Toronto Metropolitan University Open Journals
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Comparative Performance Analysis of Commercial Refrigeration System With Two Temperature Levels Considering Different Refrigerants
No full textThe study seeks the optimal configuration of a refrigeration equipment capable of providing two different temperature levels. The paper investigates the performance of different schemes both from a structural and functional point of view, considering different refrigerants (R32, R448A, R449A, R450A, R513A, R515A, R1234yf, R1234ze(E), Propylene). Based on the thermodynamic analysis, five refrigeration schemes were investigated: with a single compressor, with two compressors or with step compression. The study shows that step compression leads to a reduction in mechanical work consumption and improves the coefficient of performance, while single compressor schemes present the poorest performance. The final results of the theoretical investigation emphasize the fact that both working agents and refrigeration schemes have a great influence on the coefficient of performance
Droplet Impact Behavior on a Superhydrophobic Surface in Shear Airflow: A Lattice Boltzmann Study
No full textThe dynamic behavior of droplets in air environment involves numerous issues in both science and nature. In this study, the lattice Boltzmann method is employed to numerically simulate the evolution of droplet impacting on a superhydrophobic surface in shear airflow. The influences of airflow velocity and Weber number on droplet morphology and contact behavior are investigated in detail. The results demonstrate that the shear airflow increases the droplet spreading diameter and accelerates its detachment from the surface. During the droplet rebound process, the unsteady supply of kinetic energy from the inlet airflow induces non-uniform droplet deformation and reduces its detachment height. Moreover, manipulated by the competitive effect of inertial driving force and pressure drag, the condition for achieving the longest slip distance shifts from moderate Weber numbers to higher values as the airflow intensity increases. These findings may provide insights into the interplay between aerodynamic forces and droplet dynamics
Numerical Investigation of a Solar Dryer Prototype with Phase Change Materials: Thermal Performance Evaluation
No full textThis work investigates the thermal behavior of a solar dryer that incorporates microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCM) inside aluminum containers and, optionally, an auxiliary heater to assess its impact on the solar dryer performance under a tropical climate. Numerical simulations focus on four configurations: a baseline dryer without MPCM or heater, a dryer with an auxiliary heater, a dryer with MPCM, and a dryer combining MPCM and an auxiliary heater. Results show that MPCM reduces temperature fluctuations inside the chamber and can extend favorable drying conditions. Adding an auxiliary heater stabilizes the process at higher temperatures but involves increased energy consumption. Overall, combining solar energy, MPCM-based thermal storage, and auxiliary heating provides more uniform temperature profiles and potentially shorter drying times. However, experimental validation, including different moist products to dry in the numerical model, and cost-benefit analyses are recommended for practical implementation in a scaled-up solar dryer
Investigation of Dimple Geometries for Enhanced Thermo-Aerodynamic Performance in Turbulent Channel Flow
No full textEarly research on dimples proved their great capability to enhance heat transfer in turbulent channel flows as a passive method for flow control. Recent research investigated the potential of dimples to enhance heat transfer along with drag reduction or minimal penalty of accompanying drag increase to improve the overall thermo-aerodynamic efficiency. Dimples performance shows to be sensitive to many design parameters, such as dimple shape, size, edge ratio, and other factors as well as the flow conditions. The aim of this study is to show the impact of dimple shape and Reynolds number on the thermo-aerodynamic performance of turbulent flow over shallow dimples. For this purpose, wall-resolved Large Eddy Simulation (LES) is used to simulate the flow over relatively shallow dimples of different designs, circular, elliptical, teardrop, and diamond, fitted on the bottom wall of the channel in a staggered form at different Reynolds numbers, Reτ ≅ 180, 395,and 590. The circular dimple shows the best heat transfer enhancement with up to 18.5%, however, this is accompanied by increase in the required pumping power up to 4.3%. On the other hand, the diamond dimple has the best drag performance with a reduction in the required pumping power up to 8.1% accompanied with the lowest enhancement in heat transfer among the investigated dimples up to 4.7%. In terms of the thermo-aerodynamic efficiency, all dimples under investigation showed better area and volume goodness factors compared to the flat channel at the corresponding Reynolds number with an increase up to 6.3% and 6.8%, respectively.
Keywords: Dimples, Heat Transfer Enhancement, Drag Reduction, Turbulent Flow, Thermo-Aerodynamic Efficiency, Passive Techniques, Large Eddy Simulation, internal flow, flow contro
A simple Shape Factor for Heat Conduction in Heterogeneous Solids
No full textHeat flow in particulate materials is of interest to engineers and scientists in a range of applications. In this paper a simplified conduction shape factor which may be used for a wide range of particle geometries is proposed. The shape factor may be employed using a modification of Maxwell’s effective conductivity model. Numerical simulations were performed for ellipses and ellipsoids that demonstrated that the shape factor is effective for both individual and multiple ellipses or ellipsoids, with differences between the simulated and predicted effective thermal conductivities being of the order of 1 %
Multicriteria Analysis and Evaluation Methodology of Offshore Wind Energy Exploitation Sites in the Romanian Black Sea Coastal Waters
No full textRomania holds a substantial offshore wind potential in the Black Sea. Unlocking this potential represents a strategic opportunity for advancing the country’s energy transition objectives and enhancing national energy security. In this respect, the Offshore Wind Energy Law (Law 121/2024), adopted in 2024, establishes the general legal framework for the development of offshore wind in Romania and fulfills a milestone within the country’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).
The Romanian Energy Strategy 2025–2035 (with a perspective towards 2050) sets a national target of 3 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2035.
Given the high cost and technical complexity associated with offshore wind development - from exploration to decommissioning - this paper proposes an AI-assisted methodology for evaluating offshore wind project sites. Two comparative reference models are explored: one based on a large language model (LLM) and the other on a small language model (SLM), both employed to identify the most relevant site selection criteria. A machine learning (ML) approach is used to define weighting factors and generate multicriteria ranking of candidate locations
A Framework for Understanding Racism as a Root Cause of the Lack of Representation in Dietetics
No full textNot all patients are the same: The impact of social determinants of health on patient outcomes
No full textThis paper explores the relationship between the social determinants of health and their role in individual health. This paper stresses the importance of addressing these factors during healthcare delivery as they play a crucial role in the trajectories of health amongstindividuals and communities. The authors present and compare two seemingly identical patients and review the relationship between social determinants of health and patients with diabetes, their effects during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of addressing them during patient-provider interactions. Lastly, challenges faced by patients, specifically those of the LGBTQ+ community, and healthcare providers in discussing and incorporating social determinants of health during healthcare delivery are explored. Ways to limit and overcome these barriers are also discussed
Internationally educated nurses’ workforce and workplace integration experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario: Qualitative descriptive study
No full textBackground. Integrating internationally educated nurses (IENs) into Ontario’s healthcare workforce is crucial for addressing nurse shortages, meeting increased healthcare demands, and ensuring quality patient care. However, internationally educated nurses face numerous challenges during integration. Their experiences following the 2015 registration requirement changes and the COVID-19 pandemic remain unknown. This study aimed to understand and describe internationally educated nurses’ experiences during their integration processes and the support needed to streamline them. Methods. This study employed a qualitative description approach, using semi-structured one-on-one virtual interviews with twelve internationally educated nurses. Data collection and analysis were completed concurrently and informed by the Braun and Clark framework and the Transition Theory. Results. Three main themes with twelve subthemes emerged from internationally educated nurse interview analyses: internationally educated nurse experiences pre-registration, experiences post-registration, and support and call for improvements. Conclusion. This study highlighted the multifaceted challenges internationally educated nurses face when integrating into the Canadian healthcare system. Collaboration among all stakeholders, including internationally educated nurses, is essential to overcoming these challenges and facilitating integration
Mental Health Work with Ukrainian Migrants: Reflections Using Maslow’s Theoretical Lens
No full textWithin this paper I reflect upon the challenges I encountered as a result of the war in Ukraine, both personally as a Ukrainian-Canadian, and professionally, as a psychotherapist working with Ukrainian migrants. I begin by providing context on my personal experiences, and proceed to discuss my journey as a mental health practitioner engaging in support-group work in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). I employ the theoretical framework of Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to provide a lens through which I can assess my own growth as an individual, in addition to providing a framework for my assessment of the progress among my support group participants. Key themes that this reflection will emphasize are the importance of holding a safe space for others, facilitating a “felt sense” of safety, and promoting a sense of belonging within a community. I conclude with a discussion of the benefits of applying Maslow’s theory in the context of psychotherapy, and suggest that the application of Maslow’s theory can be expanded upon within the helping professions more widely, specifically within the nursing field