NUMERICAL STUDY OF HEAT TRANSFER IN TWO-ROW HEAT EXCHANGERS HAVING EXTENDED FIN SURFACES

Abstract

This paper reports on a three-dimensional study of air through two-row cylinder tubes. The analysis is intended to present a comparison of numerical and experimental data to validate the laminar flow postulation. The current study explores the influence of four perforated fin surfaces on the pressure drop and heat transfer rate. To gain further insight into the three-dimensional vortical flow structure, we conduct a topological study of the velocity field. Examination of the surface flow topology and the flow patterns at cross-flow planes sheds some light on the complex interaction of the cylinder tube with the mainstream flow. This study clearly reveals a saddle point in front of the first row of cylinder tubes. Also clearly revealed by the computed solutions is a flow reversal found in the wake of the tube. The character of the critical-point-induced flow is also addressed. This study shows that the addition of perforated fins is not without deficiency. There is, in fact, a trade-off between the benefit of having an improved heat transfer and the penalty of having an increased pressure drop.