Computational analysis of a heat transfer characteristic of a wavy and corrugated channel

Abstract

In a compact heat exchanger, optimal surface area utilization through the use of various channel and surface configurations contributes to creating a more efficient heat exchanger. In recent years, researchers have focused their attention on the usage of various types of channels and surfaces in heat exchangers, and a number of performance-based assessments have been published in this field. An in-depth thermal analysis of fluid flow and heat transfer within a wavy channel and corrugated channel heat exchanger is presented in this paper. Considering problem statement and the energy equation a two-dimensional computational model of the wavy and corrugated channel has been designed with the aim of simulation. The Navier-Stokes equation, which governs the flow, is solved with the help of the ANSYS fluent solver. Through the whole length of the channel, the effect of Reynolds number on various parameters such as surface Nusselt number, friction factor, wall shear, and pressure distribution has been explored to determine their relationships. According to the findings, the wavy channel has a better heat transfer capability than the smooth and corrugated channels when subjected to turbulent flow (with a high Reynolds number).