Free convective energy management of an inclined enclosure mounted with triple heating elements: Multiple morphology optimizations with unique global energy supply

An objective-oriented optimization procedure consisting of a simplified conjugated gradient methodology and a two-dimensional fluid and thermal energy transfer model is implemented to discover optimal morphologies of local heating elements. Direct heat transfer problem and inverse optimization problem are subsequently investigated. Full simulation shows that thermal Rayleigh number, enclosure inclination, heating strength ratio and size ratio of local heating sources have significant effects on the natural convection heat transfer in the inclined enclosure, asymptotically modeling like solar energy collectors or electronic boxes. The fluid flow and energy transfer inside the enclosure are analyzed in some representative situations, by the simultaneous use of streamlines, isotherms and heatlines. Inverse natural convection solutions on the maximization of global conductance are addressed, concerning on the effects of thermal Rayleigh number, inclination angle, heater strength ratio and heater length ratio. Mathematical correlations have been proposed by the multiple linear regressions to identify the role of governing parameters on maximizing global conductance and optimal morphologies of the discrete heat sources, concerning on the unique global heating flux. Present numerical methodology and inverse procedures could benefit free cooling of electronic components and effective solar collection elements.