Developing a Radiant Heating-Cooling Panel with Phase Change Material Additives to Enhance Energy Efficiency in Buildings

●       Project Manager: Mir Araştırma ve Geliştirme A.Ş. (Scientific advisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aliihsan Koca)

●       Organization Supporting the Project: TUBITAK - TEYDEB

Abstract: The completed industrial research project focused on developing radiant heating-cooling panels that use phase change material additives. These panels aim to enhance energy efficiency and thermal comfort in buildings..

Our faculty member, Assoc. Dr. Aliihsan Koca, has been appointed on a part-time basis to focus on Technology Transfer, R&D, and Project Management at TÜSEB – Turkish Health Institutes Presidency.

The establishment of the Turkish Health Institutes Presidency (TUSEB) aims to contribute to the advancement of health science and technologies and promote planned and sustainable growth, both nationally and globally. It aligns with the objectives of fulfilling Turkey's demand for cutting-edge technology and innovation in the realm of health science and technologies, diminishing reliance on foreign sources, and enhancing and maintaining competitiveness.

DEVELOPING LABORATORY INFRASTRUCTURE WITH INDUSTRY COLLABORATION

●       Project Manager: Prof. Dr. Seyhan ONBAŞIOĞLU

• Organization Supporting the Project: Arçelik A.Ş.

Abstract: The basis of the project is to conduct academic studies in university-industry cooperation in the field of "Cooling Systems and Heat Pumps". The main goals are to contribute to the high technology system design and the sustainable development goals. To achieve these goals, a test room and data collection system infrastructure will be established within the laboratory.

Development of Next-Generation High-Efficiency Axial Fans in Accordance with ERP Standards

●       Project Manager: Prof. Dr. Tahsin Engin

• Organization Supporting the Project: BVN Ventilation Systems & Electric Motors

Abstract: The subject of the project is axial fans used for ventilation, drying, heating, cooling, and other purposes where there is a need for forced air. These fans are essential equipment in both human life and industry. The electrical consumption of fans accounts for a significant portion, approximately 16%, of total electricity consumption. Even small improvements in such high-consumption equipment can significantly reduce overall electricity consumption.

Within the framework of the Kyoto Protocol, Turkey aims to reduce carbon emissions by 20% by 2025, following the ERP 2015 standards. However, with the anticipated new regulations in 2025, there is an expectation for even higher increases in efficiency. European Union countries do not permit the import of fans that do not comply with ERP 2015 regulations. In summary, to participate in the European Union market as per the agreements, it is necessary to enhance existing fans in compliance with new regulations.

Action fans, unlike conventional fans, require a new fan design representing distinct operating characteristics for each diameter, without adhering to fan similarity laws. Each diameter within the fan product family necessitates a new development process. However, designing action fans based on fundamental fan design laws and meeting efficiency expectations is nearly impossible. These fan designs need specific conceptual development and optimization efforts for improvement, leading to extended development times and increased costs.

Within the scope of this project, a design set will be created by parametrically defining all geometric parameters representing action fans. This set will facilitate a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)-based performance analysis, enabling the creation of an axial fan design methodology for the specified diameter.

Development of Dual-Blade Proprietary Fan and Web-Based Fan Selection Software for Cooling Towers

●       Project Manager: Prof. Dr. Tahsin Engin

• Organization Supporting the Project: Cenk Endüstri Tesisleri İmalat San. Tic. A.Ş.

Abstract: This study focuses on cooling towers designed to provide cooling water for various purposes in industrial facilities, utilizing innovative fans developed within the scope of the project. The dimensions of these structures are determined based on cooling load and physical constraints. Industrial cooling towers are employed in natural gas processing facilities, petrochemical plants, oil refineries, and power plants.

Cooling towers are classified according to heat transfer methods as wet and dry, based on air passage systems as natural and forced, and based on structure as packaged and field-erected.

Within this study, a comprehensive optimization of all parameters of the innovative dual-blade fan will be conducted. An original dual-blade product family ranging from 14 feet to 34 feet will be optimized for each 2 feet increment using ANSYS RSO and Adjoint solver optimization tools. For this product family, a CFD-based design methodology will be developed to determine the blade angle of a fan that can provide the specified diameter, flow rate, and pressure.