Abstract
Fixed-bed regenerator (FBR) is a type of air-to-air energy exchanger used to reduce the energy consumption in HVAC systems. Employing corrugated plates improves the heat transfer performance of FBRs. In this study, the thermohydraulic performance of an FBR with corrugated plates is compared with that of an FBR with parallel plates. The sensible effectiveness of corrugated plate FBR is experimentally evaluated in a small-scale test facility. A validated numerical model is used to predict the performance of the parallel plate FBR. The average heat transfer coefficient of corrugated FBR is determined from the measured data and Kays and London regenerator correlation. The heat transfer coefficient and effectiveness of corrugated plate FBR are 150% and 37% higher than those of parallel pate FBR at a Reynolds number of 1450. Similarly, the friction factor of corrugated FBR is also increased nearly six times that of parallel plate FBR. Results from the present study can be used to design FBRs and evaluate their effectiveness for a range of Reynolds numbers from 500 to 1450.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 159-165 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Journal of Fluid Flow, Heat and Mass Transfer |
| Volume | 8 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2021 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Funding
Financial support from the College of Engineering and Postdoctoral Studies of the University of Saskatchewan, National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Tempeff Inc., Winnipeg are appreciated. Technical supports provided by Hayden Reitenbach and Shawn Reinink (Laboratory managers, Thermal and Fluids laboratory, University of Saskatchewan) are also appreciated.
Keywords
- Corrugated plate FBR
- Fixed-bed regenerators
- Performance testing
- Sensible effectiveness