This paper aims to develop enhanced surfaces that possess improved heat transfer rate with moderate flow pressure‐drop.
The characteristics of the heat transfer and flow resistance in a parallel‐plate channel with flow‐inclining fins have been numerically and experimentally studied. In the turbulent flow range, the effect of the fin angle from 0 to 23.2° in addition to three channel heights, has been investigated.
The friction factor and the Nusselt number of the experimented 3D finned ducts are both lower than those of the numerical 2D channel at the same Reynolds number. The assessment under the constraint of the same pump power consumption shows that the enhancement ratio, Num/Nu0, is in between 1.6 ∼ 3.3. Showing different priority, the fin of β=23.2° is the most profitable for the 2D channel, while the case of β=16.0° is superior to the other fin angles for thicker 3D ducts.
For wide flat channels the 3D fins rather than the 2D fins are profitable. The deployment of the 3D fin, which is unchangeable in the current study, should be further optimized. The fin dimension and configuration in other duct forms are also challenging subjects.
The results can be referenced by those who engage in design of plate‐fin heat exchangers. Attention should be paid to the optimum fin angle for different aspect ratios of the duct.
The study provides a practical fulfillment of the effective enhancement of the convective heat transfer with properly designed inserts that the field synergy principle predicted.
