Heavy load equipment, such as tractors, shovels, cranes, airplanes, etc, often employ fluid power (i.e. hydraulic) systems to control their loads by way of valve adjustment in a pump-valve control configuration. Most of these systems have low energy efficiency as a consequence of pressure losses across throttle valves. Much of the energy is converted into heat energy which can have determinantal effects on component life and the surrounding environment. From an energy efficiency point of view, an ideal hydraulic system is one that does not include any throttling valve. One such circuit is made of a variable pump and motor load (pump/motor configuration). The velocity of the load is controlled by manipulating the pump displacement or by changing the rotary speed of the pump shaft. In such a system, the transient response of the load is often unsatisfactory because it is difficult to quickly and accurately manipulate the pump displacement or change shaft speed. Thus circuit design must be a compromise between the energy efficiency of the pump/motor system and the controllability of a pump/valve/motor combination. One possible compromise is to use a pump-valve configuration which reduces energy losses across the valve. One way to achieve this is by controlling the pressure drop across the valve and limiting it to a small value, independent of load pressure. Based on this idea, a type of hydraulic control system, usually called load-sensing (LS), has recently been used in the flow power area. This type of system, however, is complex and under certain operating conditions exhibits instability problems. Methods for compensating these instabilities are usually based on a trial-and-error approach. Although some research has resulted in the definition of some instability criterion, a comprehensive and verifiable approach is still lacking. This research concentrates on identifying the relationship between system parameters and instability in one particular type of LS system. Due to the high degree of non-linearity in LS systems, the instabilities are dependent on the steady state operating point. The study therefore concentrates first on identifying all of the steady state operating points and then classifying them into three steady state operating regions. A dynamic model for each operating region is developed to predict the presence of instabilities. Each model is then validated experimentally. This procedure, used in the study of the LS system, is also applied to a pressure compensated (PC) valve. A PC valve is one in which the flow rate is independent in variations to load pressure. A system which combines a LS pump and a PC valve (for the controlling orifice) is called a load sensing pressure compensated (LSPC) system. This research, then, examines the dynamic performance of the LSPC system using the operating points and steady state operating regions identified in the first part of the research. The original contributions of this research include: (a) establishment of three steady state operating conditions defined as Condition I, II & III, which are based on the solution of steady state non-linear equations; (b) the provision of an empirical model of the orifice discharge coefficient suitable for laminar and turbulent flow, and the transition region between them; (c) and the development of an analytical expression for orifice flow which makes it possible to accurately model and simulate a hydraulic system with pilot stage valve or pump/motor compensator. These contributions result in a practical and reliable method to determine the stability of a LS or LSPC system at any operating point and to optimize the design of the LS or LSPC system.

Heavy load equipment, such as tractors, shovels, cranes, airplanes, etc, often employ fluid power (i.e. hydraulic) systems to control their loads by way of valve adjustment in a pump-valve control configuration. Most of these systems have low energy efficiency as a consequence of pressure losses across throttle valves. Much of the energy is converted into heat energy which can have determinantal effects on component life and the surrounding environment. From an energy efficiency point of view, an ideal hydraulic system is one that does not include any throttling valve. One such circuit is made of a variable pump and motor load (pump/motor configuration). The velocity of the load is controlled by manipulating the pump displacement or by changing the rotary speed of the pump shaft. In such a system, the transient response of the load is often unsatisfactory because it is difficult to quickly and accurately manipulate the pump displacement or change shaft speed. Thus circuit design must be a compromise between the energy efficiency of the pump/motor system and the controllability of a pump/valve/motor combination. One possible compromise is to use a pump-valve configuration which reduces energy losses across the valve. One way to achieve this is by controlling the pressure drop across the valve and limiting it to a small value, independent of load pressure. Based on this idea, a type of hydraulic control system, usually called load-sensing (LS), has recently been used in the flow power area. This type of system, however, is complex and under certain operating conditions exhibits instability problems. Methods for compensating these instabilities are usually based on a trial-and-error approach. Although some research has resulted in the definition of some instability criterion, a comprehensive and verifiable approach is still lacking. This research concentrates on identifying the relationship between system parameters and instability in one particular type of LS system. Due to the high degree of non-linearity in LS systems, the instabilities are dependent on the steady state operating point. The study therefore concentrates first on identifying all of the steady state operating points and then classifying them into three steady state operating regions. A dynamic model for each operating region is developed to predict the presence of instabilities. Each model is then validated experimentally. This procedure, used in the study of the LS system, is also applied to a pressure compensated (PC) valve. A PC valve is one in which the flow rate is independent in variations to load pressure. A system which combines a LS pump and a PC valve (for the controlling orifice) is called a load sensing pressure compensated (LSPC) system. This research, then, examines the dynamic performance of the LSPC system using the operating points and steady state operating regions identified in the first part of the research. The original contributions of this research include: (a) establishment of three steady state operating conditions defined as Condition I, II & III, which are based on the solution of steady state non-linear equations; (b) the provision of an empirical model of the orifice discharge coefficient suitable for laminar and turbulent flow, and the transition region between them; (c) and the development of an analytical expression for orifice flow which makes it possible to accurately model and simulate a hydraulic system with pilot stage valve or pump/motor compensator. These contributions result in a practical and reliable method to determine the stability of a LS or LSPC system at any operating point and to optimize the design of the LS or LSPC system.

The diploma thesis deals with the propagation of a weir (channel) width on the weir capacity. The influence rate is analyzed by laboratory measurements on models with a weir (channel) width of 0,02 m to a width of 0,50 m. Different heads are analyzed and different discharges that calculate the discharge coefficient. The results are compared with previous works, especially with the work of Kindsvater and Carter (1957) and of Schoder and Turner (1929), where the same procedures are used to calculate discharge coefficients. The thesis contains a theoretical introduction to the problem of thin-plate weirs and the problem of the formation of the boundary layer in the flow of liquid, following with the analytical part. In the analytical part, the results of measurements, their comparison, and evaluation are published. The work is completed with evaluation and recommendations.

This diploma thesis deals with submergence of low rectangular sharp-edged broad-crested weirs. From measurement of water levels in front of and behind of weir at different discharges and different weir heights, were determined values of submergence coefficient depending on relative height of submergence. From these values were determined the equation of submergence coefficient. Measured values were compared which results measurements, which are given in professional literature.

This thesis deals with the influence of the wall roughness on discharge coefficient of sharp-edged circular bottom orifice. It supposed to verify, summarize and extend knowledge of orifice discharge. Author of this thesis determine a discharge coefficient by measurement. Values of discharge coefficient were measured for roughness of the wall represented by different diameters of grains and these values were compared with available values published in specialized bibliography by different scientists. At the thesis end was made a summary evaluation.

No description available.

An approach to hybrid cooling technique is proposed using air jets which impinge on a triangular grooved surface with dry grooves and grooves containing water. One major application is for condensers of thermoelectric power plants. The heat and mass transfer analogy were successfully used to evaluate the simultaneous heat and mass transfer. Results showed that hybrid jet impingement produced high heat flux levels at low jet velocities and flow rates. Experimental results were used to characterize the resulting heat transfer under different conditions such as flow open area percentage, array orifices diameter and array to surface stand-off distance. The results have shown that jet impingement is capable of delivering high transfer rates with lower cooling cost rates compared to current industry conventional techniques. Water is efficiently used in hybrid jet impingement because evaporative energy is absorbed directly from the surface instead of cooling air to near wet-bulb temperature. / Master of Science / Array jet impingement cooling experiments were conducted on a triangular grooved surface with the surface at a constant temperature. Results showed that jet impingement can provide high transfer rates with lower rates of cooling cost in comparison to contemporary conventional techniques in the industry. Experiments on the triangular grooved surfaces were performed at dry and wet surface conditions. Under the dry conditions, the objective is to characterize the resulting heat transfer under varying operational conditions such as jet speed, array orifice diameter, array to surface stand-off distance, and flow open area percentage. Results from the triangular surface when dry showed less improvement in heat transfer than the rectangular grooved surface. A hybrid cooling technique approach was proposed and developed by using air jets impinging on a triangular grooved surface with the grooves containing water. The approach is being suggested and experimentally tested for its viability as an alternative to thermoelectric power plant cooling towers. Convection heat and mass transfer coefficients were experimentally measured for different wet coverage of the surface. Results showed that the hybrid jet impingement produced high heat flux levels at low jet velocities and flow rates. The highest heat transfer was consistently found with a 50% coverage of the surface. Hybrid jet impingement showed an improvement up to 500% in heat transfer as compared to jet impingement on a dry grooved surface.

Array jet impingement cooling experiments were performed on flat and grooved surfaces with the surface at a constant temperature. For the flat surface, power and temperature measurements were performed to obtain convection coefficients under a wide range of operating conditions such as jet speed, orifice to surface stand-of distance, and open area percentage. Cooling performance (CP) was calculated as the ratio between heat transfer and fan power. An empirical model was developed to predict jet impingement heat transfer taking into account the entrainment effects. Experimental results showed that jet impingement can provide high transfer rates with lower rates of cooling cost in comparison to contemporary conventional techniques in the industry. CP values over 279 were measured which are significantly higher than the standard values of 70 to 95 in current technology. The model enhanced prediction accuracy by taking into account the entrainment effects; an effect that is rarely considered in the literature. Experiments on the grooved surfaces were performed at dry and wet surface conditions. Under dry conditions, results showed 10%~55% improvement in heat transfer when compared to the flat surface. Improvement percentage tends to be higher at wider gaps between the array of orifices and the grooved surface. An improvement of 30%~40% was observed when increasing Re either by increasing orifice diameter or jet speed. Similar improvement was observed at higher flow open area percentages. No significant improvement in heat transfer resulted from decreasing the size of the grooves from 3.56mm to 2.54mm. Similarly, no noticeable change in heat transfer resulted from changing the relative position of the jets striking the surface at the top of the grooves to the bottom of the grooves. Deeper grooves with twice the depth gave statistically similar average heat transfer coefficients as shallower grooves. Under wet conditions, a hybrid cooling technique approach was proposed by using air jets impinging on a grooved surface with the grooves containing water. The approached is proposed and evaluated experimentally for its feasibility as an alternative for cooling towers of thermoelectric power plants. Convection heat and mass transfer coefficients were measured experimentally using the heat mass transfer analogy. Results showed that hybrid jet impingement provided high magnitudes of heat flux at low jet speeds and flow rates. High coefficients of performance CP > 3000, and heat fluxes > 8,000W/m2 were observed. Hybrid jet impingement showed 500% improvement as compared to jet impingement on a dry flat surface. CP values of hybrid jet impingement is 600% to 1,500% more as compared to performance of air-cooled condensers and wet cooling towers. Water use for hybrid jet impingement cooling is efficient since evaporation energy is absorbed from the surface directly instead of cooling air to near wet-bulb temperature. / PHD / This thesis explored the possibility of using air jets on the outside surface of a device that is used to condense steam. An experiment apparatus was used to imitate the conditions of steam condensation in the lab. A flat metallic surface was heated by placing an electric heater beneath it. The metallic surface was cooled using air jets coming out of orifices situated above the hot metallic surface. A fan, connected to an electric motor, was used to create the air jets. The amount of heat transfer was measured by measuring the electric power the heater consumed. This measured power was compared to the power needed to run the fan. The ratio of heat transfer to fan power is called the coefficient of performance CP. The CP values of more than 200 were obtained when air jets were used meaning that we need one kilowatt of mechanical power to remove 200 kilowatts of heat. This CP value is 300% more than the current technology used in the industry where CP ranges from 70 to 90. This means that we can build very efficient steam condensers for power plants. This type of condensers that uses air jets allows the power plant to be efficient and to be able to increase the amount of power generated without extra cost. Further enhancement of the CP can be achieved by making the hot surface grooved instead of flat with the grooves containing water. Air jets, coming out of orifices situated above the grooved surface, were used for cooling. The CP values of more than 3,000 were obtained when air jets were used with wet grooved surface. This CP values is 1,500% more than the current technology used in the industry. This type of condensers that uses air jets on wet grooves allows the power plant to be efficient and to be able to tremendously increase the amount of power generated without extra power and water costs.

The urgent need to reduce green house gas emissions from the transport sector, particularly from heavy-duty trucks, has underscored the importance of developing more efficient internal combustion engines. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), this work investigated the impact of valve seat geometry on in-cylinder swirl, addressing a gap in research. Additionally, the suitability of steady-state simulations for providing valid qualitative data on port flow was assessed. To answer both research questions, two approaches were followed: steady-state port flow RANS simulations, and transient RANS simulations in a running engine setup. The results from the steady-state simulations highlighted the limitations of this approach to qualitatively predict swirl, as this quantity is highly dependent on the mesh. Despite these limitations, the steady-state simulations were still able to capture the trade-off between swirl and discharge coefficient, outlined in the literature. Transient simulations revealed that in-cylinder swirl is affected by the geometry of the valve seats. It was found that valve seats that direct the flow towards the liner, while avoiding strong flow separation tend to promote higher swirl, whereas valve seats that induce strong flow separation lead to lower swirl ratios. Despite the trade-off between swirl and volumetric efficiency, the volumetric efficiency losses were found to be practically negligible. The study emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive set of simulations, including more valve lifts and pressure ratios. Given the unsuitability of the steady-state simulations to predict swirl trends, future investigations should focus on replacing this approach by transient simulations with steady-state geometry and boundary conditions, properly addressing flow time-dependency at relatively low computational cost, and facilitating validation with experimental data.

The labyrinth seal is a non-contact annular type sealing device used to reduce the internal leakage of the working fluid which is caused by the pressure difference between each stage in a turbomachine. Reducing the leakage mass flow rate of the working fluid through the labyrinth seal is desirable because it improves the efficiency of the turbomachine. The carry-over coefficient, based on the divergence angle of the jet, changed with flow parameters with fixed seal geometry while earlier models expressed the carry-over coefficient solely as a function of seal geometry. For both compressible and incompressible flows, the Reynolds number based on clearance was the only flow parameter which could influence the carry-over coefficient. In the case of incompressible flow based on the simulations for various seal geometries and operating conditions, for a given Reynolds number, the carry-over coefficient strongly depended on radial clearance to tooth width ratio. Moreover, in general, the lower the Reynolds number, the larger is the divergence angle of the jet and this results in a smaller carry-over coefficient at lower Reynolds numbers. However, during transition from laminar to turbulent, the carry-over coefficient reduced initially and once the Reynolds number attained a critical value, the carry-over coefficient increased again. In the case of compressible flow, the carry-over coefficient had been slightly increased if radial clearance to tooth width ratio and radial clearance to tooth pitch ratio were increased. Further, the carry-over coefficient did not considerably change if only radial clearance to tooth width ratio was decreased. The discharge coefficient for compressible and incompressible flows depended only on the Reynolds number based on clearance. The discharge coefficient of the tooth in a single cavity labyrinth seal was equivalent to that in a multiple tooth labyrinth seal indicating that flow downstream had negligible effect on the discharge coefficient. In particular, for compressible fluid under certain flow and seal geometric conditions, the discharge coefficient did not increase with an increase in the Reynolds number. It was correlated to the pressure ratio, Pr. Moreover, it was also related to the fact that the flow of the fluid through the constriction became compressible and the flow eventually became choked. At low pressure ratios (less than 0.7), Saikishan’s incompressible model deviated from CFD simulation results. Hence, the effects of compressibility became significant and both the carry-over coefficient compressibility factor and the discharge coefficient compressibility factor needed to be considered and included into the leakage model. The carry-over coefficient compressibility factor, phi, had two linear relationships with positive and negative slopes regarding the pressure ratios. This result was not associated with the seal geometry because the seal geometry ratios for each instance were located within the nearly same ranges. Further, the phi-Pr relationship was independent of the number of teeth regardless of single and multiple cavity labyrinth seals. The discharge coefficient compressibility factor, psi, was a linear relationship with pressure ratios across the tooth as Saikishan predicted. However, in certain flow and seal geometric conditions, Saikishan’s model needed to be modified for the deviation appearing when the pressure ratios were decreased. Hence, a modified psi-Pr relationship including Saikishan’s model was presented in order to compensate for the deviation between the simulations and his model.