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Numerical predictions of flow topology and heat transfer in a square duct with staggered V-ribs
Author(s)
Boonloi, Amnart
Date Issued
December 1, 2022
Type
Article
Abstract
Performance augmentation of a square duct heat exchanger by a passive technique is numerically investigated. V-pattern ribs are used as vortex turbulators to enhance heat exchanger performance. The V-rib arrangement is designed with two important factors: 1. to increase the heat transfer coefficient by disturbing thermal boundary layers and to expedite fluid mixing and 2. to remain or decline the friction loss across the ribbed duct when compared with a typical in-line V-rib arrangement. The effects of rib heights (b/H = 0.05–0.20), rib pitch (P/H = 1–2) and flow paths (+x and -x) on fluid structure and thermal characteristics are studied within a laminar flow regime. Numerical analysis using the finite volume method (FVM) is chosen to predict the fluid structure and thermal mechanisms within the ribbed duct. Validating topics: smooth duct validation and grid independence, are firstly investigated. Simulation results are analyzed in forms of fluid structure and thermal behaviors. Performance assessment (thermal enhancement factor, friction factor ratio and Nusselt number ratio) within the tested section are also concluded. The simulation results show that the best TEF is found to be around 4.5, while the maximum Nusselt number ratio is around 19.39.
Citation
International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, 139, 2022