Performance Optimization of Finned Surfaces Based on the Experimental and Numerical Study

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of numerical and experimental investigations into the forced convection heat transfer from horizontal surfaces with straight rectangular fins at Reynolds numbers ranging from 23,600 to 150,000. A test setup was constructed to measure the heat transfer rate from a horizontal surface with a constant number of fins, fin width, and fin length under different flow conditions. Two-dimensional numerical analyses were performed to observe the heat transfer and flow behavior using a computer program developed based on the OPENFOAM platform. The code developed was verified by comparing the numerical results with the experimental results. The effect of geometrical parameters on heat transfer coefficient and Nusselt number was investigated for different fin height and width ratios. Results showed that heat transfer can be increased by modifying the fin structure geometrical parameters. A correlation for Nusselt number was developed and presented for steady-state, turbulent flows over rectangular fin arrays, taking into account varying Prandtl number of fluids such as water liquid, water vapor, CO2, CH4, and air. The correlation developed predicts the Nusselt number with a relative root mean square error of 0.36%. This research provides valuable insights into the effects of varying Prandtl numbers on the efficiency of forced convection cooling and will help in the design and operation of cooling systems. This study is novel in its approach as it takes into account the effect of varying Prandtl numbers on the heat transfer coefficient and Nusselt number and provides a correlation for the same. It will serve as a valuable reference for engineers and designers while designing and operating cooling systems.