Numerical Assessment of Vortex Generators for Enhancing Thermal Performance in Corrugated Tubes

Abstract

The effectiveness of triangular baffles in enhancing heat transfer within corrugated tubes is examined numerically in this study. Two key parameters influencing performance are examined: baffle placement (staggered and aligned) and their angles of attack (0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°). Heat transfer, friction, as well as performance metrics are comprehensively examined and compared for both configurations. The finite element method (FEM) implemented in CFD software COMSOL Multiphysics 6.1 is employed for simulations across a range of Reynolds numbers (100-400). Results reveal significant heat transfer improvements due to the proposed baffle configurations. Notably, aligned baffles with a 30° angle of attack achieve a 43.6% increase the heat transfer when compared to the baffle-free scenario. Staggered baffles with a 15° angle of attack demonstrate a superior 55.3% improvement compared to the baseline. A comprehensive evaluation of performance criteria identifies staggered baffles with a 30° angle of attack as the optimal configuration for maximizing heat transfer within corrugated tubes.

Keywords

• heat exchanger
• staggered and aligned baffles
• corrugated tube
• vortex generator
• finite element method