Computational study of mixed convective heat transfer from a shrouded vertical dual-height plate fin array

Abstract

Shrouded fin heat transfer has been investigated by many researchers in the recent time because of its broad applicability in engineering/industrial applications. Literature unveils the fact that almost all studies involving shrouded fin consider the fixed-height fin array. There is a limited literature in which it is predicted that dual-height fin array augments the heat transfer. These results are important since they require lesser material for enhanced heat transfer. In this present study, a computational code is developed to study the mixed convective heat transfer from a shrouded vertical dual-height plate fin array for possible improved heat transfer. Results indicate that induced velocity increases with decreasing reduced-height of fin for smaller fin spacing which enhances the heat transfer rate. Variation of friction factor multiplied by the Reynolds number (fRe) with the geometric parameters shows lower value for the case of dual-height fin array. Overall heat transfer coefficient shows improved results for the dual-height fin array involving lower Grashof numbers at different inlet velocities. But, for higher velocities, better results are noticed only in the case of larger clearances. The thermo-hydrodynamic performance parameter is found to be greater for the dual-height fin array than that of the fixed-height fin array. Computed axial pressure difference and overall Nusselt number are correlated with the governing parameters of the problem.