Promising results are being achieved by the Up-THERM project
As from schedule, the first activities of the project have been leading to very promising results. First, the Up-THERM CHP system requirements have been accurately defined, both in terms of users requirements and of system specifics, quantifying the technical targets and tailoring the system according to the domestic users needs. Then, a dynamic modeling of the engine has been performed. The mathematical model has been developed using the original approach based on the analogies of the thermo-fluid dynamics with electrical components representation. In this way, it was possible to predict the observable oscillatory operation of the Up-THERM engine, when this operates across an imposed steady temperature difference. Entering relevant device parameters, and external conditions applied to the device, the model is able to return to the designers details concerning the operational (oscillation) frequency of the engine, the amplitude of important variables (pressures, flow rates, displacements) as well as a range of performance indicators, such as useful power output, efficiencies, etc. Moreover, a software tool for the engine fluid property prediction has been prepared, with the scope to select the best working fluid for the Up-THERM engine. At the same time, the University of Twente is preparing the set up for testing the regenerator, which is one of the key and most critical components of the engine. The targets to be achieve by the end of the first year of the project (August 2014) are: 1. selecting the engine working fluid; 2. validating the engine design tool; 3. testing the regenerator. During the first part of the project, the Up-THERM Consortium participants have confirmed the potentialities of the technology, even if important steps forward on engine design and testing are expected for the next months, leading to a final assessment of the system performance and applicability.
Countries
Belgium, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom