Due to the potential cost saving and minimal temperature stratification, the energy storage based on phase-change materials (PCMs) can be a reliable approach for decoupling energy demand from immediate supply availability. However, due to their high heat resistance, these materials necessitate the introduction of enhancing additives, such as expanded surfaces and fins, to enable their deployment in more widespread thermal and energy storage applications. This study reports on how circular fins with staggered distribution and variable orientations can be employed for addressing the low thermal response rates in a PCM (Paraffin RT-35) triple-tube heat exchanger consisting of two heat-transfer fluids flow in opposites directions through the inner and the outer tubes. Various configurations, dimensions, and orientations of the circular fins at different flow conditions of the heat-transfer fluid were numerically examined and optimized using an experimentally validated computational fluid-dynamic model. The results show that the melting rate, compared with the base case of finless, can be improved by 88% and the heat charging rate by 34%, when the fin orientation is downward–upward along the left side and the right side of the PCM shell. The results also show that there is a benefit if longer fins with smaller thicknesses are adopted in the vertical direction of the storage unit. This benefit helps natural convection to play a greater role, resulting in higher melting rates. Changing the fins’ dimensions from (thickness × length) 2 × 7.071 mm2 to 0.55 × 25.76 mm2 decreases the melting time by 22% and increases the heat charging rate by 9.6%. This study has also confirmed the importance of selecting the suitable values of Reynolds numbers and the inlet temperatures of the heat-transfer fluid for optimizing the melting enhancement potential of circular fins with downward–upward fin orientations.
A novel robust finite time disturbance observer (RFTDO) based on an independent output-finite time composite control (FTCC) scheme is proposed for an air conditioning-system temperature and humidity regulation. The variable air volume (VAV) of the system is represented by two first-order mathematical models for the temperature and humidity dynamics. In the temperature loop dynamics, a RFTDO temperature (RFTDO-T) and an FTCC temperature (FTCC-T) are designed to estimate and reject the lumped disturbances of the temperature subsystem. In the humidity loop, a robust output of the FTCC humidity (FTCC-H) and RFTDO humidity (RFTDO-H) are also designed to estimate and reject the lumped disturbances of the humidity subsystem. Based on Lyapunov theo
... Show MoreIn this study, the response and behavior of machine foundations resting on dry and saturated sand was investigated experimentally. In order to investigate the response of soil and footing to steady state dynamic loading, a physical model was manufactured to simulate steady state harmonic load at different operating frequencies. Total of 84 physical models were performed. The footing parameters are related to the size of the rectangular footing and depth of embedment. Two sizes of rectangular steel model footing were tested at the surface and at 50 mm depth below model surface. Meanwhile the investigated parameters of the soil condition include dry and saturated sand for two relative densities 30% and 80%. The response of the footing was ela
... Show MoreThe present work aims to validate the experimental results of a new test rig built from scratch to evaluate the thermal behavior of the brake system with the numerical results of the transient thermal problem. The work was divided into two parts; in the first part, a three-dimensional finite-element solution of the transient thermal problem using a new developed 3D model of the brake system for the selected vehicle is SAIPA 131, while in the second part, the experimental test rig was built to achieve the necessary tests to find the temperature distribution during the braking process of the brake system. We obtained high agreement between the results of the new test rig with the numerical results based on the developed model of the brake
... Show MoreAssessing the accuracy of classification algorithms is paramount as it provides insights into reliability and effectiveness in solving real-world problems. Accuracy examination is essential in any remote sensing-based classification practice, given that classification maps consistently include misclassified pixels and classification misconceptions. In this study, two imaginary satellites for Duhok province, Iraq, were captured at regular intervals, and the photos were analyzed using spatial analysis tools to provide supervised classifications. Some processes were conducted to enhance the categorization, like smoothing. The classification results indicate that Duhok province is divided into four classes: vegetation cover, buildings,
... Show MoreBackground: Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is the most commonly used material in denture fabrication. The material is far from ideal in fulfilling the mechanical requirements. Midline fracture; poor thermal conductivity and water sorption, are common problem in this material. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of addition of surface treated Aluminum oxide nano fillers on some properties of heat cured (PMMA). Materials and methods: In addition to controlled group of heat cured PMMA the silanized (Al2O3) nanoparticles was added to PMMA powder by weight in three different percentages 1wt%, 2wt% and 3wt%, mixed by probe ultra-sonication machine. 200 specimens were constructed and divided into 5 groups according to the test (e
... Show MoreThe simulation have been made for 3D flow structure and heat transfer with and without
longitudinal riblet upstream of leading edge vane endwall junction of first stage nozzle guide vane .The research explores concept of weakening the secondary flows and reducing their harmful effects.Numerical investigation involved examination of the secondary flows ,velocity and heat transfer rates by solving the governing equations (continuity, Navier -stokes and energy equations ) using the known package FLUENT version (12.1).The governing equations were solved for three dimentional, turbulent flowe, incompressible with an appropriate turbulent model (k-ω,SST) .The numerical solution was carried out for 25 mode
... Show MoreBackground: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) has relatively unsatisfactory mechanical properties such as low flexural strength and impact strength also dimensional instability. Material and method: Zirconium silicate nanoparticles were coated with a layer of trimethoxysilylpropylmethacrylate (TMSPM) before sonication in monomer (MMA) with the percentages 1% and 1.5% by weight then mixed with powder using conventional procedure, (150) samples were prepared and divided into three groups, each group consisted of (50) samples, the first group prepared from PMMA without addition (control), another group with the addition of 1% wt Zrsio4 nanoparticles (experimental) and the third one with 1.5% wt Zrsio4 nanoparticles (experimental). Each group
... Show MoreBackground: The PMMA polymer denture base materials are low mechanical properties, adaptation of the denture base to underlying tissue is important for retention and stability of denture. The aim of the study was toevaluate the effect of mixtureZrO2-Al2O3 nanoparticles on impact strength, transverse strength, hardness, roughness, denture base adaptation of heat cured acrylic resin denture base material. Materials and methods: One hundred (100) specimens were prepared, the specimens were divided into five groups (20 specimens to each) according to the test type, each group was subdivided in to two subgroups (control and experimental) each subgroup consist of 10 specimens, the experimental group included mixture of 2% (ZrO2-Al2O3ratio2:1) b
... Show MoreBackground: Denture fracture is one of the most common problems encountered by the patients and prosthodontists. The objective of present study was to evaluate the transverse strength of nylon denture base resin repaired by using conventional heat polymerized, autopolymerized and visible light cure {VLC} resins, surface treatment that used for repair and adjustment of insufficient nylon denture bases and in case of addition of artificial teeth. As these corrective procedures are common chair side procedures in dental clinic. Materials and methods: One hundred twenty nylon specimens were prepared by using metal patterns with dimension of (65x10x2.5 mm) length, width, and thickness respectively for transverse strength test while for tensile b
... Show MoreBackground: Heat-cured poly (methyl methacrylate) the principal material for the fabrication of denture base have a relatively poor mechanical properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of glass flakes used as reinforcement on the surface hardness and surface roughness of the heat-processed acrylic resin material. Material and method: Glass flakes (product code: GF002) pretreated with silane coupling agent were added to Triplex® denture base powder using different concentrations. A total of 100 specimens of similar dimensions (65 x 10 x 2.5) mm were prepared, subdivided into 2 main groups of 50 specimens for each of the study tests. Ten specimens for the control group and 40 specimens for each of the experimental gro
... Show More