Application of Taguchi method and response surface methodology (RSM) for parametric optimization of natural convection heat transfer inside a triangular porous enclosure with in-line rectangular finned array

Abstract

ABSTRACT Taguchi method is an experimental design methodology that uses a statistical technique to optimize process parameters while minimizing variability and improving output quality. In this article, Taguchi methodology has been utilized for parametric optimization of the design of a porous triangular enclosure, with an in-line rectangular finned array, to achieve maximum natural convection heat transfer. Three influencing parameters viz. fin spacing (S), percentage volume occupied (Vo) (measure of enclosure porosity), and fin tip to cooling plate distance (d), are optimized with consideration of maximizing the heat transfer (i.e. Nusselt number). The experimental design has been created using Taguchi’s L9 (3^3) orthogonal array. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) table, regression equation, response surfaces, and contour plots have also been generated using Response surface methodology, and the optimum values of influencing parameters have been suggested.