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Article
Publication date: 24 November 2020

Seyed Ashkan Zarghami and Indra Gunawan

As a response to the growing operational and disruptive threats to water distribution networks (WDNs), researchers have developed a vast array of methods for the reliability…

Abstract

Purpose

As a response to the growing operational and disruptive threats to water distribution networks (WDNs), researchers have developed a vast array of methods for the reliability analysis of WDNs. In order to follow this growing number of methods, this paper reviews and documents in one place the historical developments in the reliability analysis of WDN.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) is carried out to summarize the state-of-the-art research on reliability analysis of WDNs. In conducting this systemic literature review, the authors adopted an iterative approach to define appropriate keywords, analyze and synthesize data and finalizing the classification results.

Findings

First, the hydraulic approach to reliability analysis is currently pervasive, and relatively little academic research has addressed the topological reliability analysis of WDNs. Second, in order to provide a comprehensive picture of the network reliability, a different approach that integrates topological and hydraulic attributes seems a more effective method. Third, the conventional reliability analysis methods are only effective for demonstrating a snapshot of these networks at a given point in time. The availability of methods that enable researchers to evaluate the reliability in response to changes in its variables is still a major challenge.

Originality/value

The present paper facilitates future research in the reliability analysis of WDNs by providing a source of references for researchers and water utilities. Further, this article makes a contribution to the literature by offering a roadmap for future reliability analysis of WDNs by reviewing the evolution of the current reliability analysis methods throughout history.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1993

I. AL NATOUR and M.S.J. HASHMI

Hydraulic systems that operate for long periods of time eventually develop high oil temperatures that have damaging effects on machine performance. If the temperature rise is…

Abstract

Hydraulic systems that operate for long periods of time eventually develop high oil temperatures that have damaging effects on machine performance. If the temperature rise is excessive, the oil viscosity drops, lubricating properties are lost and in the worst cases the whole system can be seriously damaged. A mathematical model for predicting temperature distribution in hydraulic systems has been developed with taking into account the thermodynamic processes and the effects of heat transfer by conduction, radiation and convection. In order to test this model experimentally, a complete hydraulic mixer system has been designed, instrumented and commissioned. A software package for hydraulic systems has been developed to make accurate estimation for unsteady state temperature analysis in hydraulic systems at any time during its operation. The simulation results of this package have shown that this model is more accurate than that reported elsewhere.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 3 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 March 2010

Zhengwei Wang, Guangjie Peng, Lingjiu Zhou and Deyi Hu

The pump of the Taipuhe Pump Station, larger flow discharge, lower head, is one of the largest 15° slanted axial‐flow pumps in the world. However, few studies have been done for…

Abstract

Purpose

The pump of the Taipuhe Pump Station, larger flow discharge, lower head, is one of the largest 15° slanted axial‐flow pumps in the world. However, few studies have been done for the larger slanted axial‐flow pump on safe operation. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impeller elevation, unsteady flow, hydraulic thrust and the zero‐head flow characteristics of the pump.

Design/methodology/approach

The flow field in and through the pump was analyzed numerically during the initial stages of the pump design process, then the entire flow passage through the pump was analyzed to calculate the hydraulic thrust to prevent damage to the bearings and improve the operating stability. The zero‐head pump flow characteristics were analyzed to ensure that the pump will work reliably at much lower heads.

Findings

The calculated results are in good agreement with experimental data for the pump elevation effects, the performance curve, pressure oscillations, hydraulic thrust and zero‐head performance.

Research limitations/implications

Since it is assumed that there is no gap between blades and shroud, gap cavitations are beyond the scope of the paper.

Originality/value

The paper indicates the slanted axial‐flow pump characteristics including the characteristic curves, pressure fluctuations, hydraulic thrust and radial force for normal operating conditions and zero‐head conditions. It shows how to guarantee the pump safety operating by computational fluid dynamics.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 March 2017

Stênio de Sousa Venâncio, Swami Marcondes Villela, José Luís da Silva Pinho and José Manuel Pereira Vieira

The purpose of this paper is to construct a numerical model for the numerical analysis of the hydraulic transient profile in Trabalhador channel for filling and emptying maneuvers…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to construct a numerical model for the numerical analysis of the hydraulic transient profile in Trabalhador channel for filling and emptying maneuvers and to determine the water level in time. Model results support operational managers in the decision-making process.

Design/methodology/approach

Physical data were provided for the construction and calibration of the numerical model. The equations of Saint-Venant were approximated by a finite difference scheme and the numerical model was written in Fortran. The results of filling and emptying of the channel simulations were compared with the measured water levels.

Findings

Measured water levels and those simulated by the numerical model have shown good correlation. The time recorded for the filling and emptying of the canal was also close between the measured and simulated data. The simulation design flow pointed to inundation in the channel banks. Simulation water levels were slightly higher than those measured.

Research limitations/implications

In this model, the combination of canals and pressure conduits was not considered.

Practical implications

The findings confirm the measured time for filling and emptying of the canal, as well as inundation of canal banks for the maximum design flow. These results help in the management process.

Originality/value

This paper presents a numerical model for hydraulic transient analysis in channels with good agreement with the field data.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 October 2017

Siqi Dou, Junjie Li and Fei Kang

Parameter identification is an important issue in structural health monitoring and damage identification for concrete dams. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel…

Abstract

Purpose

Parameter identification is an important issue in structural health monitoring and damage identification for concrete dams. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel adaptive fireworks algorithm (AFWA) into inverse analysis of parameter identification.

Design/methodology/approach

Swarm intelligence algorithms and finite element analysis are integrated to identify parameters of hydraulic structures. Three swarm intelligence algorithms: AFWA, standard particle swarm optimization (SPSO) and artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC) are adopted to make a comparative study. These algorithms are introduced briefly and then tested by four standard benchmark functions. Inverse analysis methods based on AFWA, SPSO and ABC are adopted to identify Young’s modulus of a concrete gravity dam and a concrete arch dam.

Findings

Numerical results show that swarm intelligence algorithms are powerful tools for parameter identification of concrete structures. The proposed AFWA-based inverse analysis algorithm for concrete dams is promising in terms of accuracy and efficiency.

Originality/value

Fireworks algorithm is applied for inverse analysis of hydraulic structures for the first time, and the problem of parameter selection in AFWA is studied.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 24 October 2022

Babak Lotfi and Bengt Ake Sunden

This study aims to computational numerical simulations to clarify and explore the influences of periodic cellular lattice (PCL) morphological parameters – such as lattice…

1156

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to computational numerical simulations to clarify and explore the influences of periodic cellular lattice (PCL) morphological parameters – such as lattice structure topology (simple cubic, body-centered cubic, z-reinforced body-centered cubic [BCCZ], face-centered cubic and z-reinforced face-centered cubic [FCCZ] lattice structures) and porosity value ( ) – on the thermal-hydraulic characteristics of the novel trussed fin-and-elliptical tube heat exchanger (FETHX), which has led to a deeper understanding of the superior heat transfer enhancement ability of the PCL structure.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is proposed in this paper to provide better understanding of the fluid flow and heat transfer behavior of the PCL structures in the trussed FETHXs associated with different structure topologies and high-porosities. The flow governing equations of the trussed FETHX are solved by the CFD software ANSYS CFX® and use the Menter SST turbulence model to accurately predict flow characteristics in the fluid flow region.

Findings

The thermal-hydraulic performance benchmarks analysis – such as field synergy performance and performance evaluation criteria – conducted during this research successfully identified demonstrates that if the high porosity of all PCL structures decrease to 92%, the best thermal-hydraulic performance is provided. Overall, according to the obtained outcomes, the trussed FETHX with the advantages of using BCCZ lattice structure at 92% porosity presents good thermal-hydraulic performance enhancement among all the investigated PCL structures.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the first in the literature that provides thorough thermal-hydraulic characteristics of a novel trussed FETHX with high-porosity PCL structures.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 October 2007

Zhengying Wei, Yiping Tang, Wanhua Zhao and Bingheng Lu

The paper aims to summarize the design theory for labyrinth channels of water saving emitters.

1015

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to summarize the design theory for labyrinth channels of water saving emitters.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of extracting the structural parameters of labyrinth channels in water saving emitters, the hydraulic performance experiments on the integral emitters fabricated with higher resolution rapid prototyping technology are performed. Then, using multivariable linear regression, formulas of pressure versus flow rate and regression plots for different emitters are induced.

Findings

The formulas of flow rate versus structural parameters are summarized based on the trapezoid‐type channel unit, and verified through experiments. The relationships between flow rate, pressure and structural parameters of channels are established.

Research limitations/implications

The effect of emitter fabrication error on the flow rate is analyzed, which provides a basis for parameterized structural design and accuracy control in the fabrication of future emitters.

Practical implications

The QHn relationship equations are used to design emitters which have flow‐rate errors under both high‐ and low‐water pressure of less than 4 percent. So the QHn relationship equation of the emitter is well proven and accurate which can guide the design for the structure of emitters with trapezoid labyrinth channels.

Originality/value

In this paper, a new stereolithography system has been used to fabricate accurately a drip irrigation emitter with a complex microstructure, which cannot be obtained with conventional RP or other manufacturing processes. Compared to other manufacturing process, this new technique has higher manufacturing accuracy and can reduce the manufacturing cost and time. Furthermore, a design theory for labyrinth channels of water saving emitters is established.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 13 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2018

Evangelos Bellos, Ilias Daniil and Christos Tzivanidis

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a cylindrical flow insert for a parabolic trough solar collector. Centrally placed and eccentric placed inserts are investigated in a…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a cylindrical flow insert for a parabolic trough solar collector. Centrally placed and eccentric placed inserts are investigated in a systematic way to determine which configuration leads to the maximum thermal enhancement.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is performed in SolidWorks Flow Simulation with a validated computational fluid dynamics model. Moreover, the useful heat production and the pumping work demand increase are evaluated using the exergy and the overall efficiency criteria. The different scenarios are compared for inlet temperature of 600 K, flow rate of 100 L/min and Syltherm 800 as the working fluid. Moreover, the inlet temperature is examined from 450 to 650 K, and the diameter of the insert is investigated up to 50 mm.

Findings

According to the final results, the use of a cylindrical insert of 30 mm diameter is the most sustainable choice which leads to 0.56 per cent thermal efficiency enhancement. This insert was examined in various eccentric positions, and it is found that the optimum location is 10 mm over the initial position in the vertical direction. The thermal enhancement, in this case, is about 0.69 per cent. The pumping work demand was increased about three times with the insert of 30 mm, but the absolute values of this parameter are too low compared to the useful heat production. So, it is proved that the increase in the pumping work is not able to eliminate the useful heat production increase. Moreover, the thermal enhancement is found to be greater at higher temperature levels and can reach up to 1 per cent for an inlet temperature of r650 K.

Originality/value

The present work is a systematic investigation of the cylindrical flow insert in a parabolic trough collector. Different diameters of this insert, as well as different positions in two dimensions, are examined using a parametrization of angle-radius. To the authors’ knowledge, there is no other study in the literature that investigates the presented many cases systematically with the followed methodology on parabolic trough collectors. Moreover, the results of this work are evaluated with various criteria (thermal, exergy and overall efficiency), something which is not found in the literature.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 29 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 September 2023

Mohammad Abbaszadeh, Mohammad Hossein Montazeri and Mojtaba Mirzaie

The purpose of the study is to propose a novel implementation of twisted tape in sinusoidal wavy-walled tubes to enhance the rate of heat transfer without compromising thermal…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to propose a novel implementation of twisted tape in sinusoidal wavy-walled tubes to enhance the rate of heat transfer without compromising thermal efficiency. The study numerically investigates the fluid flow characteristics and analyzes the effect of different geometrical configurations, including wall wave amplitude, tape twist angles and nanoparticle volume fractions, on heat transfer improvement and performance factor.

Design/methodology/approach

This problem is numerically investigated using computational fluid dynamics, and the method is the finite volume method. A two-phase mixture model is used for nanofluid modeling.

Findings

The study investigated the effect of wall waviness, twisted tape, and nanoparticles on forced convective heat transfer and friction factor behavior in laminar pipe flow in three different Reynolds number regimes. The results showed that implementing twisted tape in wavy tubes significantly increased the rate of heat transfer and the performance factor, with the best twist ratio between 90 and 180°. Adding nanoparticles also enhanced heat transfer and performance factor, but to a lesser extent than wavy wall-twisted tape combinations. The study suggests selecting a proper combination of wavy wall and twisted tape at each Reynolds number to achieve an optimum solution.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the implementation of the selected passive methods in sinusoidal wavy tubes has not been studied before, and no previous studies have taken into account such a mix of heat transfer improvement techniques.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 November 2016

Ismail Abd-Elaty, Hany Farhat Abd Elhamid and Akbar Javadi

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a numerical model to study the effect of changing hydraulic parameters on saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a numerical model to study the effect of changing hydraulic parameters on saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical model SEAWAT is validated and applied to a hypothetical case (Henry problem) and a real case study (Biscayne aquifer, Florida, USA) for different values of hydraulic parameters including; hydraulic conductivity, porosity, dispersion, diffusion, fluid density and solute concentration. The dimensional analysis technique is used to correlate these parameters with the intrusion length.

Findings

The results show that the hydraulic parameters have a clear effect on saltwater intrusion as they increase the intrusion in some cases and decrease it in some other cases. The results indicate that changing hydraulic parameters may be used as a control method to protect coastal aquifers from saltwater intrusion.

Practical implications

The results of the application of the model to the Biscayne aquifer in Florida showed that the intrusion can be reduced to 50 percent when the hydraulic conductivity is reduced to 50 percent. Decreasing hydraulic conductivity by injecting some relatively cheap materials such as bentonite can help to reduce the intrusion of saltwater. So the saltwater intrusion can be reduced with relatively low cost through changing some hydraulic parameters.

Originality/value

A relationship to calculate intrusion length in coastal aquifer is developed and the impact of different hydraulic parameters on saltwater intrusion is highlighted. Control of saltwater intrusion using relatively cheap method is presented.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 33 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

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