Heat Transfer in Dispersed Multiphase Flows with Droplets and Particles

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Driven by an increasing need to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, researchers are developing faster and more accurate predictive models of thermal engineering systems. Through numerical and experimental methods, this research aims to better understand, predict and control the transport phenomena in multiphase flows with droplets and particles. Applications are focused on marine icing processes, flow assurance in subsea oil and gas pipelines, and thermochemical hydrogen production with a copperchlorine (CuCl) cycle. The objectives are to develop new design tools that provide more accurate, robust and reliable predictions and measurements of multiphase processes. Emphasis is placed on physical processes with limited current understanding in the technical literature, particularly simultaneous processes of phase change, binary constituents, chemical reactions, and turbulence. In addition to numerical modeling, the research aims to conduct experiments in the Multiphase Flow Laboratory at Memorial University to acquire measured data for model verification. This will provide exceptional learning opportunities for the training of highly qualified personnel in a research environment that is stimulating and inclusive. The proposed research aims to apply the research outcomes to hydrogen energy, icing, and flow assurance applications. These include higher thermal efficiency of unit operations in the CuCl cycle, more effective deicing of structures (ships, wind turbines and overhead power lines), and better flow assurance during hydrate formation in subsea oil and gas pipelines. Ultimately the research aims to scaleup and eventually link the CuCl cycle with Canada's next generation of nuclear reactors or other heat sources (such as solar energy or industrial waste heat) and demonstrate a CuCl pilot plant at a larger industrial scale. Clean hydrogen production by the CuCl cycle could potentially lead to a significant solution to the problem of climate change. By improving the solution accuracy and measurement of multiphase processes in these applications, new technologies can be developed to improve the energy efficiency and system performance. The research would also have a beneficial impact on other multiphase systems with droplets and particles, such as spray coatings from solidified impinging droplets, particle decomposition in fluidized beds, and production of powders and pharmaceuticals, among others.