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The Elephant Problem—Determining Bulk Thermal Diffusivity

Author

Listed:
  • Robert Beaufait

    (Competence Center Thermal Energy Storage (CCTES), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Technikumstrasse 21, 6048 Horw, Switzerland)

  • Sebastian Ammann

    (Competence Center Thermal Energy Storage (CCTES), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Technikumstrasse 21, 6048 Horw, Switzerland)

  • Ludger Fischer

    (Competence Center Thermal Energy Storage (CCTES), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Technikumstrasse 21, 6048 Horw, Switzerland)

Abstract

This study investigates a measurement method of thermal diffusivity for samples with arbitrary geometries and unknown material properties. The aim is to curve fit the thermal diffusivity with the use of a numerical simulation and transient temperature measurement inside the object of interest. This approach is designed to assess bulk material properties of an object that has a composite material structure such as underground soil. The method creates the boundary conditions necessary to apply analytical theory found in the literature. It was found that measurements best correlated with theory and simulation at positions between the center and surface of an object.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Beaufait & Sebastian Ammann & Ludger Fischer, 2021. "The Elephant Problem—Determining Bulk Thermal Diffusivity," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-10, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:21:p:7444-:d:674753
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Palacios, Anabel & Cong, Lin & Navarro, M.E. & Ding, Yulong & Barreneche, Camila, 2019. "Thermal conductivity measurement techniques for characterizing thermal energy storage materials – A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 32-52.
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