Análise da eficiência térmica em processos de arrefecimento utilizando roda entálpica

Abstract

This study presents an analysis of thermal efficiency in cooling processes using an enthalpy wheel, aiming to optimize the performance of this component in HVAC systems. The methodology employed was based on numerical simulations conducted in ANSYS Fluent, allowing the evaluation of different operational parameters, such as the wheel's rotational speed and the airflow velocity. The results indicated that a rotation speed of 15 rpm provides the best heat transfer rate, optimizing the system's thermal efficiency. Additionally, it was observed that higher inlet velocities increase the outlet temperature, directly influencing the enthalpy wheel's effectiveness. The mesh analysis showed that a configuration with 4,764,000 elements ensured the best accuracy without compromising processing time, guaranteeing the reliability of the obtained data. Using the effectiveness equation, it was possible to compare different wheel rotation speeds, highlighting that higher face-area velocities result in better heat exchange utilization. These findings reinforce the importance of optimizing the enthalpy wheel's operational parameters to maximize energy savings and improve the performance of ventilation and air conditioning systems. This study aims to explore computational simulations to enhance the enthalpy wheel's efficiency. For future studies, it is recommended to conduct practical experiments to validate the obtained results, as well as to investigate new materials and operational conditions for the enthalpy wheel.