The possibility of using magnesium based eutectic metal alloys as phase change material (PCM) for thermal energy storage (TES) in concentrated solar power (CSP) applications is analysed. An extensive thermophysical characterization of the Mg–51%Zn eutectic metal alloy between room temperature...

In the design of solar air heaters (SAHs), channel depth is a principal variable to be fixed. In this paper, the effect of the channel depth on the energy gain of type I and type III SAHs has been investigated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Laminar model and k–ω turbulence...

An experimental campaign has been conducted on a solar parabolic trough collector feeding a micro-CHP system (micro-cogeneration). The originality of the solar field is the DSG (direct steam generation) using a two axis tracker and a small size (46.5 m2) collector. The first step of the...

Using PTC (parabolic-trough solar collectors) for industrial thermal processes in the temperature range up to 300 °C is not new, but in recent years there is a boosted interest in this type of concentrating solar technology. One of the problems that arise when designing PTC solar fields is how...

Solar thermal power is a promising and ever-growing source of carbon-free electricity. To date, analysis and design tools for solar thermal power generation with parabolic troughs are mathematically complex. We have developed a model of a solar parabolic trough, which advances the simulation of...

This study investigates the ability of a 2-D CFD (computational fluid dynamic) simulation in estimating the hourly yield of a single-slope solar still. Moreover, a new equation based on Chilton–Colburn analogy is proposed to estimate the productivity of a solar still. The results are in a good...

Reducing fuel consumption is a prime objective in order to meet regulatory and customer demands. Given this context, an original port fuel injected engine featuring variable valve actuation was initially investigated when operating at idle with low intake valve lift. An improvement of both fuel...

Steam ejectors use pressurized vapor as the motive flow for running in steam cycles. The major parameter that affects the thermal energy consumption is the pressure of motive flow used in this device. In the current study, a malfunctioning experimental ejector is studied numerically to reveal...

3D computational analysis was performed to investigate heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of flow in SWFET (Smooth Wavy Fin-and-Elliptical Tube) heat exchanger with four new VGs (vortex generators), RTW (rectangular trapezoidal winglet), ARW (angle rectangular winglet), CARW (curved...

Nowadays, computer models have contributed to a better understanding and solution of long standing practical combustion problems in HCCI (homogenous charge compression ignition) engines. In this study, a new multi zone model is developed for HCCI engines simulation. Model contains four different...