Experimental and Numerical Analysis of a PCM-Supported ...
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of a PCM-Supported ...
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of a PCM-Supported ...
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natural air flow in the system. In the fifth case under natural air mass flow,<br />
increasing the specific surface area as <strong>of</strong> the Hiflow packing compensates <strong>and</strong><br />
outpaces the role <strong>of</strong> MEHH, due to low mass flow rate <strong>of</strong> hot water, resulting in a<br />
higher production <strong>of</strong> 25% more than that <strong>of</strong> the <strong>PCM</strong> packing. On comparison<br />
with empty spheres, it is evident from this case, where air velocity is very low<br />
estimated at 0.1 m/s, that MEHH are nearly absent at very low hot water mass<br />
flow rates <strong>and</strong> low specific packing area.<br />
5.6 Conclusions<br />
The performance <strong>of</strong> air humidification-dehumidification system utilizing phase<br />
change materials (<strong>PCM</strong>) as packing media both in the evaporator <strong>and</strong> condenser<br />
under forced <strong>and</strong> free convection has been studied experimentally. Performance<br />
<strong>of</strong> the <strong>PCM</strong> based system was evaluated in comparison with Non-<strong>PCM</strong> elements<br />
including empty plastic spheres having the same size as <strong>PCM</strong> spheres, <strong>and</strong><br />
Hiflow Rings which is a commercial industrial packing. The effect <strong>of</strong> various<br />
parameters on the plant performance <strong>and</strong> productivity has been investigated.<br />
From the previous analysis it is clear that there is a strong <strong>and</strong> complex<br />
interaction between four main parameters, air to water mass flow ratios in the<br />
evaporator <strong>and</strong> condenser, packing height, heat capacity flow <strong>of</strong> inlet hot water,<br />
<strong>and</strong> thermal conductivity <strong>and</strong> <strong>PCM</strong> communication with the surrounding fluid<br />
phases which can be characterized by their respective Biot numbers. The axial<br />
thermal stratification is established in the bed due to the interaction between<br />
these parameters, which is essential for creating the multiple-effect mechanisms.<br />
Under most <strong>of</strong> the boundary conditions, <strong>PCM</strong> elements generally have positive<br />
impact on the productivity rate <strong>of</strong> the plant compared to Non-<strong>PCM</strong> packing<br />
elements. However, this impact can be seen more clearly under higher inlet<br />
water mass flow rate <strong>and</strong> higher inlet water temperature on the evaporator, <strong>and</strong><br />
higher mass flow rate <strong>of</strong> air in the system due to low thermal conductivity <strong>and</strong><br />
large size <strong>of</strong> the <strong>PCM</strong> elements. Although this enhancing effect <strong>of</strong> <strong>PCM</strong> elements<br />
under such higher boundary conditions is more pronounced for higher packing<br />
height, it holds also true for the lower packing height but with lower impact as<br />
well.<br />
The comparative analysis revealed that the main reason behind enhancing the<br />
system productivity with <strong>PCM</strong> elements at steady state is attributed to the<br />
potential role <strong>of</strong> establishing multiple-effects <strong>of</strong> heating/humidification <strong>and</strong><br />
cooling/dehumidification mechanisms in the evaporator <strong>and</strong> condenser<br />
respectively as compact heat <strong>and</strong> mass exchangers. The experimental analysis<br />
has demonstrated a strong <strong>and</strong> complex interaction between four main<br />
parameters, air to water mass flow ratios in the evaporator <strong>and</strong> condenser,<br />
packing height, heat capacity flow <strong>of</strong> inlet hot water, <strong>and</strong> thermal conductivity or<br />
<strong>PCM</strong> communication with the surrounding fluid phases which can be<br />
characterized by their respective Biot numbers. The axial thermal stratification is<br />
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