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Analytical Solution of Thermal Performance in Metal Foam Partially Filled Channel with Asymmetric Wall Heat Flux

Author

Listed:
  • Xianghai Xing

    (School of Energy and Power Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China)

  • Zhigen Wu

    (State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China)

  • Yanping Du

    (School of Engineering, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, UK)

  • Wei Lu

    (School of Energy and Power Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China)

  • Yupeng Wu

    (Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK)

  • Zhibo Xiong

    (School of Energy and Power Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China)

Abstract

An analytical solution is conducted on forced convection in a metal foam partially filled plate channel under asymmetric heat flux conditions, with the aim of optimizing heat transfer performance. The Darcy–Brinkman model and the local thermal non-equilibrium (LTNE) model are employed to predict heat transfer characteristics under varying heat flux ratios ( q 1 /q 2 ). Key parameters such as the free zone height, pore density, and thermal conductivity ratio significantly influence heat transfer efficiency. The results indicate that the height of the free region has a greater impact on the flow distribution than porosity and pore density. When the non-dimensional height of the free region is 0.3, the flow fraction in the free region reaches 80%. When the free zone height is H = 0.1, the heat exchanger heat transfer coefficient reaches its maximum value, and the combination of copper (Cu) and R134a refrigerant demonstrates superior convective heat transfer performance compared to the empty channel. Their optimization can lead to substantial improvements in the heat transfer effectiveness of the channel.

Suggested Citation

  • Xianghai Xing & Zhigen Wu & Yanping Du & Wei Lu & Yupeng Wu & Zhibo Xiong, 2025. "Analytical Solution of Thermal Performance in Metal Foam Partially Filled Channel with Asymmetric Wall Heat Flux," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-21, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:3:p:505-:d:1573944
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anirudh, K. & Dhinakaran, S., 2021. "Numerical analysis of the performance improvement of a flat-plate solar collector using conjugated porous blocks," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 172(C), pages 382-391.
    2. Buonomo, Bernardo & Manca, Oronzio & Nardini, Sergio & Plomitallo, Renato Elpidio, 2022. "Numerical study on latent heat thermal energy storage system with PCM partially filled with aluminum foam in local thermal equilibrium," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 1368-1380.
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