The spatial development of turbulent, sub-critical open-channel flow over five identical dunes is studied by the numerical solution of the RANS equations utilizing the VOF free-surface formulation and the k-ε or Spalart-Allmaras turbulence models. Results are presented for smooth and rough walls and several dune dimensions. One of the cases was also studied experimentally. The flow separation at each dune crest generates a recirculation in the dune lee-side and reattachment at a distance, which increases with increasing dune height and decreasing dune length. Turbulence does not fully develop over the dunes, while the majority of turbulent kinetic energy production takes place in the recirculation region. The spatially mean, free-surface level decreases in the flow direction over the dunes, while the free-surface amplitude increases with increasing dune height. The dune drag coefficient increases with increasing dune height, while the contribution of form resistance on the drag increases with increasing dune height and decreasing dune length. RÉSUMÉLe développement spatial de l'écoulement turbulent et fluvial dans un canal à surface libre avec cinq dunes de fond identiques est étudié par la résolution numérique des équations RANS utilisant la formulation VOF à surface libre et les modèles de turbulence k-ε ou de Spalart-Allmaras. Les résultats sont présentés pour des parois lisses et rugueuses et plusieurs dimensions de dunes. Un des cas a été également étudié expérimentalement. La séparation de l'écoulement à chaque crête dunaire produit une recirculation à l'aval de la dune et un recollement à une distance, qui augmente avec la hauteur de la dune et quand sa longueur diminue. La turbulence ne se développe pas entièrement au-dessus des dunes, alors que la majorité de la production d'énergie cinétique turbulente a lieu dans la région de recirculation. Le niveau moyen de surface libre diminue dans le sens de l'écoulement au-dessus des dunes, alors que l'amplitude de la surface libre augmente avec la taille dunaire. Le coefficient de traînée augmente avec la hauteur de la dune, alors que la contribution de la résistance de forme à la trainée augmente avec la hauteur de la dune et quand sa longueur décroit.

In these days of heightened environmental consciousness, many countries are shifting their focus towards renewable energy sources for both large-scale uses (such as power plants that generate electricity) and smaller-scale applications (e.g., building heating and cooling). In this light, it is not surprising that there is a growing interest in technologies that are reliant on non-conventional sources of power, such as geothermal energy. This study is making an effort to provide a comprehensive understanding of the possible advantages and multiple uses of geothermal energy systems, in the context of their technical and environmental evaluation through Life Cycle Assessment. A brief description of the analyzing methods and the tools used to study a particular system or application is presented. The geothermal technologies and the applications of specific systems are discussed in detail, providing their environmental advantages and their technical barriers as well. District and domestic heating systems cover a significant fraction of the geothermal energy potential. The majority of the discussed studies cover the electricity production as the most important application of geothermal energy. The overall conclusion of the current work is that geothermal energy is an extremely viable alternative that, combined with other renewable energy systems, may mitigate the negative effects of the existing energy mix worldwide.

With growing urban populations, methods of reducing the urban heat island effect have become increasingly important. Cool pavements altering the heat storage of materials used in pavements can lead to lower surface temperatures and reduce the thermal radiation emitted to the atmosphere. Cool pavement technologies utilize various strategies to reduce the temperature of new and existing pavements, including increased albedo, evaporative cooling, and reduced heat conduction. This process of negative radiation forces helps offset the impacts of increasing atmospheric temperatures. This paper presents an extensive analysis of the state of the art of cool pavements. The properties and principles of cool pavements are reviewed, including reflectivity, thermal emittance, heat transfer, thermal capacity, and permeability. The different types, research directions, and applications of reflective pavements are outlined and discussed. Maintenance and restoration technologies of cool pavements are reviewed, including permeable pavements. Results show that cool pavements have significant temperature reduction potential in the urban environment. This research is important for policy actions of the European Union, noting that European and international business stakeholders have recently expressed their interest in new ways of reducing energy consumption through technologically advanced pavements.

Abstract:The compatibility of spray characteristics of alternative fuel blends, in relation to currently used Jet A-1 fuel, has been assessed experimentally. Tested blends were selected based on a narrow cut of paraffins, mixed with appropriately selected aromatics and naphthenes. Relevant physical properties including the density, viscosity, and surface tension were estimated first. The jet spray was produced using a single fluid, generic nozzle at operating pressures 5-11 bars. The atomization characteristics were assessed through measurements of droplet velocity field and droplet size, using phase Doppler anemometry. The physical properties varied within 10% of the reference fuel values. The spray results indicate that all tested blends produced similar atomized jets and droplet sizes, although observed differences may influence the implementation of combustion schemes which require precise control of the flow pattern.