A numerical investigation of primary surface rounded cross wavy ducts

Abstract A three-dimensional numerical study was conducted to assess the hydraulic and heat transfer performance of primary surface type heat exchanger surfaces, called cross wavy (CW) ducts aimed for recuperators. The governing equations, i.e., the mass conservation equation, Navier–Stokes equations and the energy equation, are solved numerically by a finite volume method for boundary fitted coordinates. Periodic boundary conditions are imposed in the main flow direction. In this particular case laminar convective flow and heat transfer prevail. Details of the recuperator ducts and the numerical method as well as relevant results are presented.