Numerical Evaluation the Impact of the Inserts Shape on Thermo-Flow Behavior in a Heat Exchanger

Abstract

The improvement of transfers in a heat exchanger can be achieved either by increasing its coolant thermal conductivity or by modifying its geometrical configuration. In this paper, we will be interested in the latter technique by choosing a three-dimensional configuration represented by a channel of rectangular section, on which solid fins of square, circular, or diamond section (vortex generator) have been transversally mounted, which are moreover adiabatic and non-rotating. A convective and forced airflow traverses the channel, and the study focused in principle on the effects of the shape of the fins on the structure of the flow and the rate of heat transfer. The problem is governed by the Navier-Stokes system, coupled with the energy equation de-scribing the thermal process. The resolution of the equation system governing the hydrodynamic phenomenon is performed numerically in three dimensions. To do this, the governing equations of the thermo-hydrodynamic phenomenon are discretized by a finite volume scheme. As for turbulence, it is modeled using the standard model k-ɛ, and the problem of pressure-velocity coupling is solved by the SIMPLE algorithm (Semi Implicit Method for Pressure Linked Equation). The computed results are presented as curves for the Nusselt number, friction factor, thermal enhancement factor, or amount of heat dissipated, and as a map for the contour of the axial velocity norm and the temperature field distribution.