Investigation of Transport Phenomena for Performance Improvement of Energy Systems

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This research delivers predictors to control transport phenomena in energy systems to improve their overall performance and efficiency. The innovative contributions apply entropy and exergy-based methods to gain insight into multiphase flows with heat transfer. The unique features of the research involve the parallels between momentum, energy, and mass transport with respect to entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics. The proposed research will contribute to advancing energy systems in Canada and internationally. One of the main application areas of this research is hydrogen energy, a clean fuel of interest to the automotive sector. Hydrogen production via the thermochemical copper-chlorine (Cu-Cl) cycle is explored in this research. This is an advantageous technology that could produce hydrogen at a large scale and alleviate climate change concerns. The focus of this proposal is to gain a better understanding of transport phenomena in the Cu-Cl cycle and make future industrialization of the cycle possible by identifying and minimizing losses via the Second Law. Limited experimental studies of mass and heat transfer in unit operations of the Cu-Cl cycle for hydrogen production exist in the literature. Hence, the goal of this research program is to provide more detailed information on the irreversibilities within the cycle and improve its overall performance. Canada is recognized internationally as a leader in hydrogen research, development, and utilization. Transitioning to a hydrogen-based economy would reduce concerns related to climate, air quality, and energy security as well as create new economic opportunities for Canadians. It is estimated that the Canadian hydrogen generation and utilization sector generates about $200 million per year in revenue. To remain globally competitive, further research is needed to continue this technological innovation and address climate change. The research program will provide valuable opportunities for the training of HQP and collaboration with partners in Canada and abroad. It is also significant when considering Ontario's efforts to adopt hydrogen as a clean fuel for the Government of Ontario (GO) Regional Express Rail Transit System. The outcome of this research will help to position Canada as a global leader in low-carbon smart mobility technologies. Additionally, the correlations developed in this research will improve the design of vehicle powertrains and prevent safety concerns such as vehicle stall due to condensate entrainment. These advancements will also help to grow the low-carbon technology eco-system in the country, leading to job growth and long-term economic development.