Turbulence recognition in free convective flow by thermal-video post-processing in the case of a thermal power plant mill

Abstract

This paper presents a study of a free convection flow around the walls of a ventilation mill of the Thermal Power Plant "Kostolac B", Kostolac, Serbia. A combined method consists of thermography and software post-processing, PATS. The PATS is specially developed for recognition of turbulence zones by the custom processing of large input data sets from thermal videos. The calculations determine maximum temperature fluctuation i.e. peak-to-peak fluctuation at every spot during the recording time. Three thermal videos of the walls were analyzed. Maximum temperature fluctuation occurred in the zones close to the obstacles, which are thus recognized as one of the main sources of turbulence. Besides, PATS has recognized fine camera oscillations and mechanical movements of a flexible material near the dozer wall. The detected zones of turbulence correspond to the previous studies and to the theory. The method shows good potential in the field of free convective flow research through the improvement of testing efficiency and cost savings. State-of-the-art thermograph cameras and updated software are recommended.