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Article Citation - WoS: 1Citation - Scopus: 2Parametric Sensitivity Analysis and Performance Evaluation of High-Temperature Macro-Encapsulated Packed-Bed Latent Heat Storage System Operating With Transient Inlet Boundary Conditions(Mdpi, 2022) Mehrtash, Mehdi; Tari, IlkerThis paper presents the results of comprehensive numerical analyses in the performance of a packed-bed latent heat storage (PBLHS) system in terms of key performance indicators, namely charging time, charging rate, charging capacity, and charging efficiency. Numerical simulations are performed for the packed bed region using a transient two-dimensional axisymmetric model based on the local thermal non-equilibrium (LTNE) approach. The model considers the variation in the inlet temperature of the system as these storage systems are typically integrated with solar collectors that operate with intermittent solar radiation intensity. The model results are validated using the experimental data for temperature distribution throughout the bed. The simulations are carried out while changing the operating parameters such as the capsule diameter, bed porosity, inlet velocity, and the height-to-diameter aspect ratio to investigate their impact on the performance indicators. Observations indicate that low porosity, large-sized capsules, low inlet velocity, and a low height-to-diameter aspect ratio increase the charging time. In terms of achieving a high charging rate, a bed with low porosity, small-sized capsules, a high inflow velocity, and a high height-to-diameter aspect ratio is deemed advantageous. It is shown that raising the flow velocity and the height-to-diameter aspect ratio can improve the charging efficiency. These findings provide recommendations for optimizing the design and operating conditions of the system within the practical constraints.Article Reevaluation of Plate-Fin Heatsink Natural Convection Correlations for Sideways and Three-Dimensional Inclinations(Taylor & Francis inc, 2025) Mehrtash, MehdiThe common orientations of the plate-fin heat sink for natural convection cooling of electronics are vertical and upward-facing horizontal. However, depending on various use scenarios, the heat sink may be inclined, intentionally or otherwise. In our previous papers concerning this subject, the author proposed a set of correlations for plate-fin heat sinks covering all inclination angles backward and forward (pitch rotation) from the vertical position of the heat sink. The set was based on a series of computational simulations with a validated model. At the time, tilting the heat sink sideways (roll rotation) was not considered. In the present study, though, the sideways inclination of the plate-fin heat sinks is simulated using our previous model only by adjusting the direction of the gravitational acceleration vector, thus requiring no additional validation. It is determined that the previously proposed correlation is valid up to 80 degrees sideways inclinations of the heat sink. Interesting flow structures are observed when the heat sink is tilted 90 degrees sideways. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the correlation surprisingly remains valid if the heat sink is simultaneously rotated in both axes (pitch and roll).Article Citation - WoS: 4Citation - Scopus: 4A Combined Experimental and Numerical Thermo-Hydrodynamic Investigation of High-Temperature Fluidized-Bed Thermal Energy Storage(Mdpi, 2022) Mehrtash, Mehdi; Karadiken, Esra Polat; Tari, IlkerThe present research describes the design, analysis, and modeling of an air-granular particle fluidized-bed system with dimensions of 0.08 m x 0.4 m x 0.08 m. The hydrodynamic and thermal experiments are designed to verify the numerical model previously created for this purpose. The gas-solid two-phase flow is described using a three-dimensional, two-fluid model based on the Eulerian-Eulerian method. The experiment is conducted, and the numerical model is updated for the new geometry while maintaining the solution parameters. Silica sand and sintered bauxite particles are employed in both experimental and numerical investigations to examine the behaviors of these particles. The hydrodynamic validity of the numerical model is established by the use of experimental findings for pressure drop and bed expansion ratio. The thermal tests are conducted with 585 K hot sand, and the temperature distribution in the bed is measured using K-type thermocouples and compared with the simulation data. Both the hydrodynamical and thermal experimental data appear to agree with the conclusions of the computational analyses. The validated model is then used to mimic the performance of the bed at elevated temperatures. The performance indicators are discussed and calculated for 973 K, demonstrating that as the temperature rises, the system efficiency increases.Article Citation - WoS: 3Citation - Scopus: 3Parametric Sensitivity Analysis and Performance Evaluation of High-Temperature Anion-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell(Mdpi, 2022) Mehrtash, MehdiIn this paper, a three-dimensional model of a high-temperature anion-exchange membrane fuel cell (HT-AEMFC) operating at 110 degrees C is presented. All major transport phenomena along with the electrochemical reactions that occur in the cell are modeled. Since the water is exclusively in the form of steam and there is no phase transition to deal with in the cell, the water management is greatly simplified. The cell performance under various current loads is evaluated, and the results are validated against the experimental data. The cell performance is examined across a range of operating conditions, including cell temperature, inlet flow rate, and inlet relative humidity (RH). The critical link between the local distributions of species and local current densities along the channels is identified. The distribution of reactants continuously drops in the gas flow direction along the flow channels, causing a non-uniform local current distribution that becomes more pronounced at high current loads, where the rate of water generation increases. The findings show that while a higher inlet flow rate enhances the cell performance, a lower flow rate causes it to drop because of reactant depletion in the anode. The sensitivity analysis reveals that the performance of an AEMFC is highly dependent on the humidity of the gas entering the cell. While high inlet RH on the cathode side enhances the cell performance, high inlet RH on the anode side deteriorates it.
