating the outlet temperature,friction factor,Nusselt number,fin efficiency,thermal performance factor,and exergy efficiency.The optimum settings of input parameters:solar intensity is 1000 W/m^(2);Reynolds number is 4969.7,and the fin base to height ratio is 0.6060,on which these response:namely outlet temperature of 92.531℃,friction factor of 0.2350,Nusselt number of 127.761,thermal efficiency of 50.836%,thermal performance factor of 1.4947,and exergy efficiency of 8.762%.

MODELING AND FABRICATION OF A KINETIC SOLAR ENERGY-ABSORBING WINDOW AS A GREEN IDEA FOR SUSTAINABLE FUTURE BUILDINGS

INTRODUCTION Renewable versus nonrenewable energy sources and their respective environmental impacts have emerged as preeminent industrial,as well as environmental concerns.Negotiation between policies that promote economic development with those promoting conservationism has yielded promising opportunities for the future.These opportunities engage frameworks focused on economic directives while simultaneously considering the need for environmental directives.Buildings present a unique opportunity for sustainability as they represent the largest proportion of consumed energy,relative to other consumers reliant on the energy grid system.The largest source of energy expenditure in a modern building is through the heating and cooling system which facilitates and maintains a comfortable living temperature.By effectively implementing innovative approaches focused on energy preservation and overall reduction of consumption,it is possible to meet emission reduction goals and mitigate other adverse environmental conditions.Windows play a vital role in energy consumption and overall maintenance of a comfortable temperature.Understandably,the construction and fabrication of windows are the primary means through which optimized temperatures are achieved.This occurs not only through heat and energy transference but also by providing a protective differential between the inside of the building and the harsh weather conditions of the outdoors.As such,appropriate widow design strategies not only enhance comfort but reduce overall energy consumption.This study seeks to evaluate double-skin windows in order to offer a solution to excessive energy consumption.The windows work by generating a natural ventilation system in summer and then by producing hot air in winter for year-round comfort that is economical.Since current double-skin windows fail to effectively provide ventilation during warm seasons,a kinetic double-skin window was proposed to address this problem and optimize the heating and cooling functions of the building.The results of this research are applicable to modern construction and can be implemented into current design structures.

Performance and Optimization of Air Source Heat Pump Water Heater with Cyclic Heating

A new type of microchannel condenser applied in the air source heat pump water heater(ASHPWH)with cyclic heating was proposed in this study.The operating performance of the ASHPWH was frst tested.Then,the structure of the microchannel condenser was optimized with the implement of vortex generators.Finally,a numerical model of the ASHPWH was established and the optimized microchannel condenser was studied.The experimental results showed that the average coefficient of performance(COP)of the 1HP(735 W)ASHPWH reached 3.48.In addition,the optimized microchannel condenser could be matched with a 3 HP(2430W)ASHPWH with an average heating capacity of 10.30 kW,and achieving an average COP of 4.24,14.6%higher than the limit value in the national standard.

Thermodynamic Performance Analysis of a Low-Cost,Recycled and Energy-Efficient Solar Air Heater with Waste Beverage Cans:An Experimental Research

Solar air heaters are at the centre of interest owing to their widespread use for various purposes.In the study,thermal performance analysis of a solar air heater that can be easily produced from daily waste materials is done.The system has a low-cost structure with both waste material use and a simple design.The proposed system is tested under different climatic conditions,and the energetic and the exergetic performance figures are obtained for the first time in literature.It is observed from the experimental tests that the results are stable and coherent as well as in good accordance with the similar attempts in literature with some cost reductions and performance improvements.Thermodynamic performance analyses indicate that the maximum energy efficiency of the system is about 21%,whereas the exergy efficiency is 1.8%.The energetic and exergetic outputs of the system are also determined to be 27 W and 3 W,respectively,which is promising.

Analysis of a Coal Fired Combined Cycle with Carried-Heat Gasification

In the research of a more efficient, leSS costly, more environmentally responsible and less technically difficult method for generating electrical power from coal, the Carried-heat Gasilication Combined Cycle (CGCC) is introduced by Tsinghua University. The high efficiency cycle includes carried-heat partial gasilication, compressed air heating in a fiuidized bed immersed air heater followed by a combustor and the heat recovery of gas turbine exhaust used as the combustion air for the differential-velocity atmospheric circulating fluidized bed (DFBC). Superheat steam is raised in the DFBC boiler. The comparison of results identifies the causes of performance difference between eight cases. Features of the cycle ensure a high coal conversion efficiency within current state of the art.

Standardized Elemental Basis for Gas-Turbine Engine Heat Exchangers is the Key Factor for Their Cost Reduction

The competitiveness of the small gas turbine units (GTUs) (Ne<300 kW) in the world power market is dependent on bath the maintenance expenses and the capital costs of production. Reduction in the maintenance expenditures could be achieved by increasing the plant efficiency. This task could be solved by some methods: increasing the cycle inlet temperature TIT, getting the cycle more complex (use of heat regeneration and compressed air intermediate cooling), cutting the power consumption on heat-stressed parts cooling. Putting the above into effect is linked with introduction of novel structural materials, a sharp increase in the mass-size values and the plant manufacture expenditures, in particular, at provision of its self-regulation. In connection with the above, the development of the combined metal-ceramic airheaters and standardization of the elemental basis of the metal gas-gas heat exchangers will promote reduction in the expenditures of the maintenance and the manufacture of the small-size independent power GTEs.