Thermo-hydraulic performance optimization of wavy fin heat exchanger by combining delta winglet vortex generators

Abstract Wavy fins and vortex generators are effective methods for enhancing heat transfer of heat exchangers. In general, wavy fins and vortex generators are studied separately in the literature. A novel combination of a wavy fin and vortex generators is proposed in the present study. The effects of different corrugation angles of the wavy fin and different attack angles of the vortex generators are numerically studied to optimize the thermo-hydraulic performance of the novel combination. The Nusselt number, friction factor, and thermal performance factor are compared between different corrugation angles and attack angles and between wavy fins with and without vortex generators. The heat transfer performance is improved considerably by the novel combination. The maximum thermal performance factor increases by 26.4% owing to the combination of the vortex generator and wavy fin. The optimum attack angle of the vortex generator, which yields the highest heat transfer performance of the wavy fin plate heat exchanger, is reported as 45°.

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