A Comprehensive Numerical Investigation of Heat Transfer Dynamics in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Cooling

Author

Yang Chao, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Summer 2024

Embargo Period

5-10-2029

Access Type

Dissertation - Open Access

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Committee Chair

Sandra K.S. Boetcher

Committee Co-Chair

Mark Ricklick

First Committee Member

Eduardo Divo

Second Committee Member

Rafael Rodriguez

Third Committee Member

Neil Sullivan

College Dean

James W. Gregory

Abstract

Supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂) is an ideal heat transfer medium in energy and industrial applications due to its exceptional thermophysical properties near its critical point. However, experimental studies and numerical modeling of sCO₂ face significant challenges, such as high-pressure environments and accurate temperature measurements. This work addresses these challenges by examining the influence of reference temperatures on numerical model accuracy and investigating the effects of adiabatic and thermal entrance lengths on sCO₂ heat transfer in horizontal tubes. The findings highlight that the choice of reference temperatures significantly impacts model validation, necessitating transparency in experimental methods. Specifying the critical adiabatic entrance length ensures accurate numerical validation and avoids hydraulic flow development inaccuracies. Additionally, the thermal entrance length, influenced by the inlet temperature relative to the pseudocritical temperature, is crucial for optimizing heat exchanger performance with sCO₂.

Scholarly Commons Citation

Chao, Yang, "A Comprehensive Numerical Investigation of Heat Transfer Dynamics in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Cooling" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses. 827.
https://commons.erau.edu/edt/827