Forced convection in multichannel configuration in the presence of blocks insert along the flow path

Abstract

Forced convection in laminar and turbulent regimes in porous channels received a considerable experimental and numerical development focussing on enhancing heat transfer and reducing pressure drop. Different types of fluids such as water, nanofluid, and hybrid fluids have been used as working fluids to reject heat from the cooled surfaces. In the present study, we investigate heat enhancement in two selected multi-channel configurations using three types of fluids: water, ethylene glycol, and a mix of 50% water and 50% ethylene glycol. The flow over a mini set of blocks distributed uniformly/non-uniformly in each of the two studied multi-channel configurations. These blocks act as fins for heat removal. Results reveal that the presence of the blocks creates a non-uniform temperature distribution. The non-uniform block distributions cause a low-pressure drop in the channel. It is also noticeable, that changing the block's height improves the heat removal rate at the expense of an increase in pressure drop. Our results affirme that water removes heat more efficiently in the channel insert for blocks arranged uniformly or non-uniformly along the flow path.

Keywords

• Water
• Ethylene glycol
• Rectangular channels
• Pressure drop
• Fanning friction
• Laminar flow