A Novel Topology Optimization Approach for Flow Power Loss Minimization Across Fin Arrays
Fin arrays are widely utilized in many engineering applications, such as heat exchangers and micro-post reactors, for higher level of fluid–solid contacts. However, high fluid pressure loss is reportedly the major drawback of fin arrays and a challenge for pumping supply, particularly at micro-scale...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2020-04-01
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| Series: | Energies |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/13/8/1987 |
| _version_ | 1797570434650079232 |
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| author | Ali Ghasemi Ali Elham |
| author_facet | Ali Ghasemi Ali Elham |
| author_sort | Ali Ghasemi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Fin arrays are widely utilized in many engineering applications, such as heat exchangers and micro-post reactors, for higher level of fluid–solid contacts. However, high fluid pressure loss is reportedly the major drawback of fin arrays and a challenge for pumping supply, particularly at micro-scales. Previous studies also indicate that fin shapes, spacing and alignment play an important role on the overall pressure losses. Therefore, we present a numerical tool to minimize pressure losses, considering the geometrical aspects related to fin arrays. In this regard, a density-based topology optimization approach is developed based on the pseudo-spectral scheme and Brinkman penalization in 2D periodic domains. Discrete sensitives are derived analytically and computed at relatively low cost using a factorization technique. We study different test cases to demonstrate the flexibility, robustness and accuracy of the present tool. In-line and staggered arrays are considered at various Reynolds numbers and fluid–solid volume fractions. The optimal topologies interestingly indicate a pressure loss reduction of nearly <inline-formula> <math display="inline"> <semantics> <mrow> <mn>53.6</mn> <mo>%</mo> </mrow> </semantics> </math> </inline-formula> compared to circular fins. In passive optimization test examples, the added solid parts reduced pressure loss of a circular fin (<inline-formula> <math display="inline"> <semantics> <mrow> <mn>9</mn> <mo>%</mo> </mrow> </semantics> </math> </inline-formula>) by eliminating the flow separation and filling the wake region. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T20:24:31Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-c76f120457fd471b96ad31b399393e26 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T20:24:31Z |
| publishDate | 2020-04-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj.art-c76f120457fd471b96ad31b399393e262023-11-19T21:55:05ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732020-04-01138198710.3390/en13081987A Novel Topology Optimization Approach for Flow Power Loss Minimization Across Fin ArraysAli Ghasemi0Ali Elham1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Braunschweig, Hermann-Blenk-Str. 35, D-38108 Braunschweig, GermanyDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Braunschweig, Hermann-Blenk-Str. 35, D-38108 Braunschweig, GermanyFin arrays are widely utilized in many engineering applications, such as heat exchangers and micro-post reactors, for higher level of fluid–solid contacts. However, high fluid pressure loss is reportedly the major drawback of fin arrays and a challenge for pumping supply, particularly at micro-scales. Previous studies also indicate that fin shapes, spacing and alignment play an important role on the overall pressure losses. Therefore, we present a numerical tool to minimize pressure losses, considering the geometrical aspects related to fin arrays. In this regard, a density-based topology optimization approach is developed based on the pseudo-spectral scheme and Brinkman penalization in 2D periodic domains. Discrete sensitives are derived analytically and computed at relatively low cost using a factorization technique. We study different test cases to demonstrate the flexibility, robustness and accuracy of the present tool. In-line and staggered arrays are considered at various Reynolds numbers and fluid–solid volume fractions. The optimal topologies interestingly indicate a pressure loss reduction of nearly <inline-formula> <math display="inline"> <semantics> <mrow> <mn>53.6</mn> <mo>%</mo> </mrow> </semantics> </math> </inline-formula> compared to circular fins. In passive optimization test examples, the added solid parts reduced pressure loss of a circular fin (<inline-formula> <math display="inline"> <semantics> <mrow> <mn>9</mn> <mo>%</mo> </mrow> </semantics> </math> </inline-formula>) by eliminating the flow separation and filling the wake region.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/13/8/1987hydrodynamic power loss minimizationtopology optimizationfin arraypseudo-spectralBrinkman penalizationperiodic flow |
| spellingShingle | Ali Ghasemi Ali Elham A Novel Topology Optimization Approach for Flow Power Loss Minimization Across Fin Arrays Energies hydrodynamic power loss minimization topology optimization fin array pseudo-spectral Brinkman penalization periodic flow |
| title | A Novel Topology Optimization Approach for Flow Power Loss Minimization Across Fin Arrays |
| title_full | A Novel Topology Optimization Approach for Flow Power Loss Minimization Across Fin Arrays |
| title_fullStr | A Novel Topology Optimization Approach for Flow Power Loss Minimization Across Fin Arrays |
| title_full_unstemmed | A Novel Topology Optimization Approach for Flow Power Loss Minimization Across Fin Arrays |
| title_short | A Novel Topology Optimization Approach for Flow Power Loss Minimization Across Fin Arrays |
| title_sort | novel topology optimization approach for flow power loss minimization across fin arrays |
| topic | hydrodynamic power loss minimization topology optimization fin array pseudo-spectral Brinkman penalization periodic flow |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/13/8/1987 |
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