Skip to main content

Optimization of tree-shaped flow distribution structures over a disc-shaped area

Publication ,  Journal Article
Lorente, S; Wechsatol, W; Bejan, A
Published in: International Journal of Energy Research
June 25, 2003

In this paper, we review the fundamental problem of how to design a flow path with minimum overall resistance between one point (O) and many points situated equidistantly on a circle centred at O. This is a fundamental problem in energy engineering: the distribution of fluid, energy, electric power, etc., from points to surrounding areas. This problem is also fundamental in heat transfer and electronics cooling: how to bathe and cool with a single stream of coolant a disc-shaped area or volume that generates heat at every point. This paper outlines, first, a direct route to the construction of effective tree-shaped flow structures. The starting point is the optimization of the shape of each elemental area, such that the length of the flow path housed by the element is minimized. Proceeding towards larger and more complex structures-from elements to first constructs, second constructs, etc.-the paper develops tree-shaped flow structures between one point and a straight line, as an elemental problem, and a circle and its centre. We also consider the equivalent tree-shaped networks obtained by minimizing the pressure drop at every step of the construction, in accordance with geometric constraints. The construction method is applied to a fluid flow configuration with laminar fully developed flow. It is shown that there is little difference between the two methods. The minimal-length structures perform very close to the fully optimized designs. These results emphasize the robustness of optimized tree-shaped flows. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Duke Scholars

Published In

International Journal of Energy Research

DOI

ISSN

0363-907X

Publication Date

June 25, 2003

Volume

27

Issue

8

Start / End Page

715 / 723

Related Subject Headings

  • Energy
  • 4008 Electrical engineering
  • 0913 Mechanical Engineering
  • 0906 Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • 0904 Chemical Engineering
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Lorente, S., Wechsatol, W., & Bejan, A. (2003). Optimization of tree-shaped flow distribution structures over a disc-shaped area. International Journal of Energy Research, 27(8), 715–723. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.907
Lorente, S., W. Wechsatol, and A. Bejan. “Optimization of tree-shaped flow distribution structures over a disc-shaped area.” International Journal of Energy Research 27, no. 8 (June 25, 2003): 715–23. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.907.
Lorente S, Wechsatol W, Bejan A. Optimization of tree-shaped flow distribution structures over a disc-shaped area. International Journal of Energy Research. 2003 Jun 25;27(8):715–23.
Lorente, S., et al. “Optimization of tree-shaped flow distribution structures over a disc-shaped area.” International Journal of Energy Research, vol. 27, no. 8, June 2003, pp. 715–23. Scopus, doi:10.1002/er.907.
Lorente S, Wechsatol W, Bejan A. Optimization of tree-shaped flow distribution structures over a disc-shaped area. International Journal of Energy Research. 2003 Jun 25;27(8):715–723.

Published In

International Journal of Energy Research

DOI

ISSN

0363-907X

Publication Date

June 25, 2003

Volume

27

Issue

8

Start / End Page

715 / 723

Related Subject Headings

  • Energy
  • 4008 Electrical engineering
  • 0913 Mechanical Engineering
  • 0906 Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • 0904 Chemical Engineering