Application of Particle Image Velocimetry and Computational Fluid Dynamics Methods for Analysis of Natural Convection over a Horizontal Heating Source

Natália Holešová, Richard Lenhard, Katarína Kaduchová and Michal Holubčík ()
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Natália Holešová: Department of Power Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Žilina, Univerzitná 8215/1, 010 26 Zilina, Slovakia
Richard Lenhard: Department of Power Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Žilina, Univerzitná 8215/1, 010 26 Zilina, Slovakia
Katarína Kaduchová: Department of Power Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Žilina, Univerzitná 8215/1, 010 26 Zilina, Slovakia
Michal Holubčík: Department of Power Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Žilina, Univerzitná 8215/1, 010 26 Zilina, Slovakia

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 10, 1-13

Abstract: The objective of this article is to address the challenges associated with visualizing air flow over a heating source in an open laboratory environment. The study uses a combination of experimental visualization and numerical simulation techniques to generate a 3D model of the air flow and heat transfer between the heating source and the environment via natural convection. The Particle Image Velocimetry method is used to experimentally visualize the air flow, which is known for its benefits of high speed and accuracy, and for its ability to avoid disturbing the flow of the fluid being investigated. The data obtained from this experimental method are used as input for numerical simulations using the Ansys Fluent program. The numerical simulations identify air vortices and other elements that disrupt the airflow in the laboratory environment. The resulting 3D model accurately represents the actual situation in the laboratory and could be further optimized by adjusting parameters such as the output of the heater and the heating source temperature. These parameters play a crucial role in ensuring thermal comfort in the laboratory environment, which is of utmost importance for user comfort. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the visualization of air flow over a heating source and demonstrates the effectiveness of combining experimental and numerical simulation techniques to generate accurate 3D models of air flow and heat transfer.

Keywords: natural convection; numerical simulation; PIV method; CFD method; heating source (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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