Analysis of the influence of deflector shape on heat transfer rate in glass tempering process

Abstract

To solve the problem of uneven cold air flow during the tempering process, which causes glass self-detonation, distortion, and excessive fan energy consumption. Three deflector-shaped structures are proposed to enhance the cooling efficiency of the glass. Based on the combination of fluent numerical analysis and experiment, this study gives an in-depth examination of the heat transference of glass within a quenching system. The influence of deflector shapes on the heat transfer efficiency of glass is explored. The three deflectors were compared with traditional deflectors in terms of temperature, fluid flow, total heat transfer rate, and heat transfer coefficient. The simulation results agree well with the experimental data, and the established model of the glass quenching system is reliable. The rectangular deflectors reduce the glass base temperature by 3.03 K compared to traditional deflectors. Furthermore, when the rectangular deflectors are utilized, the maximum heat transfer coefficient of the glass can be up to 96.4 W/(m2·K) and the maximum total heat transfer can be up to 2622.82 W. In comparison to the traditional deflector shape, the maximum heat transfer coefficient of the designed rectangular deflectors may be enhanced by 0.58% and the maximum total heat transfer by 0.37%. The proposed design provides a suitable solution for the optimization of the tempering process as well as for the energy savings and efficiency of tempering equipment.