Computational Fluid Dynamics Investigation of Diverse Finned Tube Heat Exchangers

Abstract

Improving the efficiency of radiators has garnered significant attention in recent years, especially in the context of engine cooling. The design of radiator water tubes has evolved considerably to enhance cooling efficiency. Among these advancements, radiator water tubes featuring multi-lead riffle (MLR) configurations have emerged as particularly promising due to their ability to minimise heat loss through film condensation at the tube walls. The primary objective of this study is to further augment the heat transfer rate of MLR boiler tubes by incorporating inserts. Three distinct tube models were investigated: plain boiler tubes, Multi Lead Rifle (MLR), and boiler tubes equipped with longitudinal fins. Numerical analyses were conducted using CFD software. Findings revealed elevated temperatures for tubes with longitudinal fins and MLR configurations. Notably, the highest outlet temperature of 65 K was recorded for full lead tubes. On average, a 10% reduction in outlet temperatures was observed when utilising full lead tubes compared to MLR configurations. This research sheds light on the potential for enhancing heat transfer rates in boiler tubes through innovative design modifications, offering insights into optimising radiator efficiency for various engineering applications.