Computational Fluid Dynamics in Renewable Energy Technologies: Theory, Fundamentals and Exercises

This book is focused on combining the concepts of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and renewable energy technologies. Besides introducing the fundamentals, the core of this book contains a series of practical examples providing useful information about the methods and smart solutions for CFD modeling of selected Renewable Energy Sources (RES) - based technologies. Each chapter includes a theoretical introduction to the discussed topic, descriptions of factors determining efficiency and other important parameters, followed by practical information concerning the CFD modeling methodology. A summary of the relevant recommendations and exemplary results with comments is also included.

Features:

• provides practical examples on the application of numerical methods in the analysis of renewable energy processes
• includes an introduction to CFD for practitioners
• explores selected aspects of the methodology used in CFD simulations of renewable energy technologies
• discusses tips and hints for efficient use of CFD codes functionalities
• contains additional exercise devoted to the geothermal systems

This book is aimed at professionals and graduate students in energy engineering, renewable energy, CFD, energy systems, fluid mechanics and applied mathematics.

Mateusz Szubel (PhD, Eng.), assistant professor at the AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Energy and Fuels, Krakow, Poland. Professor Szubel is a member of the research group focused on the issues of renewable energy technologies, at the Department of Sustainable Energy Development. He is a research specialist on the conditions for the sustainable energy development. Furthermore, he is involved in the investigation of the possibilities of involving computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in the optimization of renewable energy technologies and increasing the energy efficiency of energy systems. He is focused on numerical modeling of energy storage and biomass thermochemical treatment. For 12 years professor Szubel has been running over 20 academic courses related to the practical aspects of renewable energy technologies’ applications and the use of commercial CFD codes to analyze the elements of these systems. He is author and coauthor of 120 scientific and popular science papers.

Mariusz Filipowicz (DSc, Eng.), associate professor at the AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Energy and Fuels, and former head of the Department of Sustainable Energy Development, Krakow, Poland. Professor Filipowicz graduated with an MSc in Technical Physics in 1991, obtained a PhD in 1998, and did habilitation in 2010 in the field of nuclear physics–nuclear fusion catalyzed by negative muons. Between 1994–1995, he completed a postgraduate course in Energy and Environment, the Tempus-Joint European Project (JEP) Postgraduate Course on Energy and Environment. Professor Filipowicz’s main research areas are related to renewable energy technologies (mainly biomass, solar, and wind energy applications), energy efficiency, and nuclear physics (nuclear fusion reactions in the range of ultra-low energy). He is author and coauthor of more than 250 scientific papers and leader of scientific projects at AGH, such as, "BioEcoMatic: Construction of small-to-medium capacity boilers for clean and efficient combustion of biomass for heating" and "BioORC: Construction of cogeneration system with small to medium size biomass boilers" with the support of KIC InnoEnergy.

Karolina Papis-Fraczek (MSc., PhD student), academic teacher and research assistant at the AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Energy and Fuels, Krakow, Poland. Member of a research group focused on the issues of renewable energy technologies at the Department of Sustainable Energy Development. Ms. Papis’ research interests include experimental and numerical studies on the efficiency of renewable energy technologies. Preparation of her doctoral thesis involves research into the use of concentrated solar radiation for the purpose of heat and electricity generation. She is author and coauthor of 20 scientific and popular science papers.

Maciej Krys (MSc), an active industry engineer. Graduate of the Power Engineering Faculty at the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice. For nearly a decade he has been working as an Analysis Engineer, specializing in using Computational Fluid Dynamics tools. As part of his duties he has assisted dozens of industrial companies and academic researchers in performing fluid dynamics simulations. His work did not only include executing simulations but also training engineers, specialists and researchers.

Currently, working in Oil&Gas industry optimizing the performance of traditional industry equipment, but also actively supporting implementation of renewable energy technologies in this field.