Compact High Efficiency Flow Conditioning in Coupled Electrical Power Systems
Lead Research Organisation:
Newcastle University
Department Name: Sch of Engineering
Abstract
Details of Project Plan including key milestones
1.) Instigate a literature review into compact systems for the control of air flow.
2.) Compare and analyse different possible topologies that will impact upon the size and efficiency of the system.
3.) Design a simulation to be used to model the chosen compact air control system for different loads.
4.) Use the tool to derive and optimised design based on a supplied product specification and
5.) Build and test a prototype design based on the optimised topology from the design tool, comparing the results to those from the simulation.
6.) Perform a second optimisation and prototyping, based on feedback from the first test phase, new research and updated product specification requirements.
7.) Draft and submit thesis based upon the information discovered and generated throughout the project.
Summary of proposed project This project will investigate new and innovative topologies for the design of compact air flow control systems. Conventional compact air flow control systems are currently bulky, relatively inefficient and have short lifetimes based on fatigue. The fatigue can be driven by both cyclical mechanical and thermal loads during use
Another limitation of current topologies is the loss of pressure caused by heat exchanger, flow conditioning features and duct walls. In a heat exchanger a large surface area is required to maximise the rate of heat however this large surface area leads to a drop in the pressure of the hot air due to drag forces on the air surrounding the heater surface significantly reducing the energy in the system. Similarly, flow conditioning elements are preferred to be relatively large and gradual, to prevent lossy, turbulent flows to be generated, this size then leads to increased duct wall friction similar to the heat exchanger. Both these constraints run counter to the desire to build compact, lightweight products that propel air in an efficient way and require careful operation to minimise in terms of size and efficiency.
This project will focus on three main areas:
1.) Researching different possible materials and assemblies that can be used to improve the lifetime of the device through reduced
fatigue wear.
1.) Instigate a literature review into compact systems for the control of air flow.
2.) Compare and analyse different possible topologies that will impact upon the size and efficiency of the system.
3.) Design a simulation to be used to model the chosen compact air control system for different loads.
4.) Use the tool to derive and optimised design based on a supplied product specification and
5.) Build and test a prototype design based on the optimised topology from the design tool, comparing the results to those from the simulation.
6.) Perform a second optimisation and prototyping, based on feedback from the first test phase, new research and updated product specification requirements.
7.) Draft and submit thesis based upon the information discovered and generated throughout the project.
Summary of proposed project This project will investigate new and innovative topologies for the design of compact air flow control systems. Conventional compact air flow control systems are currently bulky, relatively inefficient and have short lifetimes based on fatigue. The fatigue can be driven by both cyclical mechanical and thermal loads during use
Another limitation of current topologies is the loss of pressure caused by heat exchanger, flow conditioning features and duct walls. In a heat exchanger a large surface area is required to maximise the rate of heat however this large surface area leads to a drop in the pressure of the hot air due to drag forces on the air surrounding the heater surface significantly reducing the energy in the system. Similarly, flow conditioning elements are preferred to be relatively large and gradual, to prevent lossy, turbulent flows to be generated, this size then leads to increased duct wall friction similar to the heat exchanger. Both these constraints run counter to the desire to build compact, lightweight products that propel air in an efficient way and require careful operation to minimise in terms of size and efficiency.
This project will focus on three main areas:
1.) Researching different possible materials and assemblies that can be used to improve the lifetime of the device through reduced
fatigue wear.
Planned Impact
This CDT will produce power electronics specialists with industrial experience, and will equip them with key skills that are essential to meet the future power electronics challenges. They will be highly employable due to their training being embedded in industrial challenges with the potential to become future leaders through parallel entrepreneurial and business acumen training. As such, they will drive the UK forward in electric propulsion development and manufacturing. They will become ambassadors for cross-disciplinary thinking in electric propulsion and mentors to their colleagues. With its strong industrial partnership, this CDT is ideally placed to produce high impact research papers, patents and spin-outs, with support from the University's dedicated business development teams. All of this will contribute to the 10% year upon year growth of the power electronics sector in the UK, creating more jobs and added value to the UK economy.
Alongside the clear benefits to the economy this CDT will sustain and enhance the UK as a hub of expertise in this rapidly increasing area. UK R&D is set to shift dramatically to electrical technologies due to, amongst other reasons, the target to ban petrol/ diesel propulsion by 2040. Whilst the increase in R&D is welcome this target will be unsustainable without the right people to support the development of alternative technologies. This CDT will directly answer this skills shortage enabling the UK to not only meet these targets but lead the way internationally in the propulsion revolution.
Industry and policy stakeholders will benefit through-
a) Providing challenges for the students to work through
b) Knowledge exchange with the students and the academics
c) New lines of investigation/ revenue/ process improvement
d) Two way access to skills/ equipment and training
e) A skilled, challenge focused workforce
Society will benefit through-
a) Propulsion systems that are more efficient and require therefore less energy reducing cost of travel
b) Engineers with new skillsets working more cost-effective and more productive
c) Skilled workforce who are mindful considering the environmental and ethical impact
d) Graduates that understand equality, diversity and inclusion
Environment will benefit through-
a) Emission free cars powered by clean renewable energy increasing air quality and reducing global warming
b) Highly efficient planes reducing the amount of oil and therefore oil explorations in ecological sensitive areas such as the arctic can be slowed down, allowing sufficient time for the development of new alternative environmental friendly fuels.
c) Significant noise reduction leading to quiet cities and airports
Alongside the clear benefits to the economy this CDT will sustain and enhance the UK as a hub of expertise in this rapidly increasing area. UK R&D is set to shift dramatically to electrical technologies due to, amongst other reasons, the target to ban petrol/ diesel propulsion by 2040. Whilst the increase in R&D is welcome this target will be unsustainable without the right people to support the development of alternative technologies. This CDT will directly answer this skills shortage enabling the UK to not only meet these targets but lead the way internationally in the propulsion revolution.
Industry and policy stakeholders will benefit through-
a) Providing challenges for the students to work through
b) Knowledge exchange with the students and the academics
c) New lines of investigation/ revenue/ process improvement
d) Two way access to skills/ equipment and training
e) A skilled, challenge focused workforce
Society will benefit through-
a) Propulsion systems that are more efficient and require therefore less energy reducing cost of travel
b) Engineers with new skillsets working more cost-effective and more productive
c) Skilled workforce who are mindful considering the environmental and ethical impact
d) Graduates that understand equality, diversity and inclusion
Environment will benefit through-
a) Emission free cars powered by clean renewable energy increasing air quality and reducing global warming
b) Highly efficient planes reducing the amount of oil and therefore oil explorations in ecological sensitive areas such as the arctic can be slowed down, allowing sufficient time for the development of new alternative environmental friendly fuels.
c) Significant noise reduction leading to quiet cities and airports
People |
ORCID iD |
| Barrie Mecrow (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Toby Middlebrook (Student) |