CFD analysis supported the design of a high-temperature thermal energy storage test facility by predicting hot-gas temperature loss along the pipework and evaluating trace heating to deliver gas at the required temperature.
Sector
Thermal energy research
Client
Research laboratory
Flow type
Hot gas, conjugate heat transfer
Project Snapshot
Challenge
The facility had to deliver hot gas through connected pipelines to the storage section without a significant temperature drop. Heat loss along the pipe runs, bends and fittings could compromise inlet conditions and the repeatability of experiments, so the effectiveness of pipeline trace heating needed to be verified before construction.
Approach
A conjugate heat transfer CFD model of the gas-flow path, pipe walls, insulation and trace heaters was used to predict gas temperature along the system. Heat losses were quantified, and trace-heating and insulation arrangements were assessed to confirm that gas would reach the storage unit at the target temperature.
Key Findings
- Without adequate trace heating, heat loss along the pipework caused a noticeable gas temperature drop before the storage inlet.
- Properly applied trace heating kept the gas temperature close to the target along the delivery line.
- Bends, fittings and component transitions were the most heat-loss-sensitive locations, and they guided where heating, insulation and temperature monitoring were most important.
Deliverables
Gas and wall temperature profiles along the pipeline, heat-loss assessment, and trace-heating and insulation recommendations for the experimental facility.
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