Double-diffusive natural convection with Soret/Dufour effects and energy optimization of Nano-Encapsulated Phase Change Material in a novel form of a wavy-walled I-shaped domain

Background: As building segment grows in parallel with amplifying population, the necessity for consumption of energy needed to passive and active heating or cooling buildings for thermal comfort increases. Schemes such as developing green buildings for sustainable architecture were utilized to address this issue. The utilization of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) with the aim of active and passive cooling or heating of buildings illustrates a promising and modern technique. Methods: This study's objective is to perform a numerical analysis using the finite element method, FEM for modeling free convection produced by double-diffusion (DDNC) with Soret/Dufour effects of Nano-Encapsulated PCMs within an I-shaped enclosure equipped with a novel type of corrugated vertical walls subjected to Neumann thermal and solutal conditions. Findings: Results are interpreted and assessed in relation to the governing factors, such as buoyancy ratio (N), Rayleigh and Lewis numbers (Ra, Le), the height of corrugated walls (a), Stefan number (Ste), non-dimensional fusion temperature (θf), Dufour (Df), and Soret (Sr) parameters. High values of N and Ra, and low values of Le and a, caused in the highest rate of heat and mass exchange. The irreversibilities due to the heat and mass transfer effects increase as the flow intensity within the system decrease. Decreasing the latent heat of the NEPCM cores and increasing their fusion temperature lowering the heat transfer rates, while improving mass transfer rates. This configuration can help in the design of the storage tank in hydronic apparatus for cooling, heating, and domestic hot water in buildings

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NUMERICAL METHODS FOR HEAT & FLUID FLOW

Purpose The purpose of this study is to peruse natural convection in a CuO-water nanofluid-filled complex-shaped enclosure under the influence of a uniform magnetic field by using control volume finite element method. Design/methodology/approach Governing equations formulated in dimensionless stream function, vorticity and temperature variables using the single-phase nanofluid model with the Koo-Kleinstreuer-Li correlation for the effective dynamic viscosity and the effective thermal conductivity have been solved numerically by control volume finite element method. Findings Effects of various pertinent parameters such as Rayleigh number, Hartmann number, volume fraction of nanofluid and shape factor of nanoparticle on the convective heat transfer characteristics are analysed. It was observed that local and average heat transfer rates increase for higher value of Rayleigh number and lower value of Hartmann number. Among various nanoparticle shapes, platelets were found to be best in terms of heat transfer performance. The amount of average Nusselt number reductions was found to be different when nanofluids with different solid particle volume fractions were considered due to thermal and electrical conductivity enhancement of fluid with nanoparticle addition. Originality/value A comprehensive study of the natural convection in a CuO-water nanofluid-filled complex-shaped enclosure under the influence of a uniform magnetic field by using control volume finite element method is addressed

Dissection of entropy production for the free convection of NEPCMs-filled porous wavy enclosure subject to volumetric heat source/sink

Background: The exploration of natural convection which is one the substantial types of convective heat transmission in various applications for instance heat exchangers and geothermal systems along with nanofluids (Nanofluids have greater thermal conductivity in comparison to the conventional fluids) engrossed all researchers’ attention. Methods: This study is dedicated to the inspection of the free convection of nanofluid as well as entropy generation inside a porous cavity loaded with nano-encapsulated phase change materials (NEPCMs). The wavy bottom section of the enclosure may be subject to a constant heat flux due to the transmitted sunlight comes from a parabolic trough solar collector. The volumetric heat source/sink is comprised in the governing equation. The robust finite element method (FEM) is deployed to handle the transformed governing equations. Findings: The numerical simulation of the streamlines and isotherms associated with velocity distribution for diverse factors are displayed. Further, the significant behavior of the contributing parameters on the Nusselt and Bejan numbers are represented. The results demonstrate that the various profiles of wavy bottom section could affect the heat transmission features as well as fluid flow remarkably. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that all the profiles of entropy enhance with increasing the amplitude with respect to the increasing undulation number for the existence of various Rayleigh number

Free convection and second law scrutiny of NEPCM suspension inside a wavy-baffle-equipped cylinder under altered Fourier theory

Background: Free convection and second law scrutiny of nano-encapsulated phase change material (NEPCM) suspension along with entropy production inside a circular cold cylinder involving a wavy hot baffle is a significant thermal management aspect subject to various industrial applications. Phase change material (PCM) undergoes a solid-liquid phase mutation at a particular fusion temperature, and absorbs/releases an appreciable amount of energy because of the latent heat of phase mutation. Hence, NEPCMs would be prospective owing to their capability to enhance the working liquids’ performance, keeping the system at a particular cooling temperature. Methods: In order to simulatethe free convection along with entropy generation of NEPCMs inside a circular cold cylinder entails a wavy hot baffle under CattaneoChristov heat flux model(Altered Fourier theory) and magnetic field, the finite element method (FEM) could be utilized to solve the governing equations. In this study, the amplitude of baffle could be changeable while its undulation number is fixed at 2. Findings: Amplifying Raylegh number intensifies streamlines, isotherms, horizontal and vertical velocities, total entropy generation whittles down local Bejan number. Higher magnetic field strength is responsible for slow movement of NEPCMs and augments local Bejan number. Growth of baffle size yields squeezes the streamlines, horizontal and vertical velocities and intensified tilted isotherms