Performance of a plate-fin heat exchanger with vortex-generator channels: 3D-CFD simulation and experimental validation

• Published in: International journal of thermal sciences Vol. 88; pp. 180 - 192
• Main Authors: Khoshvaght-Aliabadi, M., Zangouei, S., Hormozi, F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Masson SAS 01.02.2015
• Subjects: Angles (geometry); CFD simulation; Channels; Computational fluid dynamics; Computer simulation; Correlation; Flowmeters; Fluid flow; Geometrical parameters; Mathematical models; Plate-fin heat exchanger; Vortex-generator; Vortices; CFD simulation; Plate-fin heat exchanger; Correlation; Geometrical parameters; Vortex-generator
• ISSN: 1290-0729; 1778-4166
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2014.10.001

A type of plate-fin channel with rectangular wings as a transverse vortex-generator channel was considered. The heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics of the vortex-generator channel were systematically analyzed by 3D-CFD simulations. As the first part of project, a precise and reliable experimental setup was designed and fabricated to generate a constant temperature boundary condition. Inlet–outlet bulk and surface temperatures along with flow rate data were acquired by using pt-100 and K series calibrated thermocouples and an ultrasonic flow meter, respectively. Hence, boundary conditions for the CFD simulations were well defined, and data for the validation of a reference model were generated. Comparing the experimental data with the predicted results by CFD simulation implies that the applied CFD approach can properly predict the thermal-hydraulic specifications of the vortex-generator channel. In the second part of the project, the influences of seven effective geometrical parameters (i.e. wings height, wings width, channel length, longitudinal wings pitch, transverse wings pitch, wings attach angle, and wings attack angle) for three conventional coolants flow (i.e. water, oil, and ethylene glycol) at the laminar flow regime were evaluated. As the third part of the project, general correlations were derived for Nusselt number of the coolants flow inside the plate-fin heat exchangers with vortex-generator channels. [Display omitted] •This is a CFD study on conventional working fluid flow in vortex-generator channels.•To validate the CFD simulation results, experiments were carried out.•Effects of geometrical parameters were examined and discussed.•Correlations were proposed for Nusselt number of different working fluids.