Numerical estimation of pressure drop and heat transfer characteristics in annular-finned channel heat exchangers with different channel configurations

In this numerical investigation, three-dimensional analysis has been used to study the effect of finned channels configuration of (circular, square, and triangular shape) and fin spacing with four rows in staggered arrangements. The finite volume method with k-omega turbulent model is applied to estimate the heat transfer and flow characteristics. The results illustrate that the development of the boundary layer between the fins surfaces is credited to the finned channels configuration, fin spacing, and Reynolds number. Moreover, the results of pressure drop and heat transfer with various channel configuration and different fin spacings (1.6, 2, and 4 mm) are presented and validated with the available correlations. The triangular-finned channel with 1.6 mm fin spacing offered higher heat transfer enhancement followed by square- and circular-finned channels. A considerable agreement was observed when the current findings and the existing correlations were compared, with a maximum deviation of 15% for all the cases.