Numerical and experimental investigation on the realization of target flow distribution among parallel mini-channels

Abstract

Fluid flow maldistribution is considered as one of the main causes of performance deterioration in various energy and process systems, especially when parallel micro-or mini-channel fluidic networks are involved. For a specific purpose, the optimal flow distribution is not necessarily uniform. However, specific non-uniform distributions are somewhat more difficult to achieve than uniform ones. The insertion of a geometrically optimized baffle has been numerically confirmed as an effective solution to this issue, but experimental validation is still lacking which is indispensable for bridging the gap between theory and practice. This paper presents a numerical and experimental investigation on the realization of target flow distribution among parallel mini-channels, using the optimized baffle insertion method. A 15-channel fluidic network integrated with the distributor and the collector is fabricated and tested. Various perforated baffles are optimized and fabricated corresponding to different target distributions (uniform, ascending and descending). PIV technique is used for the flow distribution measurement while CFD simulations are also performed for comparison. CFD results and PIV data show that different target distributions could be successfully achieved by the optimized baffle insertion method. The robustness of the optimized baffle for uniform distribution is also evaluated and discussed to provide some guidelines for future applications.

Single-tank thermal energy storage systems for concentrated solar power: Flow distribution optimization for thermocline evolution management

“…It should be noted that the strategy for flow distribution management coupled with novel optimized baffled fluid distributor/collector has been proposed and proven to be really effective in our earlier studies [Luo et al, 2015;Wei et al, 2015b;Wei et al, 2016;Wei et al, 2017]. But in the current study, this method is for the first time applied to a more complicated situation (TES tank) to tackle the dynamic thermocline behavior optimization problem.…”

Water-in-oil emulsification in a bifurcated tree-like network: Flow distribution properties and their impact on the emulsion polydispersity

“…Finally, producing monodisperse emulsions is not the unique requirement while for some other processes such as micro-explosion of fuels (Tarlet et al (2009(Tarlet et al ( , 2014), the heterogeneity of droplets/plugs size distribution is specifically aimed. The bifurcated tree-like network seems to be incapable of providing such heterogeneity and some other flow distribution management methods (e.g., geometrically optimized baffle method (Wei et al (2015(Wei et al ( , 2016) may be more adapted for such applications.…”

Residence time distribution on flow characterisation of multichannel systems: Modelling and experimentation

“…But the above-listed techniques give only single point measurement other than detailed flow distribution information. Concentration measurement using salt as tracer [26] can be an effective solution for conventional devices. When comes to millimetric device that have short residence time, this method is limited by the sampling rate of conductometer.…”

“…In conclusion, quantitative fluid distribution (in terms of flowrate) determination by an easy-to-use RTD measurement is still lacking. Moreover, due to short residence time and narrow RTD curve of millimetric devices, traditional methods like conductivity measurement using salt as tracer [26], become limited by sampling rates. Developing a rapid RTD detection platform applicable to microor mini-fluidic devices is then of practical significance.…”