A review on computational fluid dynamics of heat exchanger (KEY IJP************624)

• Mr Vikas S Zadkhande,Mr. Santosh Rama Shekokar,Mr. N A Kharche ,Mr. R.r. Bhamre

Abstract

This study focuses on the comparative investigation of counter flow heat exchangers, specifically analyzing the performance differences between plain and twisted pipe configurations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. Heat exchangers are vital components in industries such as power generation, chemical processing, and HVAC systems, where efficient thermal management is crucial. The efficiency of a heat exchanger is significantly influenced by the design of the pipes through which the working fluids flow. Twisted pipes, with their unique geometry, are known to induce secondary flows and enhance turbulence, potentially leading to improved heat transfer compared to plain pipes. In this research, CFD simulations were employed to model the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics within both plain and twisted pipe heat exchangers operating under identical counter flow conditions. The study meticulously compares the thermal performance, including heat transfer rates and pressure drops, for each pipe configuration. Additionally, the impact of flow velocity, fluid properties, and pipe dimensions on the overall efficiency of the heat exchangers was examined. The simulation results reveal that twisted pipes offer a significant enhancement in heat transfer due to the increased surface area and induced turbulence, albeit with a corresponding increase in pressure drop. This trade-off between heat transfer improvement and pressure loss is crucial in determining the suitability of twisted pipes for specific applications. Plain pipes, while exhibiting lower pressure drops, deliver comparatively lower heat transfer rates. The findings provide valuable insights for engineers and designers in selecting the appropriate pipe configuration based on specific operational requirements. This comparative analysis demonstrates the potential of twisted pipes to enhance the performance of counter flow heat exchangers, making them a viable option for applications where heat transfer efficiency is paramount, and pressure losses can be managed.Keywords: Counter flow heat exchanger, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), heat transfer.