To improve modeling of solar still behavior, the convection correlations currently used need to be improved upon. Variations in operating parameters and cover geometries make it difficult to use a single correlation to describe the operation of all solar stills. In this work, three right triangles (representing covers at 15, 30, and 45 deg) were modeled, meshed, and solved to predict the convection heat transfer inside for a variety of operating conditions. For a correlation of the form N u = C · R a n , it was found that C = 1.1 , 0.60, and 0.71, and n = 0.19 , 0.24, and 0.24 for 15, 30, and 45 deg, respectively. A grid dependency study implied error of up to 37% for the computational fluid dynamics data (and therefore the correlation). The correlation is useful for Rayleigh numbers ranging from 2.9 × 10 3 to 7.1 × 10 8 , with error up to 37%. The correlation showed some reasonable agreement with Shruti’s correlation, and extends the range of Rayleigh numbers over which an estimate for the Nusselt number can be made. The results here also verify the need for a correlation that accounts for specific cover geometry.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Numerical Simulation of Convection in Triangular Cavities to Predict Solar Still Performance


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2013-05-22


    Size :

    7 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English





    Comparison of Numerical Methods to Predict Heat Transfer in Rotating Cavities

    Jerhamre, A. / Hall, U. / International Society for Air Breathing Engines; United States Committee | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1997


    Numerical simulation of shock interaction with cylindrical cavities

    BAUM, JOSEPH / EIDELMAN, SHMUEL | AIAA | 1988


    Recirculating mixed convection flows in rectangular cavities

    KUMAR, RANGANATHAN / YUAN, TSORNG-DIH | AIAA | 1988


    Natural Convection in Rectangular Layered Porous Cavities

    Leong, Jik-Chang / Lai, Feng | AIAA | 2004