Computational Fluids Dynamics lab

Nanoparticle Transport and Heat Transfer

It has been well established that nanoparticle suspension in fluids, commonly known as nanofluids, are significantly better for heat transfer application than the base fluids alone. However, certain carbon based nanoparticles are weakly hydrophobic and tend to drop out of suspension. Our research looks at how we can use a static mixer to provide adequate mixing to a stream of fluid whose nanoparticles have dropped out of suspension so as to regain a good portion of the enhanced heat transfer characteristics. Our research has shown that this configuration is overall still more efficient compared to using the base fluid on its own.

Figure: Computer Modelling of the Nano-particle mixing and heat transfer.

Fluid Structure Interaction - Galloping Excitation

Wind induced vibration has traditionally been an undesired effect and significant research has been carried out to suppress these effects. In more recent times, this undesirable effect has been harnessed as a source of renewable energy. Our research has demonstrated that galloping excitation can be used to extract energy from flow. Unlike the more heavily studied vortex induced vibration that is excited in a much narrower range of wind speed, galloping excitation can be tuned to operate at nearly all speeds. Structures with sharp leading edges where flow separates and have a negative gradient in the lift versus angle of attack curve are susceptible to galloping.

Figure: Vortices coming off a square section undergoing galloping excitation.

Thermal Energy Storage Tank

In hot tropical climates, a significant amount of energy is used for space cooling and air conditioning in buildings. Thermal energy storage is a method to move that energy demand from peak hours to off-peak hours, thus saving on energy cost. This is achieved through producing the cold water used in these systems at off peak hours and using it during peak hours. The cold and returning warm water is stored in a single thermal energy storage tank for simplicity and space savings. The water is separated by a difference in buoyancy. This study looks at how to optimize this system to minimize mixing and thus having more usable cold water. We also look into diffuser designs within the tank to help reduce pumping power needed to operate the system.

A thermal storage tank during the discharge phase where cold water is taken from the bottom and replaced with warm water at the top.

A/Prof Tan Boon Thong

Mr Ziaul Haque Shuvro

Mr. Shuvro graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering from Monash University in 2019. He is currently pursuing his Masters's degree in the area of nanofluid modeling and heat transfer. He aims to demonstrate that when some mixing is applied to an unstable suspension of nano-fluids, adequate enhancements to heat transfer can still be attained and there is an improvement in the efficiency of the overall system.