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Comparative Study of Solid-Based and Liquid-Based Heat Transfer Enhancement Techniques in Liquid Piston Gas Compression

Author

Listed:
  • Barah Ahn

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA)

  • Macey Schmetzer

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA)

  • Paul I. Ro

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA)

Abstract

The combination of a liquid piston gas compressor and a solid metal insert can achieve a near-isothermal compression process, which can greatly contribute to improving the system efficiency of a compressed-air energy storage system. To examine the effectiveness of the insert at various pressure levels, compressions were performed in a liquid piston compressor with and without copper wire mesh inserts at three different pressures of 1, 2, and 3 bars. The use of inserts increased isothermal compression efficiencies by 8–10% from the baseline isothermal efficiencies about 83–87%, while the compromised air volume due to the inserts was minor. In addition to the solid insert-based technique analysis, a comparative study with other proven liquid-based heat transfer enhancement techniques, spray injection and aqueous foam, was performed. Not only was a quantitative analysis made comparing the isothermal efficiency values but the pros and cons of each technique’s distinctive working mechanisms were also compared.

Suggested Citation

  • Barah Ahn & Macey Schmetzer & Paul I. Ro, 2025. "Comparative Study of Solid-Based and Liquid-Based Heat Transfer Enhancement Techniques in Liquid Piston Gas Compression," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:8:p:2032-:d:1635672
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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