Some physical insights into a two-row finned-tube heat transfer
Journal
Computers and Fluids
Journal Volume
27
Journal Issue
1
Pages
29-46
Date Issued
1998
Author(s)
Abstract
A three-dimensional numerical study was conducted to broaden our knowledge of the conjugate heat transfer in a finned-tube heat exchanger element. A finite volume discretization method and a SIMPLE-based solution algorithm were applied to working differential equations and their discrete counterparts for computation of gas velocities and temperatures. Since the heat transfer between the gaseous and solid phases is determined by the complex flow structure, calculations for three-dimensional thermally and hydrodynamically developing laminar flows are performed by iteratively solving the heat conduction equation for the plate fin and conservation equations for the gas phase via the coupling boundary condition. The emphasis of this study is directed toward numerical exploration of the flow structure. To this end, the underlying topological theory shows the promise of being a powerful tool for the study of flow details. In dry conditions, some insight in the heat-transfer capability of the two-row finned-tube heat exchanger can be gained by examining the span-averaged Nusselt number and span-averaged pressure drop in the flow passage. © 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
SDGs
Type
journal article