Flow distribution property of the constructal distributor and heat transfer intensification in a mini heat exchanger

• Published in: AIChE journal 2008-11, Vol.54 (11), p.2796-2808
• Main Authors: Fan, Yilin, Boichot, Raphaël, Goldin, Thierry, Luo, Lingai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemical and Process Engineering; Chemical engineering; Chemical Sciences; collector; constructal component; distributor; Energy consumption; Engineering Sciences; Exact sciences and technology; flow maldistribution; Fluid mechanics; Heat and mass transfer. Packings, plates; Heat exchangers; Heat exchangers and evaporators; Heat transfer; heat transfer intensification; Hydraulics; Hydrodynamics of contact apparatus; Material chemistry; pump power consumption; Pumps; Studies
• ISSN: 0001-1541; 1547-5905
• DOI: 10.1002/aic.11597

This article reports a numerical and experimental study on flow maldistribution and heat transfer intensification in a mini heat exchanger with constructal distributor/collector integrated. The flow distribution characteristics of the constructal component functioning as a fluid distributor or as a fluid collector have been investigated and compared using computational fluid dynamics simulations. An experimental setup is designed and constructed for thermal and hydraulic performances tests. The effects of various assembly configurations on heat transfer characteristics and pressure drops are discussed. The results indicate that the integration of one constructal collector at the outlet of the heat exchanger can achieve almost uniform flow distribution and consequently better intensify the heat transfer. It is also the most advantageous configuration based on a balanced consideration of heat transfer intensification and pump power consumption under the investigation conditions. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008