Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Abstract
Maintaining a living space or an industrial facility at the desired temperature and

humidity requires some processes called air-conditioning processes. These processes include

simple heating (raising the temperature), simple cooling (lowering the temperature), humidifying

(adding moisture), and dehumidifying (removing moisture). Sometimes two or more of these

processes are needed to bring the air to a desired temperature and humidity level. In air

conditioning field, a dehumidification has become increasingly important for human health and

control especially in hot and humid climate.

However, a conventional mechanical dehumidification with vapor compression refrigerator

has some problems therefore; much attention has been paid recently to a desiccant air

conditioning system as an alternative to the conventional system. Heat recovery is one of the

prominent ways to save a considerable fossil fuel and minimize its adverse effects on the

environment. The rotary heat exchanger is one of the most effective and efficient devices for heat

recovery or heat exchanging purpose. It is regenerative type of heat exchanger, which has been

studied and used for much heat recovery purpose. However, regenerative thermal wheel have

been mostly used as heat recovery system in buildings. For modeling a rotary regenerator, it is

very important to numerically consider the entire factor involved such as, effectiveness,

rotational speed geometrical size and shape, and pressure drop (p) have been considered.

In this paper, a numerical simulation of fluid flow and heat transfer in a rotary regenerator

desiccant air conditioning system and to analyze by using CFD is presented. The numerical

method is based on the simultaneous solution of the transient momentum and energy equations

using a finite volume scheme. To validate governing equations, meshing and simulation using

ANSYS-WORKBENCH have been performed.

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 Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Description of rotary heat exchanger?

Heat exchangers are devices used to transfer heat between two or more fluid streams at
different temperatures. Heat exchangers find widespread use in power generation, chemical
processing, electronics cooling, air-conditioning, refrigeration, and automotive applications.
A thermal wheel consists of a circular honeycomb matrix of heat-absorbing material. Which
slowly rotated within the supply and exhaust air stream of an air handling system. As the thermal
wheel rotates, heat is picked up from the exhaust air steam in one half of the rotation and given p
to the fresh air stream in the other half of rotation.
Rotary regenerators are widely used in a broad range of industrial applications, from low
temperature air conditioning systems to large power plant energy recovery systems. An air
permeable rotating disk or wheel is located in a duct-work system consisting of a pair of
rectangular ducts. The upper half of the disk is fed by hot air moving from right to left through
the upper duct, while the lower half of the disk is fed by cooler air owing from left to right
through the other duct. Since the wheel is rotating, it is periodically exposed to both cold and hot
streams: during one half of the rotation the wheel solid matrix is heated by the hot stream, and
transfers this heat flux to the cold flow during the second half of the rotation.

1.2 Operation principle of rotary exchangers

Rotary regenerators and recuperates are widely used in a broad range of industrial applications,
from low temperature air conditioning systems to large power plant energy recovery systems. All of
them, however, can be schematized as in Fig. 1.1. An air permeable rotating disk or wheel is
located in a duct-work system consisting of a pair of rectangular ducts. The upper half of the disk is
fed by hot air moving from right to left through the upper duct, while the lower half of the disk is
fed by cooler air owing from left to right through the other duct. Since the wheel is rotating, it is
periodically exposed to both cold and hot streams: during one half of the rotation the wheel solid
matrix is heated by the hot stream, and transfers this heat flux to the cold flow during the second
half of the rotation.

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 Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Usually, the disk consists of a large number of parallel flow passages in the axial direction. In most
cases, the wall of the flow passages are obtained stacking sinusoidal or wavy metallic (aluminum)
bands ( Fig. 2.2 and 2.3), but plastics or ceramic have also been used for limited service. While the
energy and economical benefit of enthalpy wheels in HVAC applications has been known to the
engineering community for some time, there have not been practical, easy to use, and reliable
enthalpy wheel analytical models because of their complex characteristics of combined heat and
mass transfer. The performances of the rotary exchangers are strongly dependent on the types and
configurations of energy wheel.
Exchange media of the energy wheel con be designed to recovery sensible heat or total energy
(sensible and latent). The manufacturers' performance data produced in accordance with ANSI/ARI
Standard 1060/2001 are usually used for peak design.

Out side air

Exhaust air

Fig 1.1 Example of installed rotary heat exchanger

Fig 1.2 Example of Porous Matrices

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

1.3 Why we choose ANSYS for analysis

CFD has become a key contributor in design and virtual prototyping of everything
involving fluids. From a broad perspective, CFD is used today in a variety of ways, from
supplementing experiments and testing of systems to certification of the performance,
safety, and reliability of high consequence systems. The significance of CFD analysis in
engineering and manufacturing industries encompasses seamlessly calculating the fluid
forces and understanding the impact of gas or liquid on the performance of a product.
As Mehul Patel (2013) views Effective computational fluid dynamics analysis
facilitate efficient and quick simulation of heat transfer and fluid flow of a product, part or
structure to determine its performance level across diverse fluid forces. CFD Simulation is also
known as CFD modeling and it is engineering based scientific process module which runs
on Computational Fluid Dynamics theory and is applied for resolving different fluid flow related
problems like flow velocity, density, temperature, and chemical concentrations for any area
where flow is present. It’s a numerical method for calculation for nonlinear differential
equations describing/relating to fluid flow. CFD simulation is applied in various industries to day
in order to achieve flawless product designing by combining computational tools and theory of
fluid dynamics. The aim of this study is to analyze the rotary desiccant wheel using CFD and
validate the result with literature.

1.2 Objective
The central goal of this thesis is to develop an understanding of the heat and mass transfer
processes which occur in a porous matrix rotary energy wheel, with the aim of building a
numerical model flexible enough to be (in perspective) integrated with complex CFD modeling

1.2.1 General objectives

 To analyze rotary heat exchanger numerically by using CFD

1.2.2 Specific objectives

 Model rotary heat exchanger by ANSYS

 Obtain Pressure distribution ,
 velocity and temperature variation of different section of rotary regenerator by CFD

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

1.3 Scope of the project

 Heat Recovery Wheels are compact heat exchangers that can be used instead of shell type

heat exchangers when space constraint is a problem. The compact Heat exchanger

provides maximum effectiveness for the same size.

 They can be used in all type of air-conditioning units when there is minimal recirculation

of air so that exhaust air has considerable cooling effect.

 Thermal wheels help in reducing the load on the coils of the air-conditioning equipment,

thus saving energy at maximum extent. Due to depletion of fossil fuel at present situation

there must be need of saving energy at possible extent.

Method
Air to air heat exchangers play a crucial role in mechanical equipment due to potential primary
energy savings in this paper computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation in a rotary
regenerator is presented for low capacity (1 Ton) air conditioning system. The simulation
method is based on the simultaneous solution of the transient momentum and energy equation
using a finite volume scheme. Fluid model and meshing is done using ANSYS work bench fluid
flow fluent modeling software and simulation has carried out using FLUENT 6.3. Fluid model has
considered as solid porous aluminum material. To validate the model, the simulation results are

compared with those of the experimental results of a literature for a simple geometry are

obtained similar graph of a literature. The effects of important processes

parameter on the rotary regenerator effectiveness were also investigated for the
different porosity values of 0.2 to 0.8 while the velocity (0.1 m/s) and rotational
speed (10 RPM) are kept as constant. Similarly for different rotational speed (6
RPM to 12 RPM), the effectiveness of rotary regenerator were calculated for the
same velocity (0.1 m/s) and constant porosity value of o.6. The maximum
effectiveness of 49.3 is obtained for constant rotational speed of 10 RPM and low

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

porosity value of 0.2 also the maximum effectiveness of 48.05 is obtained for
constant porosity of 0.6 and maximum rotational speed of 11 RPM. Further
increasing the rotational speed of 12 RPM is also the effectiveness of 48.06 was
obtained. Pressure, velocity and temperature variation of different section of
rotary regenerator are discussed in the result.
Methods to simulate
 The Components of a Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation System
Defining the Mathematical Model
Defining the Discretization Process
Performing the Analysis Phase
Defining the Resolution Phase
 Mathematical Model
Geometry
Assumptions
Conservation of Mass and Force Balances (Momentum Equations)
First Law of Thermodynamics
Conjugated Heat Transfer Problem
Thermal Boundary Conditions
Mass Conservation of Constituents in the Air Stream
Conjugated Heat and Mass Transfer Problem
Numerical Model
Defining the Global Parameters
Defining the Sine Geometry
Velocity Problem
Defining the Bulk Temperature
Imposing the Thermal Boundary Conditions

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 Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Mass Conservation of Constituents in the Air Stream

Assumptions

Rotary Regenerator
Model Geometry
Defining the
Discretization Process

Numerical analysis of
rotary heat exchanger
simulation

Temperature Velocity Profiles

Profiles

Pressure
Profiles

CHAPTER TWO
Literature Review of the Previous Project

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

In a rotary regenerator (or regenerative heat exchanger) heat and moisture is cyclically
transferred from one of the air streams to the matrix and then to the other air stream as. If the
regenerator is designed to only transfer sensible heat (temperature) it is termed a heat wheel (and
sometimes rotating heat exchanger) and the heat transfer is only driven by the temperature
difference between the two air streams.

When the wheel in addition is designed to transfer latent heat (moisture) through a desiccant
coated layer on the surface of the rotor material by exploiting water vapor concentration
differences in the air streams, it is called an energy wheel (and sometimes a enthalpy wheel or
desiccant-coated heat wheel). We observe that under winter conditions moisture transfer occurs
in the cold part of the heat wheel due to condensation, but that no moisture transfer will take
place during the summer. Studying on the rotary regenerators has a long history. As the energy
wheel transfer moisture through sorption during both winter and summer conditions, the outlet
conditions of the airflows end up on an intermediate line between the two inlet conditions
(Tunaa, 2013) [1]

The majority of the total heat exchange media used in energy wheels for air conditioning today is
generally aluminum foil substrate with a surface coating of a desiccant material consisting of a
dry film of silica gel or molecular sieve ((Fischer Jr, 1988; Jeong and Mumma, 2005) [2], but we
may also find oxidized surfaces or a separate coating of aluminum oxide. The desiccant material
account for about 20 percent of the energy wheel mass, and as such the bulk of sensible heat
transfer is accomplished through the aluminum portion of the wheel as for heat wheels without a
desiccant coating.

Simonson, Besant, and Wilson (1997) [3] contributes the aluminum wheels high thermal
conductivity and thermal capacitance for its popularity in air-conditioning where high sensible
and latent heat transfer is usually desired, while Fischer Jr. (1988) [4] also credit it for its high
strength and durability and also the advantage that aluminum in some cases is capable of being
washed with water or steam without harming the desiccant coating (shawins , 2013) [5]. on the
rotary regenerator has a long history. Sheiman and Reznikova were defining a model to calculate
heat transfer [6].They used integral Laplace transformation to solve differential equation.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Nahavandi and Weinstein [7] used closed methods in mathematical model for solving the
differential equations. There are many attempts to obtain empirical effectiveness relation [4-6],
the ε-NTUo method was used for the rotary regenerator design and analysis. Organ [8] many
numerical solutions are also available in the literature. Other authors [9,10] developed Numerical
solution. All of them were same in used finite difference scheme for solving differential
equation.

Effects of major parameters were investigated in many papers. Shah and Skiepko[11] and
Drobnic and coworkers [12] considered Influence of leakage on the thermal performance.
Influence of rotational speed on effectiveness of rotary heat exchanger was studied by
Buyukalaca and Yılmaz[13]. In the foregoing analysis, the influence of longitudinal heat
conduction was neglected. Bahnke and Howard[14] and Romie[15] obtained relationships, can
be estimate the influence of longitudinal heat conduction in the wall. Porowski and
iaSzczechowk [16] investigated the effect of longitudinal conduction in the matrix on
effectiveness of the rotary heat regenerator numeric

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 Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

CHAPTER THREE

Governing Equation
3.1 Governing equation
Klein et al. (1990) developed mathematical model of rotary regenerator and established that to
obtain the optimum enthalpy exchange between two-air streams the regenerator must be operated
at such condition that neither of the two transfer waves reaches the outlet of the exchanger. The
number of transfer unit determines the enthalpy exchange effectiveness. They modified the finite

deference solution to study the behavior of the enthalpy exchanger at very cold condition.

Stiesch et al. (1995) presented the heat and mass transfer governing equation for rotary
regenerative heat exchanger. They formulate those equation based on the mass and energy
conservation equation combined with some assumption for the rotary regenerative heat
exchanger.

Mass conservation:
ɚwaɚZ+ Mrɚwa£+ɚwmɚ£=0……………………………………………….3.1
Energy Conservation
ɚHaZ+MrɚHaɚ£+ɚHmɚ£=0……………………………….……………….3.2
Mass transfer rate
ɚwmɚ£= NTUm (Wa-Wm)…………………………………..……................3.3
Thermal Energy Transfer rate
ɚHmɚ£=NTUtɚHaɚTa(Ta-Tm)+NTUm(Wa-Wm)Hm…………………….3.4

For designing the flow geometry of the heat exchanger, the numerical Modeling and Solving of the
governing equation is very important. The above cited heat and mass transfer governing equation
can be solved by using different numerical method.

3.2 Turbulent Intensity: It is defined as the ratio of root mean square value of velocity
Fluctuations to the mean stream velocity. It is denoted us “I”.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

..................................................3.5
For internal flow, turbulent intensity value ranges from 1-10%. Turbulence Intensity for the
Core duct flow estimated as:
Re - Reynolds Number that used to indicate the flow nature of the fluid field whether
Laminar or turbulent.

..............................................3.6
Where,
ρ – Density of the fluid in kg/m
μ – Dynamic viscosity of the fluid in Ns/m
ν – Velocity of the fluid in m/sec
L – Characteristic linear dimension of medium in m
The Reynolds number can be defined for several different situations where a fluid is in relative
motion to a surface. These definitions generally include the fluid properties of density and
viscosity, plus a velocity and a characteristic length or characteristic dimension. Turbulent
Length Scale: Turbulent Length Scale is a physical quantity that represents the size of large
eddies in Turbulent Flows. Empirical relationship between the physical size of obstruction (or
characteristic Length (L)), and the size of eddy can be used to get an approximate length
scale. It is denoted us “l”. It is used to indicate how length the effect of entrance turbulence
throughout the rotor.
l = 0.07L
L – Characteristic Length or thickness of the object which is exposed to flow in m. Porosity:
The core or matrix porosity is a ratio of the void volume to the total core or Matrix volume. If
the heat transfer surface area to the frontal area of the core. If the heat Transfer surface
has interruptions (such as perforations). It is denoted as “Ԑ” or “ɸ”.

………………………………………………………………3.7

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Where
Vv– void volume in the rotor wheel in m3
VT – total volume in the rotor wheel in m3
Porosity or void fraction is used to indicate the void space relative to the total area. Total heat
transfer and temperature distribution along the rotor is mainly depends upon the value of the
porosity.
3.3 Face Permeability:

……………………………………………………..3.8
Dp– Rotor diameter in m
Ԑ - Porosity of the rotor matrix
α – face permeability of the rotor matrix
Permeability is the property of object that is an indication of the ability for fluids (gas
or liquid) to flow through objects. Permeability is a measure of the ease with which a
fluid (water in this case) can move through a porous medium. High permeability will allow
fluids to move rapidly through objects. The SI unit of permeability is m2or Darcy.

3.3.1 Factor affecting permeability:

From the above relation itself, it can be understand that permeability is directly related to the
porosity of the rotor matrix.
1. Dirt and impurities in rotor matrix.
2. Presence of entrapped gas or air.
Pressure Jump Coefficient: It is denoted as C2

…………………………………………………..3.9
Where,
C2– Pressure Jump Coefficient in m-1
Dp – Diameter of the rotor in m.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Ԑ - Porosity of rotor matrix.

Hydraulic Diameter: It is denoted as dh and it is defined as,

………………………………………….3.10
Hydraulic diameter denotes the wetted diameter of the rotor face by the inlet fluid on both sides.
Packing Density: A packing density or packing fraction of a packing is the fraction of the
Space filled by the figures making up the packing. It is denoted as “β”. The packing density
Related to porosity as follows:

………………………………….3.11
Disc Angles: It is the angle subtended by the hot and cold fluid in the whole 360 degrees.
Θh - hot fluid disc sector angle in degrees.
Θc - cold fluid disc sector angle in degrees.
Θh + Θc = 2π
3.4 Specific heat capacity: It is denoted as “C”. It is equal to the product of the mass flow rate
(m) and specific heat (c).
C = m*c…………………………………………………..3.12
Unit of Specific heat capacity is J/sKs or W/K.
Unit of mass flow rate is kg/sec and unit of specific heat J/kgK
Total flow period: It is the time period between start of two successive heating (or) cooling
periods in a regenerator. It is a summation of hot-air flow period, cold-air flow period and
reversal time (switching time from hot-to-cold air stream).
. Some common formulas:

Cr = m * c * N…………………………………………….3.13
Cr* = Cr / Cmin…………………………………………….3.14
Cr, h* = Cr, h / Ch…………………………………………….3.15

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Cr, c* = Cr, c / Cc…………………………………………….3.16

C* = Cmin / Cmax…………………………………………….3.17
Symbol “C” denotes the heat capacity of the fluid.
Cr = heat capacity rate of a regenerator in W/K
m = mass flow rate of fluid in kg/sec
c = specific heat of the fluid in J/kgK
Cr* = total matrix heat capacity rate ratio. It is dimensionless
Cr, h = heat capacity rate of hot fluid in W/K
Cr, c = heat capacity rate of cold fluid in W/K
Ch = heat capacity of hot fluid in W/K
Cc = heat capacity of cold fluid W/K
Cmax = maximum value of Ch and Cc in W/K
Cmin = minimum value of Ch and Cc in W/K
N = Rotational speed in rpm or rev/sec
Effectiveness value (Ɛ) increases with Cr* for given values of NTUo and C*. However higher
rotation speed will result in higher carry over leakage this will reduces the regenerator
effectiveness.
NTU = UoA / Cmin
NTU = Number of Transfer Units.
Uo= Overall heat transfer coefficient in W/m2K
A = Surface area of flow in m2
3.4 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Modeling of the rotor and duct system had done in ANSYS software. The linear dimensions of
the rotor are taken from the manufacturing company of the rotary regenerator called
“HOVAL”. In that manufacturing sector various standardized dimensions of the rotor are given.
From that a particular dimension is taken and analysis is done on that dimensions of the rotor.
Results of outlet temperature of the cold and hot fluids are determined In our project shape of
the duct is taken as CIRCULAR CROSS SECTION which is exactly matches with the
shape of the rotor wheel. This saves the material requirement of the duct system. In case of

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

rectangular duct system extra material is required for seal the rotor with the duct arrangement.
The circular duct system avoids those extra material requirements.
 In the air, the axial heat conduction and water vapor diffusion are negligible.

 Molecular diffusion and capillary motion of moisture within the desiccant are negligible

in the axial direction.

 In the matrix, there are no radial temperature and moisture content gradients.

 The ends and half plane of each matrix tube are adiabatic and impermeable.

 The heat of sorption is assumed constant and equal to the heat of vaporization .

 For the desiccant coating, hysteresis in the sorption isotherm is neglected.

 The tubes of the rotary heat exchanger are similar with constant heat and mass transfer surface

area.

 The thermal and moisture properties of the matrix are constant.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

CHAPTER FOUR
Modeling of Rotary Energy Wheel
The Configuration of the rotary energy wheel, coordinates, operation parameters and assumption
had first introduced. Geometrical model had developed in software called “ANSYS” which is
used to design the required model. The MESH file model developed in ANSYS software is
analyzed by using FLUET software and it is used to check the model under rotational and
counter-flow Conditions. The rotational speed of the wheel model and velocity of fluid has given
by the Software (FLUENT).

4.1 Model Description

The rotary energy wheel is a counter-flow balanced and symmetric wheel. It is a rotating
cylindrical wheel of length “Lw” and diameter “dw” and it is divided into two equal sections:
supply and exhaust section. While the wheel is rotating, the equal supply and exhaust
airstreams in equal quantities had supplied to the wheel. In the rotary regenerator under
considerations, both hot and cold fluids flow through the same flow passage alternatively and
hence heat flows intermittently. The flow passage (or the heat transfer surface) is generally made
of aluminum is referred a “Wheel Matrix”. The wheel rotates at very low speeds with a constant
fraction of the core facing partially for the hot and cold fluids. When the hot air flows over the
heat transfer surface, the thermal energy is stored in the matrix wall. When the cold air flows
through the same passage at a later stage, the matrix wall delivers the thermal energy through the
wall as in a direct transfer type exchanger, but is alternatively stored and rejected by the matrix
wall.

4.2 Coordinate system and Nomenclature

For the formulation of the model, the nomenclature and coordinate system for the rotary
energy wheel with diameter, d w and matrix thickness Lw are defined and illustrated in Figure

3.1. The supply side flow is denoted by subscript s and the exhaust side flow by e . The in-flow
and out-flow for both sides are distinguished by subscripts i and o , respectively.

The additional subscripts m and g can be used to differentiate between matrix and

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

airflow stream. As example Tg _ s, is the in-flow gas temperature of the supply side.
i

The axial coordinate, x , is defined as positive in the direction of flow, so that in a counter-flow
system the axial coordinate reverses direction at the beginning of each side. The entry point of the
supply or exhaust flow to the energy wheel is considered as x= 0 .In the counter-flow situation,
when the supply period finishes and exhaust period starts, the starting point x changes. The point
x= Lw in the supply period becomes x= 0 in the exhaust period. Thus, this enables us to use the

same differential equations for both hot and cold periods.

Fig.4.1

The hot and cold period sector angle will be same and equal to the 180 degrees and that is
Separated by the horizontal plane wall. Therefore, that flow area of both hot and cold fluid will
be the same. In addition, hot air and cold airflow time will be same and equal to half of the total
time required for one complete cycle because of symmetrical arrangement of flow path and equal
flow area of both the fluids.
t = th + tc
where
th – hot air flow time in seconds.
tc – cold air flow time in seconds.

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 Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

4.3 Design Procedure of Energy Wheel

This section contains details of steps to develop the geometrical model of the rotary
regenerative heat exchanger along with duct system, mesh type and mesh size for effective flow
analysis.
 Modeling in ANSYS software
 Meshing in same ANSYS software
 Results are taken and graphs are drawn
post-processor
Modeling in ANSYS Meshing in Results are taken and
software Pre-processor same ANSYS Meshing graphs
software

4.3.1 Surface Geometrical Properties

The porous heat transfer media being studied is in the shape of a wheel that rotates between two
counter-flow air streams. The wheel contains fiber mats, which serve as the heat and mass
exchanger core. Since the wheel is symmetric and balanced, the wheel frontal area, free flow
area, and heat transfer area on each side are the same. Therefore, they can be derived as follows:

Frontal cross-sectional area of the wheel (for each flow):

Cross-section area of matrix

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 Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

4.3.1 Dimensions of rotor and duct system

A typical rotary regenerator with following geometrical parameters was considered:
 Wheel diameter 1200mm
 The thickness of wheel 600mm
 Duct length on both side 600mm
Here we have to consider that wheel is the internal part by which both cold air and hot air are
mixed. On both side there are two ducts which are cold air inlet, cold air out let, hot air inlet and
hot air outlet.

4.3.2 Geometry development

For our project to simulate the model developing the geometry part is the critical and very necessary
one. Here we have sated steps how to draw the geometry of rotary wheel.

Step 1) open ANSYS

Step 2) double click on fluid fluent

Step 3) open Geometry

Step 4) Give the dimensions in mm

Step 5) select XY plan and create 4 new sketch

Step6) On sketch toolbar click on +z direction and draw half circle above and below the axis and
extrude it by add frozen material for both sketch 1 and 2

Step7) on sketch toolbar click on –z direction and draw half circle by add frozen material
extrude it by above given duct length.

Step 8) create a new plane by selecting XY plane from the tree outline and click on new plane
from the active plane /sketch toolbar, near the top of the ANSYS workbench window .

Step 9) in the details view for the new plane (plane 4) set transform 1 (RMB) to offset global Z
and set the value of offset to 600 mm

Step 10) click on generate (located in the ANSYS design modeler toolbar)to create the plane

Step 11)create a new sketch by selecting plane 4 from the tree outline and then click new sketch
from the active plane toolbar , near the top of the ANSYS workbench window .

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Step 12 ) on the sketching tab ,open the draw toolbox and select arc by 3 point ,draw an arc with
a radius 600mm for sketch 5 and 6 extrude both with the depth 600 finish the geometry

Step 13 specify the geometry as a fluid body

i) in the tree outline open the 1part 1 body branch and select solid branch
ii) in the details view of the body change the name of the body from solid to cold fluid
inlet part, hot fluid inlet part , cold fluid outlet part, hot fluid outlet part, upper mixer
part and lower mixer part.

Step 14) close ANSYS design modeler.

By the following all the above methods we develop the geometry part of the rotary heat
excha.3nger. As its seen below the front upper and lower parts are cold air inlet and the middle is
wheel by which inlet air and outlet air are mixed. At the back side both the above and below
ducts are cold air outlet and hot air inlet.

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 Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

General Description of parts

2 4

Fig 4.2 Geometry of rotary wheel

Where 1. Cold air inlet

2. hot air outlet

3. cold air outlet

4. Hot air inlet

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

5. Rotor wheel

4.3.2.1 Named selection of the wheel

Before meshing is done, named selection is given for every section for the betterment of flow of
air in and out of the wheel. The use of giving named selection is preparing for ease of simulation.
A) Cold air inlet

B) Cold air outlet

C) Hot air inlet

D) Hot air outlet

E) Outer surface wall

F) Interface 1( between rotor wheel & cold in)

G) Interface 2 ( between rotor wheel & cold out)

H) Interface 3 (between rotor wheel & hot in)

I) Interface 4 (between rotor wheel & hot out)

J) Interface 5 ( between upper rotor & lower rotor wheel)

K) Wall 1 ( all outer surface)

L) Wall 2 ( between cold inlet & hot outlet)

M)Wall 3 (between cold outlet & hot inlet)

Cold air inlet is the pre inlet for the rotor wheel by which the air is taken from the environment
for mixing with hot air, which is taken from the room. Here the inlet is act as the duct by which
cold is directly enter into the wheel. After the transition from the warm air to the cold air, the
wheel duct now has cold air flowing through in the opposite direction (referring to the
temperature). With the high temperature difference the transferred performance is very high, i.e.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

the cold air is very strongly heated; in reverse the storage mass is strongly cooled. Any
condensate formed on the exchanger surface is (partially) absorbed by the heated cold air

Cold air outlet is the inlet or the desired air for the room. Here the cold air is spread into the room,
which is mixed in the rotor wheel. The wheel duct has passed through the cold-air section. The storage
mass has greatly cooled, almost down to the cold-air temperature in the entry section. After crossover
to the warm airside, the cycle starts anew.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

The wheel duct is now shortly before entry to the cold air. It has virtually reached the temperature of
the extract air at the entry side. The transferred performance is still only low. The dwell time in the
warm air and in the cold air, i.e. the speed of rotation, is decisive for the performance of the rotary heat
exchanger. It depends on the storage mass (thickness, geometry), the heat transfer and the air velocity.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

The rotation of the storage mass has moved the wheel duct from the cold air to the warm air.
The storage material is cooled almost to the temperature of the cold air. This applies
particularly to the entry side of the cold air (= exit side of the warm air). The warm air now
flows through the duct with reference to the temperature in the counter-flow and is cooled

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

greatly. The storage mass is therefore heated. The local temperature efficiency, i.e. directly at
the inlet to the warm air, is very high. Condensation can also occur very easily.

Wall boundary condition are used to bound fluid and solid region.in viscous flow here below shown the
figure the outer parts are named wall.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Interface boundary is used, when the surface is shard by both fluid and solid regions. We have
given the interface zones for every interconnected continuous flow for the preparation of
mixing. Interface zone is mainly used to flow the fluid from one inlet to the mixing porous
media to the outlet stage.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Normally whole arrangement of rotary wheel is separated into six volumes. All the six
volumes of the system are given as fluid zone. It is separated into three volumes by vertical plane
perpendicular to z axis and is separated into two volumes by horizontal plane parallel to the z
axis.

4.3.3 Meshing

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

ANSYS meshing is a general-purpose intelligent automated high performance product. It

produce the most appropriate mesh for accurate efficient multi physics solutions. A mesh can be
generated with a single mouse click for all parts in the model. Full control over the option used
to generate the mesh are available for the expert user who wants a fine-tune it. ANSYS meshing
is aware of the type of solution that will be used in the project and has the appropriate criteria to
create the best-suited mesh.
ANSYS meshing is automatically integrated with each solver within the ANSYS workbench
environment. Especially convenient is the ability of ANSYS meshing to automatically take
advantage of available cores in the computer to use parallel processing and thus significantly
reduce the time to create mesh.
4.3.3.1 Steps to generate mesh

Step1) after completing the design on geometry close geometry and double click on mesh.

Step 2) when the mesh screen is open our design model will be shown on mesh display.

Step3) then next step is to generate mesh.

Step 4) after generating mesh our model will be looks like this

Fig 4.3 Generated mesh of rotary wheel

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 Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Step 6) Edit the mesh cell context menu and expand the inflation change operating option from none to
program control and then change inflation option from smooth transition to total thickness and define
maximum thickness to 0.02

Step 7) Expand the assembly meshing option method and change parameter from none to tetrahedron
then generate mesh

Step 8) the next step is to create a named selection for each inlet and outlet of rotary heat
exchanger then generate mesh and update

Step 9) close the ANSYS meshing application

Cold air outlet

Cold air
inlet

Hot air inlet

Hot air
outlet

Fig 4.4 generated mesh of rotary wheel

When the meshing is processed, So that mesh size should be optimum. Suitable mesh size can
be only obtained by practice. For rotary desiccant wheels, Mesh type is chosen as Tetrahedron
and meshes size as 0.02.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

The final top view of the rotary wheel after meshing. From the above figure, it can be
understandable that thickness of the rotor is extruded along the z -direction and whole volume
separated into six separate one.

Fig 4.5 top view of meshed rotary wheel

The front view of the rotor wheel after meshing. From the above figure it can be
understandable that diameter of the rotor is drawn on x -y plane and volume is separated
into two separate volumes along z-direction by horizontal separation plane.

Fig 4.6 the front view of rotor wheel

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

4.3.4 Rotary Regenerator Model Geometry and Meshing

Since rotary regenerator is rotating at some constant speed, meshing of the wheel has given as
rotating mesh.

Fig 4.7 2D model of rotor regenerator with boundary condition

wall wall wall

1 5 4

wall
interface wall
wall interface wall
2 6 3

CHAPTER FIVE
Simulation
of energy wheel
5.1 Energy of rotor wheel
The rotation of the storage mass has moved the wheel duct from the cold air to the warm air. The
storage material is cooled almost to the temperature of the cold air. This applies particularly to
the entry side of the cold air (= exit side of the warm air). The warm air now flows through the

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

duct with reference to the temperature in the counter-flow and is cooled greatly. The storage
mass is therefore heated. The local temperature efficiency, i.e. directly at the inlet to the warm
air, is very high. The rotary air-to-air-energy wheel under study is a counter flow balanced and
symmetric wheel. It is a rotating cylindrical wheel of length LW and diameter dw and it is
divided into two sections namely supply and exhaust air sections. While the wheel is rotating the
equal supply and exhaust air streams in equal quantities are supplied to the wheel in a counter
flow arrangement. According to the definition the wheel is assumed to be balanced and
symmetric.

5.2 Assumption taken

The software simulation is based on the idealization of a physical air-to-air rotary

energy wheel system.

In particular, the model assumes that:

1. The matrix is assumed a porous homogenous solid with constant

characteristic and porosity though which an air-water vapor mixture flows with

constant velocity.

2. A mixing of the flow between the supply and exhaust section does not take place.

3. The pressure drop along the axial flow length of the wheel is small compared to

the total pressure.

4. The effect of a small pressure drop on the changes of thermodynamic properties of the air
and the matrix is negligible.

5. The carry-over of air due to the wheel switching from one period to the other is neglected
because the mass of this air is small compared to the mass of the matrix.

6. The radial gradients of temperature and moisture are neglected for both the matrix and the
gas phase.

7. The axial heat conduction and axial mass diffusion in the air are negligible.

8. The axial diffusion of moisture within the matrix is negligible.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

9. The heat and mass transfer coefficients for both periods are considered to be identical and
do not vary spatially or with time.

5.3 Boundary Condition

 To define a problem that result in a unique solution, we must specify information on the
dependent (flow) variable at the domain boundaries.
 Specify fluxes of mass, momentum, energy etc. into the domain
 Defining boundary condition involves
 Identify the location of boundary ( e.g. inlet, wall, symmetry)
 Supplying information at the boundary
Inlet boundary condition are given in table 1 and 2 to predict the effectiveness of rotary
regenerator with varying porosity and rotational speed and remaining parameters like
temperature and velocities are kept as constant.

Hot air inlet Cold air inlet

Speed (rpm) Porosity

Temperature
Temperature (K) Velocity (m/s) Velocity (m/s)
(K)
0.4
10 313 0.1 298 0.1

0.5
10 313 0.1 298 0.1

0.6

10 313 0.1 298 0.1

0.7
10 313 0.1 298 0.1

5.4 Result from simulation

5.4.1Temperature Profile
Temperature profile represent the overall distribution of temperature on each section of rotor wheel
and represents the temperature variation along the length of rotor and duct during the rotation of
the wheel the color variation in shows clearly the temperature variation from inlet to the outlet of
both hot and cold fluid. The temperature of the hot and cold air through the ducts is assumed
non-variant since there are no obstructions to interrupt the flow of air through the length of the
ducts.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

5.4.1.1 Cold air inlet profile

It is the inlet for the rotor wheel by which cold air is pass into the wheel, below based on our
simulation the cold inlet temperature is shown.

Fig 5.1 Temperature counter of cold air inlet

As shown above the color for the inlet of cold air is full blue, which is the inlet, condition of
temperature is 298 K as shown from default legend view by which it represent temperature is
equally distributed for the inlet duct and remain blue only for cold air duct.

5.4.1.2 Hot air inlet profile

It is the inlet for hot air to the rotor wheel or the way by which hot air is passing into the wheel,
us on our simulation below.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Fig 5.2 counter of temperature hot air inlet

As shown above the figure our simulation gives the result Red color that is very hot region at the
temperature of 313k as shown from legend view. Based on the simulation the hot air represented
by red color which is the standard symbolizes of hot air in a which suck from every machines or
from the hot room or any interpreted area are the intake or suck parts of the rotor wheel which is
soon mixed with cold air

5.4.1.3 Sectional view part profile

Interior part indicates the plane sectional view the rotor wheel by which cutting by the half
section. It is the overall temperature distribution inner sectional view of the rotor wheel. Based
on our simulation below is shown the result temperature distribution.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Fig 5.3, counter of temperature of sectional view

Upper half of the system represents the cold airflow passage and lower half of the system
represents the hot air flow passage. Blue and Red color region respectively represents the cold
and hot fluid inlet temperature. Green region represents the average temperature of both the inlet
of hot and cold fluids. Below on Y-Z axis it has clearly shown how cold air mixed with hot air.

Fig 5.4 counters of tem sectional view on Y-Z axis

5.4.1.4 Interior parts lower mixer and upper mixer
Lower mixer and upper mixer are the main circulating mixing chamber of the wheel which every
cold air inlet and hot air inlet are mixed by circulating for the purpose of fresh air desired.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Fig 5.5 temperature profile for interior mixer (cold inlet side)
As shown above the figure it’s the temperature profile for interior part of upper and lower mixing
air chamber on the side of cold air inlet. The Blue color represent highly cold air which is not
absolutely mixed with hot air, but on the reverse side there will also in some extent unmixed hot
air which is in high temperature, below is shown clearly on the reverse side of interior pars of
upper and lower mixer.

Fig 5.6 temperature profile for interior mixer (hot inlet side)

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

5.4.1.5 Counter of interface of upper and lower mixer

The figure below shown us we named the upper and lower mixer as the interface zone. This is the
exchanging the hot and cold air temperature. As we see below almost blue-cold air temperature
and red-hot temperature are absolutely mixed each other gives yellow colored temperature.

Fig 5.7 counters of temperature of interface of mixing

5.4.1.6 over all temperature distribution on entire wall

Below the figure 5.7 represents the temperature variation along the length of rotor and duct
during the rotation of the wheel. The color variation in Fig 5.7 shows clearly the temperature
variation from inlet to the outlet of both hot and cold fluid. Upper half of the system represents
the cold airflow passage and lower half of the system represents the hot air flow passage. Blue
and Red color region respectively represents the cold and hot fluid inlet temperature. Green
region represents the average temperature of both the inlet of hot and cold fluids. At the inlet of
the rotor (upper half of the wheel) mixing of those two inlet temperatures occurs. Therefore, the
full of rotor wheel are appeared as green.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Fig 5.7 full rotor wheel of temperature distribution

As the hot air enters the rotor the color changes from red to yellow which means that
temperature reduces from 313K to 307K .When the hot air passes the exit of the rotor the
temperature is further reduced to 305K due to the reason that heat will be stored in the matrix. As
the cold air enters the rotor, the color changes from blue to dark green which means that the
temperature increases from 298K to 304K. When the cold air passes the exit of the rotor, the
temperature is further increased to 305K due to the reason that the cold air from the matrix
absorbs heat.

5.4.1.7 Temperature profiles represents the variation of hot air temperature along the axial
direction.
Here below we have gotten the temperature profile of the wheel at 0.6m away from the center at
every 10 points of temperature distribution. As shown below every 10 points varies from points to
points.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Fig 5.12 counters of temperature of profile of hot air

Us the above temperature profile diagram it is clearly show that the hot air temperature remains
unchanged until the duct end. As the hot air enters the rotor heat will be absorbed by the
matrix and as a result temperature gradually reduces until it is completely passes the rotor. It is
graphical represented us shown below on x-y plane.

temperature of hot air at 0.4 m

314
312
310
308
temperature
306
304
302
300
298
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.8

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Fig 5.12 graphical counter of temperature of profile of hot air

From 0.2 m to 0.4 m hot air temperature remains unchanged since the flow of hot air occurs
through the inlet duct. There is a rapid reduction in the temperature of hot air through the length
of the rotor. During the flow of hot air through the rotor from 0.6 m to 0.8 m the hot air
temperature is reduced from 313 K to 307.06 K. There is a small amount of reduction in
temperature of hot air occurs through the outlet duct. After the mixing hot air temperature, remain
constant at the outlet of duct.
5.4.1.10 Variation of cold air temperature along the length at various radial locations

Fig 5.13 variation of cold air along varies location

Line at y=0.4 m, line at y=0.3 m, line at y=0.2 m, line at y=0.1 m represent the variation of cold
air temperature at 0.4 m, 0.3 m, 0.2 m, 0.1 m respectively. By comparing these curves it may be
concluded that the variation of cold air temperature occurs almost in a similar fashion and
the temperature remains uniform through the duct and has been increased while flowing through
the rotary wheel.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

y- value temperature
308

307

306

305

304
y- value tempera-
303 ture

302

301

300

299
-0.6 -0.4 -0.2 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8

Fig 5.14 Variation of temperature at an axial distance of 0.4 m

The Surface temperature towards to the center of the rotor is the same us in the Fig. 4.10 we can
observe that the temperature of hot air decreases from 306.888 K to 305.651 K respectively from
the outer surface towards the center of the rotor.
It clearly shows the variation of hot and cold air temperature from the outer surface to the center
of rotor. Us we have seen from the figure that the hot temperature decreases from outer surface
towards the center of the rotor and the cold temperature increases from outer surface towards the
center of the rotor.

5.4.2 Velocity profiles

Velocity profile indicates the speed of air passing through the ducts and through the wheel.
Velocity Profiles of rotary wheel with supply and exhaust of air ducts on cold air inlet and hot air
inlet of both sides of various planes at different axial as well as radial locations had ben simulated
and given the result as plane view. additionally graphically discussed. Here the rotary wheel
consists of aluminum as the porous media (matrix) which will influence the heat transfer, which
in turn will have observable effect on the effectiveness

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

5.4.2.1 velocity profile of over entire surface

fig 5.15 velocity of entire surface

As shown above the figure velocity of air at the inlet and outlet are the same due to no obstacle
but in the mixing wall as it’s clearly shown its purple and red color which indicates that its
velocity is very high due to the mixing fan. Especially in the middle of the wheel, both hot and
cold air is enter with the same velocity of 0.1m/s. so when the wheel mixes each inlets of air they
collapse each other due to the rotating fan. Therefore, we can conclude that velocity of air is very
high at the middle of the rotary regenerative.

5.4.2.2 Velocity distribution axial distance rake at 0.6m away from center

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Figure 5.16 rake at 0.6m away from center

The above figure shown the rake has divided the rotor wheel 0.6 m away from the center into 9
rake points. The different color indicates that velocity is increasing from the inlet of rotor to the
ends of the wheel especially at the middle its very high velocity. The graph shown below clearly
indicates the velocity variation on each 9 points.

Y-value velocity profile

6

4
Y-value velocity profile
3

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1

Fig 5.17 velocity distribution of rotor wheel

5.4.2.3 Cold air inlet velocity profile

Cold air is passes through the duct inlet of cold duct side. the blue color represents the velocity
profile over the entire face is uniform at a velocity of 0.1 m/s. Since there are no interaction in
the inlet face, the magnitude of velocity is neither increased nor decreased which is
expected to change when it flows through the porous medium of rotary wall.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Fig 5.16 velocity profile of cold air temperature

As clearly shown in the above figure velocity is not change due to the duct is free inlet without
any obstacle the velocity of the hot and cold air through the ducts is assumed to be non-variant
since there are no obstructions to interrupt the flow of air through the length of the ducts. Where
us it may change when the air inter into the wheel we will see its effects on an axial direction.

5.4.2.2 Hot air inlet velocity profile

Hot air is passing through the hot inlet duct at the same velocity of above at 0.1m/s. again Since
there are no obstacle in the inlet face, the magnitude of velocity is neither increased nor
decreased which is expected to change when it flows through the porous medium of rotary
wall.

Fig 5.17 velocity profile of hot air temperature

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5.4.2.3 Velocity profile of interior surface

us shown below the velocity distribution of at the mixing interface for both upper and lower
parts. The magnitude of velocity remains unchanged till the hot air has passed through the
inlet duct. As the hot air enters the rotor the relative velocity increases up to 0.4 m/s. Then the
magnitude of velocity decreases to 0.1 m/s as it passed through the rotor and exit duct

Fig 5.18 velocity distribution of interface

5.4.2.3 Variation of hot air velocity along the length at various radial locations
The variation of hot air velocity along the length of the duct and rotary wheel at various radial
locations. Line at y=0 represents the variation of hot air velocity exactly at the middle of the
separation wall on the hot air side. There is a small amount of increase in the hot air velocity
along the length of the rotor alone from 0.8 m to 0.4 m due to the rotation of the airflow across the
separation wall. Line at y=-0.4 m, line at y=-0.3 m, line at y=-0.2 m, line at y=-0.1 m represent the
variation of hot air velocity at 0.4 m, 0.3 m, 0.2 m, 0.1 m respectively.
By comparing the curves below we my be concluded that the variation of hot air velocity occurs
almost in a similar fashion up to mid plane and the velocity increases from inlet duct to rotor
and reaches maximum of 0.25 m/s and then decreases gradually through the duct and the
velocity is not uniform for these curves when it is coming out of the outlet duct.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

0.16

0.14

0.12

0.1
y=0
0.08
y=0.4
0.06 Column2

0.04

0.02

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6

Fig 5.18 velocity variation at different points

5.4.2.4 Variation of cold air velocity along the length at various radial locations
Line at y=0.4 m, line at y=0.3 m, line at y=0.2 m, line at y=-0.1 m represent the variation of
cold air velocity at 0.4 m, 0.3 m, 0.2 m, 0.1 m respectively. By comparing these curves it
may be concluded that the variation of cold air velocity occurs almost in a similar ways up to mid
plane and the velocity increases from inlet duct to rotor and reaches maximum of 0.25 m/s and
then decreases gradually through the duct and the velocity is not uniform for these curves when it
is coming out of the outlet duct.
As shown below the graph at the inlet part cold air is passing through the duct constantly up to it
reaches the rotor wheel.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Fig 5.19 variation of velocity of cold air

5.4.2.5 Velocity profiles representing the variation of velocity along the radial direction
The figure below shown velocity profile of both cold air inlet and hot air outlet at an axial
distance of 0.6m away from the center. For cold air inlet its uniform velocity distribution where us
for hot outlet except in some velocity variation its similar in to the cold inlet, although since hot
outlet is the response from the mixer it increases in some velocity.

Fig 5.20 velocity variation for cold inlet and hot outlet
The upper part is velocity of cold air inlet, and the lower part is hot air outlet. As its shown above
clearly the for the lower part which is dark red that represent its velocity is in some extents varies
due to the response of the rotor wheel.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

Therefore the cold air will recover heat absorbed by the matrix from hot air as the rotor outlet of
hot air has become the rotor inlet of cold air. From the figure it is clearly known that the
magnitude of velocity exactly at the axis of the rotor is zero.

Fig 5.21 velocity at the distance of 0.6m

The above figure shows that cold air velocity increases from the center of rotor to the
outer surface of rotor the same is true for the hot air velocity as well as there is an
increase in velocity of hot air. the cold air velocity increases from the center of rotor to the outer
surface of rotor the same is true for the hot air velocity as well as there is an increase in velocity
of hot air.

5.4.2.6 Variation of velocity at mid plane

Fig 5.22 velocity at the mid point

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

shows that the magnitude of velocity remains unchanged at 0.2 m/s up to some distance on
hot and cold air side. Then the velocity increases towards the outer surface for both hot air as
well as cold air to the maximum of 0.49 m/s near the outer surface.

5.4.3 Pressure profile

The pressure of the hot and cold air through the ducts is assumed to be non-variant since there
are no obstructions to interrupt the flow of air through the length of the ducts. The rotary wheel
consists of aluminum as the porous media (matrix) which will influence the heat transfer which
in turn will have observable effect on the effectiveness. Pressure profiles of rotary wheel with
supply and exhaust air ducts on both sides of various planes at different axial as well as radial
locations have been drawn and will be discussed in the following sections.

5.4.3.1 Pressure Distribution Cold air inlet and Hot air outlet

Fig 5.23 pressure profile cold inlet and hot outlet pressure profile of cold outlet and hot inlet
The above figure illustrates the pressure profile of hot air at rotor outlet and the pressure profile
of cold air at rotor inlet and profile of cold outlet and hot inlet. The plane at an axial distance of
0.6 m resembles the upper half face as the rotor inlet for the cold airflow and the lower half face
as the rotor outlet for the hot air flow. The pressure profile of hot air at rotor inlet and the
pressure profile of cold air at rotor outlet. As shown clearly above the figures the inlet for both
duct has the same orange color which indicates the same pressure by which from the out
environment, in the same way for outlet condition dark blue.

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

5.4.3.2 Pressure profiles representing the variation of pressure along the axial direction

Fig 5.24 variation of pressure axial axis

Above the figure shown the variation of hot air pressure along the length of the ducts and rotary
wheel at 0.4 m away from center of rotor. It can be seen from the figure that the pressure of hot
air decreases from 0 to 0.4 m and then increases when hot air enters through porous
medium. The pressure reaches the maximum value of 0.276 Pa at the mid plane of rotor and then
decreases from mid plane till the end of exit duct.

Fig 5.25 Variation of hot air pressure

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5.4.3.3 Variation of hot air pressure along the length at different radial locations
Below the variation of cold air pressure along the length of the duct and rot are wheel at various
radial locations. Line at y-0.4 m, line at y=0.3 m, line at y=0.2 m, line at y=0.1 m represent the
variation of hot air pressure at 0.4 m, 0.3 m, 0.2 m, 0.1 m respectively.

Fig 5.26 variation of cold air pressure along the length at various radial locations

By comparing these curves it may be concluded that pressure remains unchanged from
the inlet of hot air to the mid plane of rotor for all the curves then the pressure
variation of curves is distinct from each other after passing through the porous medium.

5.5 Effect of Rotational Speed on Effectiveness

This study explores the integration of a rotary thermal wheel into a wind tower system,
specifically the effect of rotational speed on the ventilation rate and heat recovery. Wind tower
are capable of supplying recommended level of supply air under a range of external condition,
integrating a rotary thermal wheel will cause a reduction in the air supply rate due to the
blockage created by the wheel. Using CFD analysis the air supply rate and heat transfer of rotary
thermal wheel have been calculated for a range of 6rpm- 16 rpm.
The inlet conditions for cold and hot air to predict the outlet temperatures of cold and hot air inlet
conditions are given based on the journals prepared by several research people those are specific

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Numerical analysis of rotary heat exchanger CFD simulation

to air-conditioning application. While solving the problem in FLUENT software the value of
speed alone was varied during each trial by cold air inlet temperature, velocity of both hot and
cold air and porosity as constant. Therefore, that the effect of rotational speed on heat transfers
and effectiveness can be effectively studied.
Speed (rad/s) Porosity Tco (cold Tho (hot outlet) Effectiveness
outlet)
6 0.6 304.7713 305.5636
7 0.6 304.9324 305.4261
8 0.6 305.1457 305.4158
9 0.6 305.3215 305.4012
10 0.6 305.3943 305.3712
11 0.6 305.4193 305.2195
12 0.6 305.4799 305.5146
13 0.6 305.5712 305.7152
14 0.6 305.6984 305.9768
15 0.6 306.3697 306.8759
16 0.6 306.9733 307.7961
Fig 5.27 Effect of rotational speed on effectiveness

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