CFD based design study of heat exchangers for high temperature heat pump applications.

Background

A large potential contributor of CO2 emissions is from the industrial sector and thus rigorous decarbonisation measures are needed to be implemented. Typical energy demand is in the form of heat which is fossil fuel driven leading to the rise of greenhouse gasses. High temperature heat pumps (HTHP) are an emerging technology in the industrial heating sector that enable heat recovery at temperatures below 100 °C and transfer if to processes operating at temperatures above 100 °C. HTHP are seen as a financially competitive systems to replace the natural gas-fired boilers. Further, these also lead to a significant reduction in carbon emissions by shifting primary energy to electricity.

Heat exchangers form an integral part of the HTHP offering potential impacts on higher energy efficiency, robustness and achieving heat transfer performance. Heat exchangers are employed on the hot side and cold side of a typical Stirling cycle based HTHP to ensure efficient heat transfer at each stage of the cycle and support a wider temperature range of operation.

Objective and goals

The primary objective of the thesis is to design, simulate and optimize a shell and tube exchanger that offers to operate with a satisfactory thermal-hydraulic performance at various temperature lifts of the HTHP.

Methodology

Through a literature review and an existing design case involving water to pressurized Helium gas heat exchanger from an Industrial project partner, a model validation is to be performed using commercial licensed CFD packages such as ANSYS Fluent or likewise.

• A CAD model (simplification) is to be developed for the numerical simulations based on a range of geometric parameters.

• A comprehensive 2D/3D CFD study is to be formulated relating to investigation of geometric parameters, operational parameters of the shell and tube heat exchanger.

• Optimisation of the design is to be carried out to favour a maximum thermal-hydraulic performance and effectiveness of the heat exchanger.

Expected outcomes

 This work is anticipated to offer:

• An in-depth knowledge of heat exchanger design, simulation and operation strategy for high temperature heat pump applications.

• Experience with quantification of parameters of interest towards developing a design optimization strategy.

• Experience in evaluation of thermal-hydraulic performance to determine the effectiveness of the heat exchanger.

• Potential scope of aiming towards a journal publication in peer reviewed top tier - International Journal of Thermal Sciences, Applied Thermal Engineering, Applied Energy etc.

Duration

The thesis is expected to be commence starting from January 2025 and is expected to be completed over a five-month period.

Deliverables

The main deliverables of the project include:

• Final project report and presentation.

• CAD / CFD models and simulation files with instructions.

How to apply

Interested candidates are required to submit their CV to the supervisor contact as below.

Supervisor

Examiner