Next-Generation Thermal Energy Exchange and Storage Devices for Conventional and Alternative Power Systems, Space Cooling Applications, and Microelectronics

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Overview: The focus is on next-generation (novel) thermal energy exchange and storage devices for enhancing the performance of conventional and alternative power systems, space heating and cooling systems, and microelectronics. Five different projects will be undertaken: (1) Compact and Ultra-Compact Heat Exchangers and Mini-Channels with Partial Blockages (assessment of increasing compactness, or area density, on thermofluid performance; proposal of novel core configurations with applications to recuperators for industrial micro gas turbine engines, of power <= 500 kW; accurate modeling of cooling-air flows in notebook and laptop computers); (2) Thermal Design of Transformers for Wind- and Tidal-Power Systems in Northern Canada (proposal, modeling, and demonstration of novel thermal management systems for mitigating the adverse effects of extreme temperatures and intermittent and time-periodic power-generation); (3) Enhanced Latent-Heat Energy-Storage Systems for Assisting Thermal Environmental Control (proposal, modeling, and demonstration of systems incorporating gravity-assisted heat pipes and porous metal foams embedded in salt-hydrate solid-liquid phase-change materials); (4) Micro Vapor-Chamber Spreaders and Loop Heat Pipes (development of novel vapor-chamber spreaders, with thickness <= 3 mm, alcohol-water solutions as working fluids, and wire-mesh or shaped-micro-post wicks for next-generation tablet computers, smart phones, and LED lighting systems; and development of an enhanced model of loop heat pipes to facilitate optimal designs for integration in advanced photovoltaic-thermal solar collectors); and (5) Enhanced Geothermal and Solar Energy Systems for Heating and Cooling (improvements of current thermofluid modeling practices used in the design of vertical borehole fields for geothermal heat pumps; and proposal, modeling, and demonstration of a novel hybrid solar-photovoltaic-thermal system for power generation and absorption refrigeration). Methodology: Cost-effective mathematical models based on one or more of the following techniques: (i) spatially and temporally periodic formulations limited to representative periodic cells; (ii) volume-averaging with correlations for effective properties and interfacial transfer coefficients; and (iii) hybrid approaches that combine segmented quasi-one-dimensional and multidimensional formulations. For the simulation of turbulent flows, low-Reynolds number and large-eddy simulation models will be used. Finite volume and control-volume-based finite element methods will be used for solving these mathematical models. Gradient-based constrained optimization procedures will be used. Complementary experimental work on laboratory-scale models will be undertaken, and the data will be used to test and refine the proposed mathematical models. Impact: The potential socio-economic benefits of the proposed research program could be considerable, as it fits in very well with on-going efforts in Canada to reduce green-house gas emissions, increase energy security, develop northern resource sectors in an environmentally friendly manner, and create new high-value jobs. The first part of Project 4 could also enhance Canada’s position in the microelectronics and LED lighting industries. The second part of Project 5 could allow Canada to tap into the burgeoning alternative energy market in many middle-eastern and sub-Saharan countries, as they have an abundance of solar energy and also a great need for inexpensive refrigeration systems for storing perishable foods, medicines, and vaccines. HQP Training: At any given time, seven students [M.Eng. (thesis), Ph.D., and/or PDF] will work on the proposed research program, which will provide them excellent training on timely cutting-edge topics.