Numerical analysis of heat exchanger with inclined finned semicircular tubes☆

This article will examine the numerical analysis of airflow and heat transfer occurring in a heat exchanger with staggered finned semicircular tubes. Efficiency comparison between various inclined finned and plain tube banks provides a unique contribution to the heat exchanger design. Calculations were performed in five sets with separately applied variables- four with different degrees of finned tube inclination angle (0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees) and one with unturned plain semicircular tubes. Each set consisted of 10 simulations ranging in the Reynolds number from 1000 to 10,000. The behaviour of the fluid was presented in the form of contours of normalised: velocity, pressure and temperature; the results of all simulations were presented on graphs. The outcomes showed an improvement in the heat transfer rate from 6 % to 58 % with increasing the tube inclination angle. At the same time, rising pressure drops were observed. The highest value was recorded for the 45 degrees inclination angle. The conclusion of the study is the validity of using inclined finned tubes in heat exchangers that focus on increased heat transfer without concentrating on pressure drops.