Author(s)

M. Embaye, R. K. Al-Dadah & S. Mahmoud

Abstract

This research investigates the effect of pulsed flow input on the energy consumption of panel radiators in hydronic central heating systems. CFD modelling of a panel radiator was developed using the conjugate heat transfer module in COMSOL Multiphysics software. The radiator used was of single finned radiator (type 11) with the dimensions of 500mm long and 300mm high. The CFD results performed in this paper were compared to published experimental work found in literature showing good agreement with maximum deviation of 2.14% in the heat output. A wide range of input pulsating flows were investigated in terms of velocity amplitude (from 0.035 m/s to 0.05 m/s) and frequency (from 0.052rad/s to 0.209rad/s) while the flow input temperature remains constant. The simulation results showed that compared to constant flow operating condition, the use of pulsed flow can reduce the energy consumption of panel radiators by up to 20% while maintaining the same radiator surface temperature. Such results highlight the potential of using pulsed flow to reduce the energy consumption of central heating systems in buildings. Keywords: energy saving, CFD models, COMSOL Multiphysics, constant flow, flow pulsation, temperature and heat output.

Keywords

energy saving, CFD models, COMSOL Multiphysics, constant flow,flow pulsation, temperature and heat output.