THERMAL PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT IN A SQUARE CHANNEL HEAT EXCHANGER WITH VARIOUS PARAMETERS OF V-WAVY PLATES

Numerical examinations on flow and heat transfer behaviors in a square channel heat exchanger equipped with various configurations of V-wavy plate are performed. The pitch-to-channel height ratios, wavy height-to-channel height ratios and flow directions of the test section are investigated for the Reynolds number in the range of 100 – 1000 (laminar flow regime). The finite volume method is selected for the present investigation. The results are reported in terms of flow and heat transfer mechanisms in the channel. The thermal performance assessments of the square channel fitted with the V-wavy plate are also concluded. As the numerical results, the V-wavy plate can produce the swirling flow through the heating channel. The swirling flow disturbs the thermal boundary layer on the heat transfer surface that leads to enhance heat transfer rate and thermal efficiency.