Inverse Problem Approach Applied to the Study of Heat Transfer Maximization: shape Optimization of Butterfly Inserts

Abstract

In the present work it is presented and tested a promising and innovative procedure, based on inverse problem approach, for the heat transfer performance maximization of pipes fitted with butterfly-shaped inserts. They promote heat transfer enhancement by transferring the fluid from pipe wall and mixing it with bulk fluid from the central flow, maximizing mass and heat transports. However, this kind of inserts might be dangerous in some cases due to the existence of important differences in the fluid temperature and heat flux distributions. It is here proposed the implementation of an inverse method to infrared measurements: it allows to assess the local convective heat flux for forced convection flow in pipes with inserts and, thanks to these results, optimize insert geometry to maximize the heat transfer processes. Three different geometries of butterfly inserts were investigated in terms of local and global thermal behavior to obtain, given a specific application, the most effective one. Although the main objective of the present work is the application of an original approach, the experimental outcomes achieved in this study are already suitable for the design of heat transfer apparatuses for processes where product temperature should be precisely monitored (e.g., food and drug sector).

Additional information

Funding

The research was granted by METROFOOD-IT project [code IR0000033] funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 4 Component 2 Investment 3.1 – Call for tender No. 3264 of 28/12/2021 of Italian Ministry of University and Research funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.

Notes on contributors

Luca Cattani

Luca Cattani was born in Parma (1986), graduated summa cum laude in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Parma (2011). PhD in Industrial Engineering (2015), Post-Doc Research Fellow (2015) and then University Researcher (2021) in Applied Physics at the Department of Engineering and Architecture at the University of Parma. The research activity, both theoretical and experimental, is focused on the convective heat transfer enhancement techniques mainly applied to the optimization of heat exchangers for food industry. At the same time, his research activity has been focused also on the study, the application, and the elaboration of inverse heat conduction problem solution techniques. He is particularly involved in developing mathematical methods applied to the estimation of the local convective heat transfer coefficient.

Fabio Bozzoli

Fabio Bozzoli was born in Mantova (1974), graduated summa cum laude in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Parma (2001). PhD in Industrial Engineering (2005), University Researcher (2005) then Associate Professor (2015) in Applied Physics at the Department of Engineering and Architecture at the University of Parma. The research activity, both theoretical and experimental, is focused mainly on the solution of the inverse heat conduction problem, developing data processing techniques applied to the estimation of the local convective heat transfer coefficient. At the same time, by adopting both numerical and experimental study approach, he studied the physical phenomena that rules the working principles of Pulsating heat pipes.

Sara Rainieri

Sara Rainieri was born in Fidenza (1969) and graduated summa cum laude in Physics at the University of Parma in 1993. PhD in Applied Physics (1997), university researcher (1999), associate professor (2002) and full professor (2015) in Applied Physics at the Department of Engineering and Architecture of the University of Parma. From 2017 she is Pro Rector for Education and Students’ Affairs for the same University. The research activity is focused mainly on heat transfer enhancement techniques, with particular attention to the forced convection in corrugated and curved tubes for fluids showing high viscosity and complex rheological behavior. Her research activity has been focused also on both theoretical and experimental approaches for the solution of the inverse heat conduction problem and on the validation of advanced data processing procedures, based on the infrared techniques, applied to the estimation of the local convective heat transfer coefficient.