Constructal design of distributed cooling on the landscape

Liang Xia, Sylvie Lorente, Adrian Bejan

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Here we constructal design to determine the area size (or number of users N) to be allocated to a central refrigeration plant, and to configure the distribution network for the distributed cooling system. The main objective is to maximize the net cooling capacity delivered to every user, and to minimize the pumping power required for transporting the chilled water. Two types of distribution networks are investigated: radial and tree-shaped networks. First, when ducts with a single diameter are used, the net cooling capacity delivered to every user is almost the same, while the pumping power requirement for the tree network is greater than that for the radial network. Multi-diameter tree networks are investigated next. The pumping power requirement for multi-diameter tree-shaped network is less than for radial network when N is greater than 19 if the flow is laminar, and when N is greater than 80 if the flow is turbulent. The global performance of the area-based cooling system can be improved by increasing the freedom to morph the configuration.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)805-812
Number of pages8
JournalInternational Journal of Energy Research
Volume35
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chilled water
  • Constructal
  • Distributed cooling
  • Distributed energy systems
  • Radial design
  • Refrigeration
  • Sustainable neighborhood
  • Tree design

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Nuclear Energy and Engineering
  • Fuel Technology
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology

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