Influence of hydraulic versus pneumatic working fluids on quasi-static force response of fluidic artificial muscles

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 385-396
Author(s):  
Jonathan M Chambers ◽  
Norman M Wereley
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Testing ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Artificial Muscles ◽  
Static Force ◽  
Force Response ◽  
Response Curves ◽  
Response Models ◽  
Working Fluids ◽  
Mckibben Actuators

There is currently an increased interest in extending the application of McKibben actuators beyond gaseous environments and working fluids. Extensive efforts have already established force response models for pneumatically driven McKibben actuators that are independent of working fluid material properties, however, the model’s independence to working fluid choice has yet to be validated with empirical evidence. This paper experimentally investigates the effect of working fluid type on the quasi-static pressure dependent force-contraction response of McKibben actuators. Using either air or water as the working fluid, characteristic isobaric force-contraction response curves are compared for both large and small-scale McKibben actuators. To ensure truly isobaric force-contraction characterizations, hydraulic and pneumatic pressure systems were developed to provide precise and accurate control of pressure. Experimental testing proved using air or water as the working fluid resulted in nearly identical isobaric force-contraction response curves, demonstrating that McKibben actuator’s quasi-static force response is independent of working fluid choice. This study establishes that the applicability of existing force response models for pneumatic McKibben actuators can be extended to any practical liquids or gases.

Development of Efficient Small Scale Axial Turbine for Solar Driven Organic Rankine Cycle

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayad Al Jubori ◽  
Raya K. Al-Dadah ◽  
Saad Mahmoud ◽  
Khalil M. Khalil ◽  
A. S. Bahr Ennil
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Cycle Performance ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Cfd Simulations ◽  
Axial Turbine ◽  
Working Fluids ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Inlet Conditions

Recently, the increase in fossil fuel consumption and associated adverse impact on the environment led to significant interest in renewable energy sources like solar. This paper presents a new methodology that integrates the ORC cycle analysis with modeling of an efficient small scale subsonic axial turbine at low temperature heat sources using wide range of organic working fluids like R123, R134a, R141b, R152a, R245fa, R290 and isobutene. The work involves detailed turbine analysis including 1D mean line approach, extensive 3D CFD simulations and ORC cycle analysis at inlet total pressure ranging from 2–5 bar corresponding to temperature range from 275K–365K to achieve the best turbine and cycle performance. This work provides a more reliable data base for small scale organic working fluids instead of using the map of large scale gas turbine. The numerical simulation was performed using 3D RANS with SST turbulence model in ANSYS-CFX. Using iterative CFD simulations with various working fluids with subsonic inlet conditions, Mach number ranging from 0.6–0.65, results showed that using working fluid R123 for a turbine with mean diameter of 70mm, the maximum isentropic efficiency was 82% and power output 5.66 kW leading to cycle efficiency of 9.5%.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Issue of Recovery of Low-Potential Energy at Small-Scale Energy Facilities

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 100-106
Author(s):  
A. V. Dmitrenko ◽  
M. I. Kolpakov
Keyword(s):  
Heat Exchange ◽  
Potential Energy ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Organic Rankine Cycle ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Working Fluids ◽  
Heat Exchange Equipment

Studying the issues of recovery of low-potential energy at smallscale energy facilities allowed to show the promising character of the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) technology as a technology for recovery or conversion of low-potential energy.The most promising developments in the field of the use and recovery of waste heat are described regarding application of ORC, which is widely used in geothermal sources, hot water boilers, gas turbine plants. Due to the constantly growing diversity of working fluids, ORC can be used within a wide temperature range from 100°C to over 350°C. Also, developments are underway in the design of ORC generators to increase reliability of its individual system units, such as turbines and expanders. Based on the above factors, it can be concluded that with a deeper study of the problems of adopting ORC technologies, they can become a very promising direction in development of heat power engineering.It has been determined that the main factor hindering the widespread adoption of the ORC technology is associated with high cost of heat exchange equipment due to increased heat exchange surfaces. It is shown that design of mini power plants and energy centres based on the use of low-potential energy requires improvement of mathematical modelling methods to reliably determine operating modes and characteristics of each of the units. Methods for modelling evaporation and condensation systems, including turbines and expanders using organic low-boiling working fluids, should be considered among the methods that are highly sought after. The methods for selecting a working fluid for ORC devices also have a significant impact on characteristics of the installation determining the range of cycle operating temperatures and pressures. The solution of the above problems can lead to a reduction in the cost of heat exchange equipment, and, consequently, to a decrease in costs for design of ORC generators. 

Performance Analysis and Comparison Study of Transcritical Power Cycles Using CO2-Based Mixtures as Working Fluids

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiaxi Xia ◽  
Jiangfeng Wang ◽  
Pan Zhao ◽  
Dai Yiping
Keyword(s):  
Critical Temperature ◽  
Parametric Optimization ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Comparison Study ◽  
Software Environment ◽  
Working Fluids ◽  
Power Cycles ◽  
Power Cycle ◽  
Thermodynamic Performance

CO2 in a transcritical CO2 cycle can not easily be condensed due to its low critical temperature (304.15K). In order to increase the critical temperature of working fluid, an effective method is to blend CO2 with other refrigerants to achieve a higher critical temperature. In this study, a transcritical power cycle using CO2-based mixtures which blend CO2 with other refrigerants as working fluids is investigated under heat source. Mathematical models are established to simulate the transcritical power cycle using different CO2-based mixtures under MATLAB® software environment. A parametric analysis is conducted under steady-state conditions for different CO2-based mixtures. In addition, a parametric optimization is carried out to obtain the optimal design parameters, and the comparisons of the transcritical power cycle using different CO2-based mixtures and pure CO2 are conducted. The results show that a raise in critical temperature can be achieved by using CO2-based mixtures, and CO2-based mixtures with R32 and R22 can also obtain better thermodynamic performance than pure CO2 in transcritical power cycle. What’s more, the condenser area needed by CO2-based mixture is smaller than pure CO2.

Theoretical and Experimental Study of the Nonlinearly Coupled Heave, Pitch, and Roll Motions of a Ship in Longitudinal Waves

1993 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. G. Oh ◽  
A. H. Nayfeh ◽  
D. T. Mook
Keyword(s):  
Large Amplitude ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Excitation Frequency ◽  
Force Response ◽  
Governing Equations ◽  
Response Curves ◽  
Varying Coefficients ◽  
Jump Phenomena ◽  
Time Varying Coefficients ◽  
Three Degrees Of Freedom

Abstract The loss of dynamic stability and the resulting large-amplitude roll of a vessel in a head or following sea were studied theoretically and experimentally. A ship model with three degrees of freedom (roll, pitch, heave) was considered. The governing equations for the heave and pitch modes were linearized and their harmonic solutions were coupled with the nonlinear equation governing roll. The resulting equation, which has time-varying coefficients, was used to predict the response in roll. The principal parametric resonance was considered in which the excitation frequency is twice the natural frequency in roll. Force-response curves were obtained. The existence of jump phenomena and multiple stable solutions for the case of subcritical instability was observed in the experiments and found to be in good qualitative agreement with the results predicted by the theory. The experiments also revealed that the large-amplitude roll is dependent on the location of the model in the standing waves.

Multi-Fluid Gas Turbine Components Scaling for a Generation IV Nuclear Power Plant Performance Simulation

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel O. Osigwe ◽  
Arnold Gad-Briggs ◽  
Theoklis Nikolaidis ◽  
Pericles Pilidis ◽  
Suresh Sampath
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Nuclear Power Plant ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Simulation Tool ◽  
Closed Cycle ◽  
Performance Simulation ◽  
Working Fluids ◽  
Component Map

One major challenge to the accurate development of performance simulation tool for component-based nuclear power plant engine models is the difficulty in accessing component performance maps; hence, researchers or engineers often rely on estimation approach using various scaling techniques. This paper describes a multi-fluid scaling approach used to determine the component characteristics of a closed-cycle gas turbine plant from an existing component map with their design data, which can be applied for different working fluids as may be required in closed-cycle gas turbine operations to adapt data from one component map into a new component map. Each component operation is defined by an appropriate change of state equations which describes its thermodynamic behavior, thus, a consideration of the working fluid properties is of high relevance to the scaling approach. The multi-fluid scaling technique described in this paper was used to develop a computer simulation tool called GT-ACYSS, which can be valuable for analyzing the performance of closed-cycle gas turbine operations with different working fluids. This approach makes it easy to theoretically scale existing map using similar or different working fluids without carrying out a full experimental test or repeating the whole design and development process. The results of selected case studies show a reasonable agreement with available data.

An experimental evaluation of R11 as a heat pump working fluid in comparison with some other working fluids

1983 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-135
Author(s):  
S. E. Ogbeide ◽  
S. A. K. El-Meniawy ◽  
S. Devotta ◽  
F. A. Watson ◽  
F. A. Holland
Keyword(s):  
Heat Pump ◽  
Experimental Evaluation ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Working Fluids

1-D Model Analysis of Tesla Turbine for Small Scale Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) System

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Song ◽  
Chun-wei Gu
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Organic Rankine Cycle ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Rankine Cycle ◽  
Expansion Ratio ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
D Model

Energy shortage and environmental deterioration are two crucial issues that the developing world has to face. In order to solve these problems, conversion of low grade energy is attracting broad attention. Among all of the existing technologies, Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) has been proven to be one of the most effective methods for the utilization of low grade heat sources. Turbine is a key component in ORC system and it plays an important role in system performance. Traditional turbine expanders, the axial flow turbine and the radial inflow turbine are typically selected in large scale ORC systems. However, in small and micro scale systems, traditional turbine expanders are not suitable due to large flow loss and high rotation speed. In this case, Tesla turbine allows a low-cost and reliable design for the organic expander that could be an attractive option for small scale ORC systems. A 1-D model of Tesla turbine is presented in this paper, which mainly focuses on the flow characteristics and the momentum transfer. This study improves the 1-D model, taking the nozzle limit expansion ratio into consideration, which is related to the installation angle of the nozzle and the specific heat ratio of the working fluid. The improved model is used to analyze Tesla turbine performance and predict turbine efficiency. Thermodynamic analysis is conducted for a small scale ORC system. The simulation results reveal that the ORC system can generate a considerable net power output. Therefore, Tesla turbine can be regarded as a potential choice to be applied in small scale ORC systems.

scholarly journals The Influence of Loop Heat Pipe Evaporator Porous Structure Parameters and Charge on Its Effectiveness for Ethanol and Water as Working Fluids

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (22) ◽  
pp. 7029
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Blauciak ◽  
Pawel Szymanski ◽  
Dariusz Mikielewicz
Keyword(s):  
Porous Structure ◽  
Pore Size ◽  
Heat Pipe ◽  
Capillary Pressure ◽  
Pressure Difference ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Loop Heat Pipe ◽  
Working Fluids ◽  
Integral Characteristics ◽  
Sintered Stainless Steel

This paper presents the results of experiments carried out on a specially designed experimental rig designed for the study of capillary pressure generated in the Loop Heat Pipe (LHP) evaporator. The commercially available porous structure made of sintered stainless steel constitutes the wick. Three different geometries of the porous wicks were tested, featuring the pore radius of 1, 3 and 7 µm. Ethanol and water as two different working fluids were tested at three different evaporator temperatures and three different installation charges. The paper firstly presents distributions of generated pressure in the LHP, indicating that the capillary pressure difference is generated in the porous structure. When installing with a wick that has a pore size of 1 μm and water as a working fluid, the pressure difference can reach up to 2.5 kPa at the installation charge of 65 mL. When installing with a wick that has a pore size of 1 μm and ethanol as a working fluid, the pressure difference can reach up to 2.1 kPa at the installation charge of 65 mL. The integral characteristics of the LHP were developed, namely, the mass flow rate vs. applied heat flux for both fluids. The results show that water offers larger pressure differences for developing the capillary pressure effect in the installation in comparison to ethanol. Additionally, this research presents the feasibility of manufacturing inexpensive LHPs with filter medium as a wick material and its influence on the LHP’s thermal performance.

Converting Low-Grade Heat Into Power Using a Supercritical Rankine Cycle With Zeotropic Mixture Working Fluid

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huijuan Chen ◽  
D. Yogi Goswami ◽  
Muhammad M. Rahman ◽  
Elias K. Stefanakos
Keyword(s):  
Rankine Cycle ◽  
Phase Region ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Condensation Process ◽  
Heating Process ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Working Fluids ◽  
Zeotropic Mixture ◽  
Low Grade Heat

A supercritical Rankine cycle using zeotropic mixture working fluids for the conversion of low-grade heat into power is proposed and analyzed in this paper. A supercritical Rankine cycle does not go through two-phase region during the heating process. By adopting zeotropic mixtures as the working fluids, the condensation process happens non-isothermally. Both of the features create a potential in reducing the irreversibility and improving the system efficiency. A comparative study between an organic Rankine cycle and the proposed supercritical Rankine cycle shows that the proposed cycle improves the cycle thermal efficiency, exergy efficiency of the heating and the condensation processes, and the system overall efficiency.

Small Scale Supercritical CO2 Radial Inflow Turbine Meanline Design Considerations

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina Unglaube ◽  
Hsiao-Wei D. Chiang
Keyword(s):  
High Velocity ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Velocity Ratio ◽  
Maximum Efficiency ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Optimum Velocity ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Very High

In recent years closed loop supercritical carbon dioxide Brayton cycles have drawn the attention of many researchers as they are characterized by a higher theoretic efficiency and smaller turbomachinery size compared to the conventional steam Rankine cycle for power generation. Currently, first prototypes of this emerging technology are under development and thus small scale sCO2 turbomachinery needs to be developed. However, the design of sCO2 turbines faces several new challenges, such as the very high rotational speed and the high power density. Thus, the eligibility of well-established radial inflow gas turbine design principles has to be reviewed regarding their suitability for sCO2 turbines. Therefore, this work reviews different suggestion for optimum velocity ratios for gas turbines and aims to re-establish it for sCO2 turbines. A mean line design procedure is developed to obtain the geometric dimensions for small scale sCO2 radial inflow turbines. By varying the specific speed and the velocity ratio, different turbine configurations are set up. They are compared numerically by means of CFD analysis to conclude on optimum design parameters with regard to maximum total-to-static efficiency. Six sets of simulations with different specific speeds between 0.15 and 0.52 are set up. Higher specific speeds could not be analyzed, as they require very high rotational speeds (more than 140k RPM) for small scale sCO2 turbines (up to 150kWe). For each set of simulations, the velocity ratio that effectuates maximum efficiency is identified and compared to the optimum parameters recommended for radial inflow turbines using subcritical air as the working fluid. It is found that the values for optimum velocity ratios suggested by Rohlik (1968) are rather far away from the optimum values indicated by the conducted simulations. However, the optimum values suggested by Aungier (2005), although also established for subcritical gas turbines, show an approximate agreement with the simulation results for sCO2 turbines. Though, this agreement should be studied for a wider range of specific speeds and a finer resolution of velocity ratios. Furthermore, for high specific speeds in combination with high velocity ratios, the pressure drop of the designed turbines is too high, so that the outlet pressure is beyond the critical point. For low specific speeds in combination with low velocity ratios, the power output of the designed turbines becomes very small. Geometrically, turbines with low specific speeds and high velocity ratios are characterized by very small blade heights, turbines with high specific speeds and small velocity ratios by very small diameters.

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