Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

The proposed three-year program targets the optimization of a novel supersonic binary fluid ejector (BFE) for efficient performance over a wide range of operating conditions, especially as found in Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) energy storage applications. The BFE technology system represents a platform technology with the potential for transformational impact on energy use patterns in several sectors including commercial and residential space heating and industrial distillation/separation sectors. The novelty of the proposed work centres around the development and implementation of passive flow control devices to enhance mixing while reducing operating losses, thus contributing to the ability of the BFE to maintain high-performance over a wide range of operating conditions. Experimental investigations will be supported by numerical simulations conducted in close partnership with the University and May-Ruben Thermal Solutions (MRTS). Maintaining system efficiency over a wide range of operating conditions has proven a major challenge for traditional technologies in GSHP. This capability provides MRTS with a significant competitive advantage in penetrating the large and lucrative North American and European commercial and residential space heating markets. GSHP is an important renewable energy source and its exploitation can contribute significantly to global reductions in green-house gas (GHG) emissions. The BFE technology can be adapted to co-generation and separation technologies (e.g. desalination of brine) and can thus reduce the impact and operating cost of large-scale mining and extraction industries. The development of passive flow control in high-speed flows will generate new knowledge in flow control and develop the application of state-of-the-art diagnostic measurement techniques, thus contributing to advances in scientific understanding and the development of expertise in sophisticated engineering analysis and design tools. Hence, this program will train at least eleven academic and two industry highly qualified personnel with unique skills well-suited to the expanding renewable energy industrial sector.