El Hadji I Cisse^1,*, Baye Alioune Ndiogou^1,2, Soumaïla Tigampo¹, Ababacar Thiam^1,3, Dorothé Azilinon¹

FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.19, No.4, pp. 901-910, 2023, DOI:10.32604/fdmp.2022.021973

Abstract A study is conducted to optimize the geometry of a solar chimney equipped with a horizontal absorber in order to improve its performances in relation to the provision of ventilation. The problem is tackled through numerical solution of the governing equations for mass, momentum and energy in their complete three-dimensional and unsteady formulation. The numerical framework also includes a turbulence model (k-ε) and a radiant heat transfer (DO) model. Moreover, a Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) is employed to derive the optimal configuration of the considered solar chimney. It is shown that an air velocity of 0.2 m/s can be obtained.… More >

Wenbei Bi¹, Zengfeng Yan^1,*, Huan Zhao¹, Lixin Sun², Xudong Wang^3,4, Zhengmo Zhang³

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.8, No.12, pp. 1691-1710, 2020, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2020.012808

Abstract Murals in Mogao Grottoes consist of three parts: support layer, earthen plasters and paint layer. The earthen plasters play a key role in the preservation of murals. It is a mixture of Dengban soil, sand, and plant fiber. Two different natural fibers, hemp fiber and cotton fiber, were reinforced to earthen plasters in the same percentage to evaluate the influence on hygrothermal performance. The two types of earthen plasters were studied: one containing hemp fiber in the fine plaster (HFP) and the other containing cotton fiber in the fine plaster (CFP). Specific heat capacity, dry thermal conductivity, water vapor permeability,… More >