Introduction:

The two main basic physical mechanism by which heat is transfer are conduction and
radiation. However in many circumstances the rate of energy transfer by these mechanism is
modify by the relative motion of the fluid that constitutes the medium in which the transport
process are occurring. This mode in which heat transfer is influence by fluid motion is termed
convection.

A growing interest in convection transport has been seen in recent year because of its
relevance to wide range important problems. The need to optimize industrial processes,
particularly with respect to energy, had led to a study of convection processes that are crucial
in determining the energy requirement and quality of the product. The design and operation
of furnaces, oven, drying systems, electronic circuitry, and heat rejection systems require
detail information on the relevant convection processes. Similarly, the quality of the product
in various processes, such as casting, crystal growing, and many bonding operation, is
strongly depend on the convective motion that arises. The growing concern about our
environment has also led to increase interest in convective process relevant to natural
processes and to the dispersion of thermal energy and material pollutant discharge into the
environment.

There are two important subdivisions of the convective processes. When the flow is
due to an external forcing agent, such as an fan, a pump, natural breeze or the motion of
heated body, the processes is termed forced convection. A heated body cooling in still air, the
heating of molten silicon in a crucible by energy input at the bottom in a crystal growing
process, the free raise of heated buoyant air due to fire, atmospheric circulation due to
temperature differences, and the flow in thermosyphons all example of natural convection.

There is an important difference between forced convection and natural convection. In

the former case the flow is externally imposed and is often independent of the temperature
field can thus be obtained independent of the heat transfer processes and then used in
determination of the temperature field. In natural convection, on the other hand, the flow and
the heat transfer mechanisms are inseparably linked, since the flow itself arises due to the
temperature difference and the two must be considered simultaneously.

1
Governing equation:

The basic equations that govern convective processes are obtained from the conservation of
mass, momentum, and energy. If ρ is density of the fluid moving at velocity ( ), the
conservation of mass gives.

( )…………………………… (1)

Therefore for steady flows,

( )

and if the density is constant,

In many conservative processes the variation in pressure and temperature is small enough to
allow the density to be taken as constant. In such cases the above equation applies. In the
Cartesian co-ordinate system the equation is

Where u, y, z are the velocity component in x, y, z direction, respectively.

The principle of conservation of momentum which equates the rate of changing of

momentum to the force applied, gives

( ) ( )………………………………………….. (2)

Where F is body force per unit volume and may arises from gravitational, electrical,
magnetic, or some other body force field, μ is the coefficient of viscosity, p is the pressure
and λ is the second viscosity coefficient, related to the bulk viscosity μ’ as μ’=λ+(2/3)μ.
Therefore, if bulk viscosity is taken zero, . The above equation is derived by using

stokes constitutive equation of shear and normal stresses and taking μ and λ as constant. If the
density is constant, as in the case of small variations in temperature and pressure
and, therefore, the last term in the momentum equation given above vanishes. The substantial
or particle derivative ⁄ indicate that change in a given variables for a fluid particles
moving along a streak line in the velocity field. It is given in term of local derivatives as

2
 ( )

Where the term relates to the unsteadiness in the flow and the term ( ) change of in

the direction of . This term, known as directional derivative, give raise to non-linearity in
the above equation.

The energy equation, as applied to a differential fluid element. The commonly used formed
of the energy equation is

[ ( ) ] ( ) ……………………………. (3)

In the above equation, represent the transient effect, ( ) the conservative part of heat

transfer, ( ) the conduction part, Q is the thermal source per unit volume, the

pressure work, and is the viscous dissipation effect. The parameter is the co-efficent of

thermal expansion of the fluid and is given by ( ⁄ )( ⁄ ) , where T is the

absolute temperature. For Ideal gases ⁄ . For cartesian co-ordinate system, it can be

shown that if λ is taken as :

( ) ( ) ( ) ] ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

In natural convection flows, the basic mechanism generating the flow is the buoyancy force
which arises due to temperature differences in the fluid. The body force F is non-zero and is
replacing by ρg, where g is the gravitational acceleration for flow in a gravitational flow
field. The density differences give raise to a buoyancy force which appears in the momentum
equation and generate the flows. Therefore the momentum and energy equation are invertible
coupled for natural convection flows. This generally makes the solution of natural convection
problems much more difficult, as compared to the corresponding property forced convection
circumstances.

Computation of natural convection flow and transport:

The main difference between natural convection and forced convection lies in the basic
mechanisms that generate the flow. In forced convection the flow is externally induced for
instance, by mean of a fan, a blower or the motion of heated body and is independent of the
heat transfer process if the variation in the fluid properties is negligible. Natural convection

3
flows are generated because of density difference that arises due to temperature variation in a
body force field, such as gravitation. Therefore in this case the flow is inevitable linked with
the heat transfer process and two have to consider simultaneously. Since the velocity depends
on temperature, the energy equation is also non-linear. Density is not constant, since it is the
variation in density that causes the flow. In addition, the body force must be considered in the
governing momentum equation. Because of these complexities, the natural convection flow
are generally more difficult to solve analytically and numerically as compared to
corresponding forced flow circumstances.

The basic governing equations are equation (1), (2), (3), which may be consider for
natural convection. The pressure p is written as p = ph + pm where ph is hydrostatic pressure
in the ambient medium and pm the contribution due to motion of fluid. A very important
approximation employed in natural convection flow is the Boussinesq approximation which
assumes a linear dependence of the density on the temperature and neglect the density
variation in the continuity equations. Therefore

( )

Where is the density in the ambient medium, is the ambient temperature and is the
coefficient of thermal expansion, given by

( )

For ideal gases, = 1 / T. The hydrostatic pressure in combined with the body force to give
the buoyant term in the momentum equation.

With the Boussinesq approximations applied for density and with other property taken as
constant, the governing equation for natural convection are obtain as

( )

4
where g is the gravitational acceleration vector if the body force field considered in the
gravitational. The boundary layer approximation may also be made in several cases. For
other body forces, such as electrical, magnetic, or centrifugal, the corresponding force per
unit mass is substituted for g. The boundary layer approximation may also be made in several
cases. For a vertical natural convection boundary layer flow, ğ = - g ī, where ī is the unit
vector in the x, if the vertical co-ordinate axis x is taken along the flow which is assumed to
be buoyant and thus upward. Here g is the magnitude of gravitational acceleration. For other
flow configuration, ğ may similar to be written in term of its component along the various
coordinate directions.

Therefore, the boundary layer equations, for the vertical buoyant flow, are

( )

( ) ( )

The pressure work term ( ), and the viscous dissipation term ( ) , are generally

negligible in natural convection flows, due to the low velocity levels encountered. In the
following discussion, Q is taken zero and the pressure work and the viscous dissipation term
are neglected. These may be added as additional effect in the case where they are significant.
The above equation are coupled through the buoyancy term, ( ), in amomentum
equation. Also heat transfer q and the convective heat transfer coefficient h can be obtained
from the temperature distribution.

Transient and steady-state natural convection heat transfer from a heated horizontal
concrete cylinder:

In refrigeration systems, it is possible to reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency

by decreasing the condensation temperature, hence the compressor power. This study focuses
on decreasing the condensation temperature especially in domestic refrigerators. It is known
from the experiences that domestic refrigerators operate intermittently. Therefore, transient
natural convection heat transfer was investigated numerically and experimentally in this

5
study. Natural convection heat transfer from horizontal cylinder is found in many technical
applications such as boiler design, heat exchangers and air cooling systems for air
conditioning. Wire-and tube type heat exchangers are widely used in small refrigeration
appliances.

A schematic drawing of the experimental apparatus that consists of twelve parts is shown in
Fig. 1. The experiments were performed in the conditioned room in order to provide the
desired ambient temperature. Two test cylinders were used in the experimental study. First
test cylinder (bare) made from copper material at 1 m length and with a diameter of 9.45 mm
has been prepared. Silicone-covered cylindrical resistant wire is centered not to leave any air
space and close fitted inside the test cylinder to maintain the required uniform surface
temperature. The diameter and the resistance value of the wire used were 0.35 mm-11.3 ohm.
To provide the uniform surface temperature in the axial direction, test cylinders were made
from copper, and the wall thickness was made as thick as possible (1 mm). In the axial
direction, 5 notches were formed with equal spacing on the surface. Thermocouples can be
partly buried in these notches. In order to determine circumferential temperature distribution
three more notches were formed in angular direction with 90◦. T type thermocouples with
diameter of 0.3 mm calibrated with sensitive reference thermometer were used. The average
surface temperature (Tc) is determined with the thermocouples brazed to the notches in the
axial direction. In addition, to minimize the end losses, heat conduction to the supports, two
pieces of insulating material made of XPS are placed on the cylinder’s endpoints.

6
Fig.1. (a) Schematic diagram of the experimental apparatus; 1-Conditioned room, 2-Test cabin, 3-Test cylinder,
4-Resistant wire, 5-Insulating material, 6-Thermocouples on cylinder surface, 7-Thermocouples in the
environment, 8-Humidity sensor, 9-Datalogger, 10-Computer, 11-DC power supply, 12-Power meter, 13-
Timer; (b) Detailed view of the test cylinder and location of the thermocouples.

The second test cylinder is made of concrete and has 1 m length and 68.5 mm outer diameter
with the first copper test cylinder located inside concentrically. The bare copper test cylinder
was covered with a concrete material by moulding. Five thermocouples placed on the
concrete coating exactly in the same angular direction of the brazed thermocouples on bare
cylinder. The average outer surface temperature (Tw) is determined with five thermocouples
in the axial direction, and surface temperature is observed circumferentially with additional
seven thermocouples located every 45◦ in the angular direction. In addition to this, three more
thermocouples are located equally spaced in the radial direction to obtain temperature
distribution in the concrete layer. Locations of thermocouples on test cylinder are shown in
Fig. 1b. Constant heat flux was applied to bare and concrete cylinders. The cylinder was
connected to a DC power supply with 10 A-60 V value to give the required electrical power.
Although the adjustable voltage and current values given by the power supply can be read
from the indicators on the device, a power meter with a resolution of 0.1W is used to
measure the input power accurately.

The experiments were performed in the conditioned room in order to provide the desired
ambient temperature and the natural convection conditions. In the room with the dimensions
of 4000 mm 4900 mm 2550 mm, the environment temperature between 5 50℃ and the
relative humidity between 20% 95% can be adjusted to the required value. Ambient
environment should be quiescent since the experiments will be made under the conditions of
natural convection. As the result of the velocity measurements made with the hot wire
calibrated with LDA from the different points in the room it is determined that air velocity

7
varies between 0 and 0.25 m/s. A test cabin was constructed from hard board which has four
lateral surfaces and floor with the dimensions of 800 mm 1250 mm 1300 mm. A gap on the
closed surfaces in the protection cabin with only its top open can cause a stack effect, and
thus an unwanted bulk fluid movement will affect the temperature and velocity fields. This
effect leads to disturbance of the natural convection conditions. Hence, it is checked that
there is no gap on the closed surfaces. It is determined that the required quiescent
environment was provided from the velocity measurements made inside the test cabin. It is
stated that the differences between the experimental data obtained from the pre-studies on
heat transfer from horizontal cylinder under conditions of natural convection are caused by
choosing the insufficient measuring system or improperly designed test cabin. To minimize
the errors mentioned in the pre-studies, highly sensitive measuring tools were used, the test
cabin volume was well determined and the experiments were made in the conditioned room
to keep the ambient temperature stable at the required values. The workstation connected to
the data acquisition unit of the room is used for data collection. By means of HP VEE based
software program, the all instant experimental data and required average values can be
observed graphically. The program was developed on demand and brought into use. The
mentioned features help to determine the steady state condition and the transient stable
periodic condition are reached, and to make analysis after the experiments.

Experimental procedure:

Natural convection heat transfer from bare and coated horizontal cylinder with a layer of
concrete below critical diameter is studied experimentally, with different uniform wall and
ambient temperatures. The measured values for bare and concrete cylinders obtained from
experimental study are summarized in Table 1. The steps of experimental study are listed in
order:

8
Table1. Thermal boundry condition for bare and concrete test cylinder.

Outside Q(W/m) Steady-state(℃) Transient (average of fifth

cycle)(℃)
diameter
T∞ Tw Tc T∞ Tw Tc

Bare cylinder 9.45 8.78 20.4 42.5 20.1 32.1

19.04 20.5 62.7 20.2 39.6

28.39 20.7 79.6 20.8 53.0

9.03 30.0 52.1 30.2 44.7

20.52 30.4 74.3 30.2 60.7

Concrete cylinder 68.50 8.78 20.2 24.6 30.0 20.2 22.5 25.2

19.00 20.4 29.1 40.7 20.3 25.0 30.8

28.37 20.6 33.0 49.9 20.4 27.3 35.9

9.33 30.1 34.3 40.0 30.0 32.8 36.6

20.10 30.2 38.7 50.9 30.1 36.0 44.0

The conditioned room temperature was set to provide the required ambient temperature in the
test cabin. The ambient temperatures varied between ℃ ℃. A quiescent
environment was created and this was checked with hot wire anemometer inside the test
cabin.

Input electric power was sensitively adjusted by DC power supply for the desired copper
cylinder surface temperature in the concrete cylinder. Five pieces of thermocouples on the
inner and five for the outer surface in the axial direction and two thermocouples in the test
cabin are used for measuring the average surface and environment temperatures respectively.
It is possible to see the variation of these values graphically with the HP VEE based data
collection program. The steady state condition is considered when variation of all
temperatures and especially the average temperatures stay in the range of 0.1-0.2℃ for 15
min.

9
For each test cylinder after steady state condition is provided, transient experiments were
performed. It is known from the experiences that domestic refrigerators operate
intermittently. The working percentages of domestic refrigerators assumed as 50% and 60%
for ambient temperatures of 20℃ and 30℃ respectively according to the information obtained
from manufacturer. In order to simulate the intermittent operation, forty minutes working
period is assumed. On/Off period for 20℃ and 30℃ ambient temperatures are 20/20 min. and
24/ 16 min. respectively. These transient conditions are applied to the test cylinders by using
a digital on/off timer.

The experiments are kept on until the transient stable periodic condition is reached. It is
determined that the transient stable periodic condition is reached when the temperature
differences between the max and min temperatures of the last two cycles are lower than
0.1℃. The transient stable periodic condition is observed in the fifth cycle for the concrete
cylinder.

The experiments are repeated by increasing the surface temperature of inner copper cylinder
by 10 ℃for each experiment up to 50℃.

The experimental procedure is repeated for bare cylinder applying the same heat
flux for concrete cylinder. The dimensional analysis generally shows that natural convection
heat transfer from horizontal cylinders depends on Rayleigh number. In the experimental
facility, sensitively measured input electrical power, Qe, gives the total heat transfer from the
surface of horizontal bare and concrete cylinders. Under steady state conditions, the energy
equation for the horizontal test cylinder based on the 1st law of thermodynamics is expressed
as below:

( )

Since two pieces of insulating material made of XPS are placed on the endpoints of the
cylinder, the conduction heat loss is neglected. For that reason, heat transfer from the
horizontal cylinder surface by convection can be calculated as:

( )

Heat transfer from the horizontal cylinder surface by radiation can be represented by:

10
 ( )

( )

( )

The emissivity of horizontal concrete cylinder surface ƐW should be determined accurately to

calculate the heat transfer by radiation from Eq. (3). Therefore, the outer surface temperature
of the heated horizontal concrete cylinder is measured with T type thermocouple that
calibrated with reference thermometer and thermal camera simultaneously. Thermal camera’s
emissivity value is adjusted till the measured two temperatures become equal. As a result,
emissivity is found as 0.88 in this study. Also the obtained value is in the suggested range of
Thermal camera’s emissivity tables for concrete. The convection heat transfer which is the
driving force of the plume can be represented by:

( )

( ) ( )

The air thermo physical properties (k,v) in non-dimensional parameters were evaluated at the
mean film temperature. In this study, critical radius effect was employed to improve the
performance of the domestic refrigerators and deep freezers by decreasing the condensation
temperature. Also under transient conditions, heat capacity of the coating material assists
decreasing the condensation temperature. The COP of a Carnot refrigerator can be expressed
in terms of temperatures as;

( )
( ⁄ )

Uncertainty analysis:

The accuracy of the experimental study can be affected by the errors which may arise during
the experiments for different reasons. The error analysis must be accomplished before
choosing the range of measurement devices in order to minimize the uncertainty of the
results. On the other hand, determining the most important parameter will also contribute to
minimize the uncertainty of the results by measuring it more accurately. Amongst many error
analysis methods, the uncertainty analysis method, which is firstly proposed by Kline and

11
McClintock [31], is the most widely used one for experimental studies. In this experimental
study, the uncertainty analysis method which is more sensitive compared to others is used. If
the independent variables that cause errors in experiments are chosen as input electrical
power, local cylinder surface temperatures and the environment temperatures, the uncertainty
of Nusselt number can be defined as follows.

⁄
( ) ( )

The errors neglected on length measurements;

⁄
( ) ( ) ) ( )

( )

⁄
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

( )

⁄
( ) ( ) ( )

⁄
( ) ( )

Uncertainty analysis is not necessary for radiation heat transfer because it is calculated
theoretically. So, uncertainty of heat transfer from the horizontal cylinder surface by
convection can be defined by Eq. (15)

⁄
( ) ( )

⁄
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ( )

⁄
( ) ( )

As the result of the calculations that have been made, the maximum uncertainty is found as
2.93% for heat transfer coefficient (Nusselt number).

12
Numerical analysis and model:

In the numerical study, FLUENT CFD package was used. This package uses a technique
based on the control volume theory to convert the governing equations to algebraic equations
so that they can be solved numerically. The control volume technique works by performing
the integration of the governing equations about each control volume, and then it generates
discretization of the equations which conserve each quantity based on control volume [30].

The governing equations for the fluid (conservation of continuity, momentum and energy
equations) for laminar flow can be written as follows:

Continuity equation:

( ) ( ) ( )

Momentum equation in x-direction:

[ ] ( ) ( )

Momentum equation in y-direction:

[ ] ( ) ( )

Energy equation:

( ) ( )

Energy equation inside the solid region:

( ) ( )

13
Fig. 5. Results and flow view of numerical solution under steady state condition (a) the temperature distribution
inside the test cabin (b) wake formation on the heated horizontal concrete cylinder (c) temperature distribution
and isotherms of heated horizontal concrete cylinder.

The GAMBIT mesh generator associated with the solver has been used to plot and mesh the
2D model of the cylinder in the test cabin based on the dimensions in the experimental study.
The solution grid created is shown in Fig. 2a. The phenomenon in the boundary layer around
the concrete horizontal cylinder surface is more important and complicated than the rest of
the solution domain. Hence, a boundary layer was created in the vicinity of the insulation
outer surface with finer mesh. Detailed view of the solution grid is shown in Fig. 2b. Thermal
boundary conditions can be defined in four different types in FLUENT: Constant heat flux,
constant temperature, convection-radiation and convection. In this study, all boundaries
14
except the upper face of the domain and the outer surface of concrete cylinder are chosen as
wall with constant temperature. The upper face of the domain is chosen as pressure inlet
boundary conditions while the outer surface of the concrete cylinder is coupled. The
temperatures of the side and bottom surfaces of the domain are taken as equal to the ambient
temperature. The thermal boundary conditions are taken from experimental study and given
in Table 1.

The standard laminar viscous flow model and surface to surface radiation model were used.
For pressure velocity coupling discritization the SIMPLE (Semi-Implicit Method for Pressure
Linked Equations) algorithm has been used. For continuity and momentum, the residual
values.

15
Fig.6. Experimentally measured outer surface temperature distribution of the inner copper cylinder (Tc) under
transient conditions for different ambient temperatures (a)T∞ = 20 ℃(b) T∞ = 30℃.

16
Fig.7. Experimental and numerical outer surface temperature distribution of the inner copper cylinder (T c) for
ambient average temperature T ∞ = 20.2℃ under transient conditions (a) comparison for five working periods
(until stable periodic condition) (b) comparison for the stable periodic condition (fifth cycle) in 5% band.

17
Result and discussion:

In the experiment facility, sensitively measured input electrical power gives the total heat
transfer rate from the surface of the horizontal bare and concrete cylinders. Under steady state
condition, the outer surface heat transfer coefficient and the related Nusselt number were
calculated experimentally and numerically according to convection from the surface of
concrete cylinder. In the experimental study, convection heat transfer was calculated using
Eqs. (2) -- (5) while it was calculated numerically from the difference between total and
radiation heat transfer rates obtained from numerical solutions. Nusselt and Rayleigh
numbers calculated by using the experimental data and numerical solution results of concrete
cylinder are given in Fig. 3.

Several researchers have proposed commonly used correlations for the average Nusselt
numbers as a function of the Prandtl and Rayleigh numbers. Based on the experimental data
gathered here for concrete cylinder under steady-state condition, Rayleigh and average
Nusselt numbers were calculated. The results of Morgan [1], Churchill and Chu [7], Fand and
Brucker [2] are also presented in comparison with experimental data. The correlations that
are used for comparison can be seen as follows:

( )

⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄
⁄ ( ⁄ ) ( )

*( ) ( ) ( )+

( )

Average Nusselt number increases with the increasing Rayleigh number as expected. It is
shown for validation of the experimental data, and characteristics of this similar trend can be
seen in pre studies at the same time (Fig. 4a). The deviation of experimental average Nusselt
number and previous studies [1,2,7] stay in the range 30% and is seen in Fig. 4b. The max
deviation is seen between our experimental result and Churchill and Chu [7]’s empirical
correlation and that it could be attributed to the wide range (Ra ) of this correlation.

As a result of numerical solution, the temperature distribution inside the test cabin
was also obtained. The volume inside the test cabin (800mm 1250 mm 1300 mm) is large
enough so, the test cabin boundaries have no effect on the temperature and velocity fields.

18
Here, as an example, the results of the experiment made under steady state condition
(T∞=20.2℃, Tc=30.0℃) are given in Fig. 5a. The phenomenon in the boundary layer around
the horizontal concrete cylinder surface is more important and complicated than the rest of
the solution domain. Thus, the wake formation and the temperature distribution in the main
interested area are shown closer in Fig. 5b and c respectively. After steady state condition is
provided, transient experiments were performed. In order to simulate the intermittent
operation, forty-minute working period is assumed. On/Off period for 20℃ and 30℃ ambient
temperatures are 20/20 min. and 24/16 min. respectively. The transient stable periodic
condition is observed in the fifth cycle for the concrete cylinder. The variation of outer
surface temperature of the inner copper cylinder are given from steady-state condition to the
end of fifth cycle for T∞ = 20 ℃-30℃ in Fig. 6a and b respectively.

Measured outer surface temperature of the inner copper cylinder (Tc) is also compared with
the results of numerical simulation for five working periods under transient conditions and is
given in Fig. 7a. The deviation between experimental and numerical results for the fifth cycle
stays in the range 5% as seen in Fig. 7b. Comparison of experimental and numerical outer
surface temperature of the horizontal concrete cylinder (Tw) under transient conditions is
given in Fig. 8a. Also the deviation between experimental and numerical results for the fifth
cycle stays in the range 3% as seen in Fig. 8b.

19
Fig.8. Experimental and numerical outer surface temperature of the horizontal concrete cylinder (T w) for
ambient average temperature T∞ =20.2℃ under transient conditions (a) comparison for five working periods
(until stable periodic condition) (b) comparison for the stable periodic condition (fifth cycle) in 3% band.

20
Fig.9. Comparison of experimental and numerical angular surface temperature distribution outside the concrete
cylinder for ambient average temperature T ∞ = 20.2 C under transient conditions for the stable periodic
condition (fifth cycle).

Fig. 9 shows the experimental and numerical angular surface temperature distribution outside
the concrete cylinder for ambient average temperature T∞ = 20.2℃ under transient conditions
for the stable periodic condition (fifth cycle). It is seen that there is a good agreement
between numerical and experimental values. Experimental and numerical radial temperature
distribution in the concrete cylinder under transient conditions for the fifth cycle is shown in
Fig. 10. Numerical and experimental values are close to each other and show similar trends.
Firstly heat transfer rates under steady-state and transient conditions from bare and concrete
cylinders were measured and then compared with each other. Under transient conditions,
outer surface temperature of the inner copper cylinder (Tc) is calculated from the average of
the temperatures during on time. It is the average temperature of the first 20 and 26 min for
T∞ = 20℃ and 30℃ respectively.

The main idea of this study is decreasing the condensation temperature for a given heat
transfer rate by critical radius effect. The effect of the heat augmentation can be seen in
Fig.11.

21
Fig.10. Comparison of experimental and numerical results of horizontal temperature distribution inside the
concrete cylinder for ambient average temperature T∞ = 20.2℃ under transient conditions for the stable periodic
condition (fifth cycle).

Fig.11. Heat transfer rates from bare /concrete cylinders under steady-state and stable periodic conditions for the
ambient temperature T∞ = 20℃ and 30℃.

22
Fig.12. Variation of COPR with condensation temperature (T c) for evaporation temperatures (T e) from - 15℃to
0℃for Q = 15 W/m.

Under transient conditions, it is seen that the outer surface temperature of the inner copper
cylinder (Tc) is lower than the steady-state conditions because the heat transfer keeps on
during the off period. This phenomenon occurs when the specific heat and the density of the
material is greater than copper. The effect of the condensation temperature on coefficient of
performance of a Carnot refrigeration cycle is shown in Fig. 12. For example if the heat flux
is 15 W/m, COPR increases 4.17 for bare cylinder to 5.66 for concrete cylinder under
transient conditions while 4.99 for concrete cylinder under steady-state condition at
evaporation and ambient temperatures -15℃ and 20℃ respectively. It is found that the
enhancement in the coefficient of performance of a Carnot refrigeration cycle is 35.7% under
transient condition.

23
Conclusion:

Transient natural convection heat transfer from a heated horizontal concrete cylinder was
experimentally and numerically investigated. Accurate and repeatable experiments were
carried out using sensitive measuring devices in a conditioned room. CFD analysis was
performed as numerical solution in the study. The following results were obtained:

(a) Heat transfer rates for the bare horizontal cylinder having a radius smaller than the critical
value and the horizontal concrete cylinder were compared and heat transfer enhancement is
determined. The performance of the domestic refrigerators can be improved by decreasing
the condensation temperature using critical radius effect and heat storage. Covering materials
with higher specific heat and density plays a key role in heat storage during working period
and increases the transient heat transfer during the off period.

(b) After steady state condition is provided, transient experiments were performed for each
cylinder considering the working conditions of domestic refrigerators. The transient stable
periodic condition is observed in the fifth cycle for the concrete cylinder. The experiments
are performed intermittently to simulate the real operating conditions of refrigerators.

(c) Due to the storage and heat transfer during the off period, mean average surface
temperature (condensation temperature) decreases in comparison with steady state conditions.
Thus, the COP of a refrigeration system increases.

(d) Average Nusselt numbers, outer surface temperature of the inner copper cylinder (Tc),
outer surface temperature of the horizontal concrete cylinder (Tw), outside angular surface
and inside radial temperature distributions for the concrete cylinder obtained from numerical
simulations are very close and in a good agreement with the experimental data.
Consequently, natural convection heat transfer from horizontal cylinder can be analysed
using CFD with proper boundary conditions and mesh size.

(e) Wake formation and temperature distribution over the horizontal concrete cylinder under
steady-state conditions were obtained by CFD analysis and shown in figures. Temperature
and velocity fields were checked not to be affected by the test cabin boundaries; CFD figures
showed that the test cabin’s size was designed properly.

24
NOMENCLATURE:

A heat transfer area (m2), D cylinder diameter (m), Qe input electrical power (W),Qconv
convection heat loss (W), Qrad radiation heat loss (W), Qcond conduction heat loss (W), L
length along cylinder, h heat transfer coefficient (W/m2 K), Nu average Nusselt number, Gr
Grashof number, Ra Rayleigh number, Pr Prandtl number, k thermal conductivity (W/m K),
Ge Gebhart number, T temperature (℃), w uncertainty, t time (s), u velocity in x direction, v
velocity in y direction, x horizontal direction, y vertical direction, LDA laser Doppler
anemometer, DC direct current, CECED European committee of domestic equipment
manufacturers, 2D two dimensional, XPS extruded polystyrene foam, CFD computational
fluid dynamics

Greek letters

Ɛ emissivity, q angle about cylinder centre from bottom of cylinder ()

s Stephane-Boltzmann constant = W/m2 K4, r density (kg/m3), b thermal

expansion coefficient (1/K), n kinematic viscosity (m2/s), m viscosity (kg/m s), a thermal
diffusivity (m2/s)

Subscripts

w concrete cylinder surface, ∞ ambient, ∞; 1 ambient below the cylinder, ∞; 2 ambient above
the cylinder, c copper cylinder surface, exp experimental, num numerical, h heat transfer
coefficient, Nu average Nusselt number, Qconv convection heat loss, Tw average concrete
cylinder surface temperature, T∞ average ambient temperature, ins insulation, cr critical

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REFERANCE:

 Jaluria Yogesh, Torrance Kenneth E. ”Computational Heat Transfer”, hemisphere

publication corporation, pp. 149-233,1986
 S. Özgür Atayılmaz,” Transient and steady-state natural convection heat transfer from
a heated horizontal concrete cylinder” International Journal of Thermal Sciences 49
(2010) 1933-1943.
 Minkowycz.W.J and Sparrow E.M. “Advance in numerical heat transfer”,Vol-2,
Library of congress-in-Publication Data, pp.291-321.
 Cebeci Tuncer, ”natural convection boundary layer”,chp-8.

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