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Computational analysis of flow features and energy separation in a counter-flow vortex tube based on number of inlets

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  • Manimaran, R.

Abstract

In the present study, three dimensional computational fluid dynamic simulations are carried out to understand the energy separation in the counter-flow vortex tube. The objective of the work is to understand the flow features that affect the energy separation between the core and peripheral flow layers inside the vortex tube. Trapezoidal shaped inlets of varying numbers from one to six are compared and analyzed, while the total inlet mass flow rate and other geometrical parameters are held constant with air as a working fluid. From the results, highest temperature separation is observed with single inlet as observed in the literature. Further, the vorticity and turbulent kinetic energy at the dividing line between core and periphery decrease with the increase in number of inlets. To understand the same, streamlines are visualized. Analysis reveals that higher core flow layer diameter, lower mean pitch distance and longer residence time are the main factors affecting energy separation. It is also found that secondary circulation vortices are prominent with the single inlet. The size of these vortices regardless of the number plays a key role in energy separation.

Suggested Citation

  • Manimaran, R., 2017. "Computational analysis of flow features and energy separation in a counter-flow vortex tube based on number of inlets," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 564-578.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:123:y:2017:i:c:p:564-578
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2017.02.025
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Im, S.Y. & Yu, S.S., 2012. "Effects of geometric parameters on the separated air flow temperature of a vortex tube for design optimization," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 154-160.
    2. Aydın, Orhan & Baki, Muzaffer, 2006. "An experimental study on the design parameters of a counterflow vortex tube," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 31(14), pages 2763-2772.
    3. Rafiee, Seyed Ehsan & Rahimi, Masoud, 2013. "Experimental study and three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis on the effect of the convergence ratio, pressure inlet and number of nozzle intake on vortex tube performance–," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 195-204.
    4. Thakare, Hitesh R. & Parekh, A.D., 2015. "Computational analysis of energy separation in counter—flow vortex tube," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 62-77.
    5. Manimaran, R., 2016. "Computational analysis of energy separation in a counter-flow vortex tube based on inlet shape and aspect ratio," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 17-28.
    6. Kandil, Hamdy A. & Abdelghany, Seif T., 2015. "Computational investigation of different effects on the performance of the Ranque–Hilsch vortex tube," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 84(C), pages 207-218.
    7. Farzaneh-Gord, Mahmood & Sadi, Meisam, 2014. "Improving vortex tube performance based on vortex generator design," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 492-500.
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