Heat transfer modeling and performance analysis of an electronically controlled heat-exchanger engine
International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, vol.178, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 178
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.icheatmasstransfer.2026.111966
- Journal Name: International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Engineering Source (EBSCO)
- Keywords: : Zero-emission, Engine, Heat-exchanger, Parametrical evaluation, Performance, Working fluid
- Yıldız Technical University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study introduces a novel zero-emission engine concept—the electronically controlled heat-exchanger engine—and presents a theoretical heat-transfer model incorporating real-time simulation. The investigation evaluates the influence of time-dependent design and operating parameters, including stroke time, cylinder and pipe dimensions, and working fluid properties, on key performance characteristics such as cumulative work, power output, and efficiencies.The results indicate that decreasing stroke time enhances power output, cumulative work, and efficiencies, whereas increasing stroke time amplifies in-cylinder temperature, volume, and pressure amplitudes. Geometric analysis reveals a trade-off: increasing cylinder diameter and length boosts work and power, while reducing them favors higher efficiencies. Conversely, performance metrics universally decline with reductions in external pipe dimensions, fluid pressure, or mass flow rate. Thermodynamically, increasing the high-temperature fluid temperature or the initial working fluid pressure enhances work and power output but minimizes efficiencies. In contrast, raising the initial working fluid temperature improves efficiencies while reducing power output. Under base design conditions, the engine achieved 1213 kJ of work, 0.337 kW of power, 37.12% energy efficiency, and 59.62% exergy efficiency. Parametric optimization demonstrated that maximum work (2240 kJ) and power (0.6223 kW) were attained with an external fluid mass flow rate of 0.5 kg/s, while maximum energy (38.22%) and exergy (61.37%) efficiencies were achieved at an initial working fluid temperature of 500 K.