Numerical investigation of fluid flow and heat transfer over louvered fins in compact heat exchanger

• Published in: International journal of thermal sciences 2007-02, Vol.46 (2), p.199-211
• Main Authors: Malapure, V.P., Mitra, Sushanta K., Bhattacharya, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Devices using thermal energy; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Friction factor; Heat exchangers; Heat exchangers (included heat transformers, condensers, cooling towers); Louvered fins; Stanton number
• ISSN: 1290-0729; 1778-4166
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2006.04.010

Numerical investigation of fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics over louvered fins and flat tube in compact heat exchangers is presented in this study. Three-dimensional simulations of single and double row tubes with louvered fins have been conducted. Simulations are performed for different geometries with varying louver pitch, louver angle, fin pitch and tube pitch and for different Reynolds number. Conjugate heat transfer and conduction through the fins are considered. The air-side performance of heat exchanger is evaluated by calculating Stanton number and friction factor. The results are compared with experiment and a good agreement is observed. The local Nusselt number variation along the top surface of the louver is calculated and effects of geometrical parameters on the average heat transfer coefficient is computed. Design curves are obtained which can used to predict the heat transfer and the pressure drop for a given louver geometry.