Corrugated channels heat transfer efficiency analysis based on velocity fields resulting from computer simulation and PIV measurements

Abstract

Paper presented at the 8th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics, Mauritius, 11-13 July, 2011.

Numerical and experimental studies of flow and heat transfer, in corrugated channels, are presented. Such channels are representative of compact heat exchangers − for example air or water pre-heaters. The most important characteristic parameter of these channels, apart from the channel wall shape, is the angle between two corrugated sheets. Paper presents measurement results, related to velocity field in such channels – by the PIV-method. The efficiency analysis, based on the irreversible entropy generation, takes account of two processes: flow resulting from the pressure gradient and heat transfer delivered from solid walls. This approach is checked initially, in details, for arrangements related to two values of the angle mentioned, i.e. 0 and 90° : it allows comparing velocity fields obtained from the computer simulation and PIV measurement (the latter in special corrugated sheets). More extensive computer simulation results, for different wall shapes (sinuses and semi-circles) and for angle value mentioned and equal to 90°, are also presented.