Numerical Simulation of Convective Heat Transfer for Inline and Stagger Stacked Plain-Weave Wire Mesh Screens and Comparison with a Local Thermal Non-Equilibrium Model

摘要

Volumetric receivers made of metallic wire meshes are a promising technology that allows different designs and configurations. In this paper the local volumetric heat transfer coefficient for a volumetric absorber with two extreme arrangements, inline and stagger, is presented. The results show that the heat transfer rates for the stagger stack is nearly two times higher than the inline stack. Moreover, the local volumetric heat transfer coefficient is implemented in a Homogeneous Equivalent Model using a Local Thermal Non-Equilibrium model to compare the results. The stagger stack performs better than the inline stack despite their higher frontal losses and pressure drop. Finally, a validation of the Homogeneous Equivalent Model is carried out with experimental data showing a good agreement.