Session: 03-11 Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), Biofuels, and Fuel Flexibility

Submission Number: 178171

Integration of Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Lattices in Pipes for Enhanced Steam Generation and Compactness 

Improving the efficiency of steam generation while minimizing system size presents a significant challenge in industrial thermal processes. Steam used in industrial applications is especially important for decarbonization and fuel processing steps, where it serves as both a heat carrier and reactive medium in clean energy conversion and hydrogen production. As power demand continues to rise from manufacturing, homes, and data centers, compact and efficient steam generation systems are increasingly essential. Traditional boilers and heat exchangers frequently face constraints due to low heat transfer rates and large physical sizes. To address this, improving heat transfer while minimizing pressure loss is crucial for increasing overall efficiency and reducing system dimensions. Over the years, conventional enhancement methods such as fins, helical inserts, and rib turbulators have been widely employed to boost heat transfer in pipes and evaporators. However, traditional smooth pipes offer a limited surface area for effective boiling heat transfer, which restricts both performance and compactness. 

This study explores the incorporation of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures into standard pipe designs to enhance two-phase flow boiling for steam generation. The distinctive periodic configuration of TPMS increases the heat transfer surface area, encourages fluid mixing, and allows for more compact designs without compromising structural integrity. A numerical model is created to simulate subcooled, two-phase, and superheated flow regions within pipes enhanced by TPMS, integrating correlations for heat transfer and pressure loss during boiling scenarios. The predictions from the model are compared to the performance of traditional smooth pipes to assess advancements in steam generation rates, heat transfer coefficients, and thermal compactness. The findings show the potential of pipes with TPMS integration as a means to achieve high performance, compact, and efficient steam generation systems suitable for industrial use.

Presenting Author: Alejandro Moreno University of Central Florida

Presenting Author Biography: I’m an aerospace engineering graduate from the University of Central Florida (UCF), with a focus on thermal management systems for steam generation. I currently conduct research at UCF’s Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research. As part of the Siemens Energy and DOE program, I’m investigating advanced heat transfer strategies for next-generation power systems.

Authors:

Alejandro Moreno University of Central Florida
Abhilash Prasad University Of Central Florida
Augusto Delavald Marques University Of Central Florida
Erik Fernandez Univeristy Of Central Florida
Marcel Otto University of Central Floirda
Jayanta Kapat University Of Central Florida
Stefano Orsino Ansys