ORIGINAL PAPER
The influence of flow velocity and turbulence on heat exchange processes and the uniformity of heat transfer fluid heating in solar water heating collectors
1
Osh Technological University named after M. Adyshev, Kyrgyzstan
Submission date: 2025-04-08
Final revision date: 2025-05-29
Acceptance date: 2025-05-29
Publication date: 2025-06-23
Corresponding author
Polityka Energetyczna – Energy Policy Journal 2025;28(2):191-210
KEYWORDS
working fluid dynamicsuniform temperature distributionribbed surfacesnumerical modelingpressure losses in solar collectors
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Enhancing the thermal efficiency and operational stability of solar water heating collectors necessitates optimizing heat transfer and ensuring uniform heating of the working fluid. This study examines the impact of flow velocity and turbulence on heat exchange processes and temperature distribution within the ribbed tubes of a solar collector. The problem is significant for maximizing solar energy utilization and minimizing auxiliary energy losses. Based on a review of recent advances in thermal-fluid modeling, the study aimed to identify optimal flow regimes that balance heat transfer enhancement with energy efficiency. Numerical simulations were conducted using the finite difference method, assuming steady-state turbulent flow in a 1.2 m ribbed tube with a 0.02 m internal diameter, wall temperature of 360 K, and inlet water temperature of 300 K. Thermophysical properties of water were set at 330 K. Results showed that an optimal flow velocity range of 3–4 m/s ensured efficient heat transfer and minimized energy losses. At 3.5 m/s, the outlet temperature reached 348 K, while the heat transfer coefficient peaked at 520 W/m2·K. The uniform heating coefficient
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The Authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
METADATA IN OTHER LANGUAGES:
Polish
Wpływ prędkości przepływu i turbulencji na procesy wymiany ciepła oraz jednolitość ogrzewania czynnika grzewczego w kolektorach słonecznych do podgrzewania wody
dynamika płynu roboczego, równomierny rozkład temperatury, żebrowane powierzchnie, modelowanie numeryczne, straty ciśnienia w kolektorach słonecznych
Poprawa sprawności cieplnej i stabilności operacyjnej kolektorów słonecznych do podgrzewania wody wymaga optymalizacji wymiany ciepła i uzyskania równomiernego ogrzewania czynnika roboczego. W niniejszym artykule zbadano, w jaki sposób prędkość przepływu i turbulencja wpływają na procesy wymiany ciepła i rozkład temperatury w żebrowanych rurach kolektora słonecznego. Problem ten jest istotny dla maksymalizacji wykorzystania energii słonecznej i minimalizacji strat energii pomocniczej. W oparciu o przegląd ostatnich postępów w modelowaniu cieplno-płynowym, w artykule sformułowano cel zidentyfikowania optymalnych reżimów przepływu, które równoważą zwiększenie wymiany ciepła z efektywnością energetyczną. Symulacje numeryczne przeprowadzono przy użyciu metody różnic skończonych, zakładając ustalony przepływ turbulentny w żebrowanej rurze o średnicy 1,2 m i średnicy wewnętrznej 0,02 m, temperaturze ścianki 360 K i temperaturze wody wlotowej 300 K. Właściwości termofizyczne wody ustalono na 330 K. Wyniki wykazały, że optymalny zakres prędkości przepływu 3–4 m/s zapewniał skuteczną wymianę ciepła i minimalizował straty energii. Przy 3,5 m/s temperatura na wylocie osiągnęła 348 K, podczas gdy współczynnik przenikania ciepła osiągnął szczyt 520 W/m2·K. Jednorodny współczynnik ogrzewania Ru zmniejszył się z 0,0135 przy 0,5 m/s do 0,0095 przy 3,5 m/s, co wskazuje na znaczną poprawę jednorodności temperatury. Żebrowane powierzchnie zwiększyły współczynnik przenikania ciepła o 25–35% w porównaniu z gładkimi rurami, nawet przy umiarkowanych prędkościach. Badanie pomyślnie zrealizowało swój cel i oferuje praktyczne zalecenia dotyczące optymalizacji konstrukcji i działania systemów solarnych w celu zapewnienia stabilnej i energooszczędnej wydajności.
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