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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The energy flow between all <strong>and</strong> each pair <strong>of</strong> phases plays the major role in plotting<br />
the system behavior under each specific boundary <strong>and</strong> geometrical conditions.<br />
These particular characteristics have to be seen as the basic concept proposed in<br />
the present study for improving the performance <strong>of</strong> the HDH cycle.<br />
The main advantages <strong>of</strong> integrating a conductive packing media in the HDH cycle<br />
can be summarized in the following points:<br />
• High heat <strong>and</strong> mass transfer surface area per unit volume<br />
• Self establishment <strong>of</strong> MEHH <strong>and</strong> MECC locally<br />
• Air collector is not required<br />
• Extension <strong>of</strong> the external heat storage capacity<br />
3.4 Concept <strong>of</strong> Multi-Effects <strong>of</strong> Cooling <strong>and</strong> Condensation (MECC)<br />
In the suggested <strong>PCM</strong> condenser, the physical phenomenon <strong>of</strong> direct contact<br />
condensation is characterized by the transport <strong>of</strong> heat <strong>and</strong> mass through the gas<br />
(i.e. humid air)-liquid interface as well as across the dry patches at the gas-<strong>PCM</strong> (or<br />
gas-solid) interface along the packing height. Due to continuous cooling <strong>of</strong> <strong>PCM</strong><br />
elements by the subcooled liquid layer, supplementary cooling <strong>and</strong> condensation<br />
take place at the gas-solid interface simultaneously with that at the gas-liquid<br />
interface; as a result, heat <strong>and</strong> mass transfer rates are enhanced. Since axial<br />
stratification occurs entirely in all involved phases, the phase temperature is a<br />
function <strong>of</strong> distance <strong>and</strong> hence the <strong>PCM</strong> temperature pr<strong>of</strong>ile plays an important role<br />
in the condenser performance. However, unlike the evaporator, the gas phase<br />
remains saturated at local temperatures throughout the MECC process since the<br />
condensation process takes place at both gas-liquid <strong>and</strong> gas-solid interfaces.<br />
3.5 Study objectives <strong>and</strong> methodology<br />
In order to solve the problems discussed in the literature concerning the continuous<br />
operation <strong>of</strong> the solar-driven HDH plants round the clock <strong>and</strong> the problems<br />
associated with achieving the MEHH as explained above, investigation <strong>of</strong> an<br />
innovative solution shall be the main task <strong>of</strong> the present work. Here, in both<br />
evaporator <strong>and</strong> condenser, a porous package <strong>of</strong> spherical filling material shall be<br />
applied yielding similar flow behaviour. In order to guarantee an enhanced thermal<br />
performance, the new system consequently is using internal heat exchangers as<br />
filling material for evaporator <strong>and</strong> condenser. These materials for the first time will be<br />
integrated in a thermal desalination process. In the framework <strong>of</strong> the present study, a<br />
new evaporator <strong>and</strong> condenser technology for solar humid air distillation<br />
incorporating conductive media such as <strong>PCM</strong> storages shall be examined.<br />
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