Design, Development, and Characterization of a 3D Solar Heat Exchanger

This thesis presents a multifaceted approach to the design, characterization, and development of a 3D Solar heat exchanger, employing state-of-the-art Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and experimental techniques. The Solar Model represents a compact and innovative multi-level heat exchanger, incorporating intricate design elements such as pin-fins, vanes, multiple fluid passages, or channels. The primary objective of this design is to bolster heat transfer efficiency by prolonging the contact duration between the fluid and the heat transfer surfaces. To substantiate the theoretical models and designs, a comprehensive CFD and experimental study of the 3D model was conducted. CFD has proven to be an effective tool in the design and optimization of heat exchangers by considering thermal properties and it has been employed to study different modifications, compare results, and present the best possible combination of variables to ensure optimum performance. The proposed experimental procedure was implemented, with a step-by-step guide for system setup, including the installation of a solar collector, heat exchanger, and fluid circulation system. Measurement devices, comprising of thermocouples and pressure transducers, were placed throughout the system to monitor temperatures, pressure drop, and heat transfer rates under varying experimental conditions. This comprehensive research endeavor not only explores the theoretical aspects of solar design and optimization using CFD but also validates these models through practical experimentation. The findings emphasize the paramount role of design configurations and parameters, particularly the aspect ratios and how they influence the overall thermal performance of solar systems. This combined approach paves the way for the advancement of efficient solar thermal systems, contributing to sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions. Steady state CFD simulations were conducted to study the fluid flow patterns, velocity profiles and temperature distribution of the solar at different aspect ratios. The modified geometry with an aspect ratio of 0.5 led to a more homogenous temperature distribution within the computational domain characterized by well-distributed fluid flow patterns. The modified geometry was then selected for fabrication so a prototype could be characterized experimentally. Experimental results revealed that the overall heat transfer coefficient, U, increased with flow rate. Furthermore, U reached an optimum value between 2.8 and 3.0 l/min, suggesting that the flow behavior inside the solar heat exchanger reached an optimum condition despite depicting higher pressure drop at higher flow rates. In summary, designing, numerically simulating, and experimentally characterizing a solar heat exchanger with features such as long fins and guide vanes proved to be a successful heat exchanger development approach. Such an approach should help the development of heat exchangers for renewable energy applications.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Engineering Technology

Grantor

Texas A&M University

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Obilor, David

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Alvarado, Jorge L.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Kuttolamadom, Mathew
• Pate, Michael

• Engineering, Mechanical
• Energy

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/1589574

OAI record oai:identifier

https://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/server/oai/request?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=dim&identifier=oai%3Aoaktrust.library.tamu.edu%3A1969.1%2F1589574