Enhancement of heat transfer using flow disturbances in heat exchangers

Abstract

In this work was carried out the study of a heat exchanger with the tubes in line configuration and smooth fins. The aim is to intensify heat transfer in the finned tube heat exchanger with in-line configuration using vortex generators punched on the fin´s surface. Several positions of the generator were investigated, looking for the one which produces the highest heat transferred. Knowing the best location of the vortex generator were varied the angle of attack and the aspect ratio and its performance was studied. Vortex generators having angle of attack of 45º and a aspect ratio of 2 was responsible for the highest heat transferred. An enhancement heat transfer ranging from 0,31 % to 3,92 % was found, while the pressure drop increased from 2,55 % up to 26,85 %. The inclusion of vortex generators on the fin increases the heat transfer, as well as the pressure losses, when compared with the fin in smooth configuration.