Application of metal foams in air-cooled condensers for geothermal power plants: An optimization study

Odabaee, Mostafa and Hooman, Kamel (2011) Application of metal foams in air-cooled condensers for geothermal power plants: An optimization study. International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, 38 7: 838-843.

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Author Odabaee, Mostafa
Hooman, Kamel
Title Application of metal foams in air-cooled condensers for geothermal power plants: An optimization study
Journal name International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank A)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2011-08
Sub-type Article
DOI 10.1016/j.icheatmasstransfer.2011.03.028
Volume number 38
Issue number 7
ISSN 0735-1933; 1879-0178
Start page 838
End page 843
Total pages 6
Place of publication Kidlington, Oxford, United Kingdom
Publisher Pergamon
Collection year 2012
Language eng
Abstract Optimized design of metal foam heat exchangers, as replacements for finned-tubes in air-cooled condensers of a geothermal power plant, is presented here. Two different optimization techniques, based on first and second law (of thermodynamics) are reported. While the former aims at the highest heat transfer rate with as low pressure drop as possible, the latter minimizes the generated entropy in the thermodynamic system. Interestingly, the two methods lead to the same optimal design. The new design has been compared to the conventional air-cooled condenser designed and optimized by using the commercially available software ASPEN. It is shown that while the heat transfer rate increases significantly (by an order of magnitude) compared to the finned-tube for the same main flow obstruction height, the pressure drop increase is within an acceptable range. Further comparison between the two systems are carried out, making use of Mahjoob and Vafai's performance factor developed specifically for metal foam heat exchangers. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keyword Air-cooled condensers
Finned-tube
Geothermal power plants
Metal foam heat exchangers
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code
Institutional Status UQ

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Article
Collections: School of Mechanical & Mining Engineering Publications
Official 2012 Collection
 
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Citation counts: TR Web of Science Citation Count  Cited 3 times in Thomson Reuters Web of Science Article | Citations
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Created: Mon, 11 Jul 2011, 14:17:00 EST by Kamel Hooman on behalf of School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering