Performance analysis of a water ejector using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and mathematical modeling

Author(s)

Marum, Victor Jorge de Oliveira ^[1] ; Reis, Livia Bueno ^[1] ; Maffei, Felipe Silva ^[2] ; Ranjbarzadeh, Shahin ^[2] ; Korkischko, Ivan ^[3] ; Gioria, Rafael dos Santos ^[1] ; Meneghini, Julio Romano ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Escola Politecn, Dept Min & Petr Engn, BR-11013560 Santos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Escola Politecn, Dept Mech Engn, BR-05508010 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[3] CNEN, IPEN, Nucl & Energy Res Inst, CECCO, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ENERGY; v. 220, APR 1 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

A quasi-one-dimensional (1D) mathematical model coupled with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations of a water ejector is presented. Using data from CFD simulations, the mathematical model was used to calculate the friction loss coefficients of the ejector components, to predict its maximum efficiency point and to delimit its envelope of operation. The CFD approach was validated with experimental data and employed the finite element method to test the main turbulence models found in the literature (k-epsilon, k-omega and k-omega SST) for incompressible-flow ejectors. A set of operational conditions (OP) was tested and results show that the k-omega SST turbulence model is the most suitable to capture the ejector flow characteristics in all OP. In addition, for higher entrainment ratio (M) values, it was observed a possible correlation between how well the boundary layer can be solved and how the model is able to capture the ejector efficiency curve. Moreover, for lower M values, another possible correlation may be stated between how the turbulence model is able to capture the velocity profile. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/11474-7 - Topology optimization of labyrinth seals for CO2 compressor application
• Grantee: Shahin Ranjbarzadeh
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 14/50279-4 - Brasil Research Centre for Gas Innovation
• Grantee: Julio Romano Meneghini
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program
• FAPESP's process: 19/05197-3 - Parametric geometry optimization of an ejector for compression
• Grantee: Lívia Bueno Reis
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 16/12397-0 - Flow field optimization of fuel cells by using numerical methods
• Grantee: Ivan Korkischko
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral