Experimental investigation of a thermally powered central heating circulator: Pumping characteristics
File(s)MarkidesGupta_ThermallyPoweredCirculator.pdf (4.42 MB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Markides, CN
Gupta, A
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
A thermally powered circulator based on a two-phase thermofluidic oscillator was constructed and operated successfully as a replacement for a central heating hot water circulator coupled to a domestic gas-fired boiler. During regular operation the thermally powered circulator demonstrated a pumped flow-rate that decreased monotonically as the head applied across it increased. A maximum measured flow-rate of 850 L/h was achieved at zero head, and a maximum head of 8.4 mH2O was attained at near-stalling (zero flow-rate) conditions. In agreement with previous modelling studies of the technology, increased inertia in the load line seems to lead to improved circulator performance. Further, the oscillating circulator exhibited an operational frequency between 0.24 and 0.33 Hz, which was mostly determined by the circulator configuration. The pumping capacity was strongly affected by the oscillating liquid amplitudes in the power cylinder that defined the positive displacement amplitudes of the liquid piston into and out of the hot water circuit. The best circulator configuration was associated with lower operation frequencies and relatively large ratios of suction to discharge displacement.
Date Issued
2013-05-09
Date Acceptance
2013-03-11
Citation
Applied Energy, 2013, 110, pp.132-146
ISSN
1872-9118
Publisher
Elsevier
Start Page
132
End Page
146
Journal / Book Title
Applied Energy
Volume
110
Copyright Statement
© 2015, Elsevier. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Subjects
Science & Technology
Technology
Energy & Fuels
Engineering, Chemical
Engineering
Energy efficiency
Low-grade heat
Heat engine
Thermofluidic oscillator
Central heating circulator
Thermally powered pump
2-phase thermofluidic oscillator
Thermoacoustic engine
Publication Status
Published