Project Details

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Optimized Natural Convection Heat Removal System - Team 1

Company: Hatch Associates Consultants, Inc.

Major(s):
Primary: ME
Secondary: EGEE

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Typically, the most efficient method for heat removal using air as the cooling medium is a forced air system (using a fan or other mechanical device). However, for systems that require fully passive operation, a natural convection heat removal system is the only option. The purpose of this project will be to optimize the heat removal capability of the system where there is a constant heat source. The system may be optimized by modification of the flow path, modification of materials, addition of materials (such as insulation), or slight modification of the geometry of surrounding structures. The design should first be developed using hand calculations, then confirmed using analysis (such as CFD), and finally proven with a scale model test. The design should then be optimized by varying several variables and worked through the 3 design steps. Overall, the project will be focused on proper mechanical design with the need to optimize instrumentation use in the scale model test. Due to the nature of the project, further visuals and details will be provided during the initial project meeting.