Experimental determination and computational fluid dynamics predictions of pressure loss in close-coupled elbows (RP-1682). (3rd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Salehi, Mohammad; Idem, Stephen; Sleiti, Ahmad
• Is Part Of: Science and technology for the built environment. Volume 23:Number 7(2017)
• Page Start: 1132
• Page End: 1141
• Publication Date: 2017-10-03
• Subjects: Heating -- Periodicals; Ventilation -- Periodicals; Air conditioning -- Periodicals; Refrigeration and refrigerating machinery -- Periodicals; Indoor air quality -- Periodicals; Indoor air quality; Air conditioning; Heating; Refrigeration and refrigerating machinery; Ventilation; Periodicals; 697
• DOI: 10.1080/23744731.2016.1268904
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2374-474X

Abstract

Abstract : An experimental program was implemented to study pressure losses in HVAC duct systems associated with 305 mm (12 in.) diameter close-coupled round five-gore elbows. The goal of this program was to experimentally verify a computational fluid dynamics model to accurately predict pressure losses in order to design duct systems more effectively. The results of this study showed that the loss coefficient increased as a function of separation distance between the elbows in a Z-configuration and decreased in a U-configuration. For both 305 mm (12 in.) and 203 mm (8 in.) diameter elbows, power law expressions correlating the combination loss coefficient data as a function of intermediate length for close-coupled elbows arranged in a Z-configuration or a U-configuration were presented. Computational fluid dynamics modeling with enhanced wall treatment using the k-ϵ method was generally able to correctly predict elbow loss coefficients with an error of less than 15%.