Enhancing Heat Transfer Efficiency in Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers Using Flower Baffles and Nanofluids: A Computational Study (KEY IJP************134)

• Sunil Kumar Shah,Vineet Kumar Dwivedi

Abstract

This paper investigates the enhancement of shell and tube heat exchangers (STHX) using flower baffles and nanofluids through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and experimental validation. The study focuses on evaluating the heat transfer performance of STHX systems under varying flow conditions and configurations. Flower baffles are strategically integrated to induce turbulence and improve fluid mixing, thereby enhancing convective heat transfer coefficients. Nanofluids, specifically those containing silicon dioxide nanoparticles, are employed to exploit their superior thermal conductivity for increased heat flux. The research methodology involves designing and modeling STHX configurations in ANSYS Fluent, incorporating detailed geometries of flower baffles developed in SolidWorks. Numerical simulations are conducted to analyze heat transfer characteristics, comparing scenarios with and without flower baffles under different flow rates. Experimental validation corroborates the computational findings, affirming the effectiveness of flower baffles in augmenting heat transfer efficiency. Results demonstrate that STHX systems equipped with flower baffles and nanofluids exhibit enhanced convective heat transfer coefficients and heat flux compared to conventional setups. The findings underscore the potential of these enhancements in optimizing thermal performance across diverse industrial applications, paving the way for further advancements in heat exchanger design and application.