Effect of helical baffles and water‐based Al2O3, CuO, and SiO2 nanoparticles in the enhancement of thermal performance for shell and tube heat exchanger

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, Shell and tube heat exchanger (STHX) with 22% cut segmental baffles and helical baffles with 20°, 30°, 40° inclination angles are considered for three‐dimensional CFD analysis using the ANSYS FLUENT tool to investigate the performance of STHX. OHTC and comprehensive performance index are higher for 40° helical baffles when compared to segmental baffle and 20°, 30° helical baffle heat exchangers with water as working fluid. Hence, further investigations are carried out for 40° helical baffle heat exchangers. Numerical investigations are extended with nanofluids (Al2O3, CuO, and SiO2) at 1%, 3%, and 5% volume concentrations for each nanofluid. Under the same mass flow rates, 40° helical baffles with Al2O3 nanofluid as working fluid provided better heat transfer rates when compared to the other two nanofluids and base fluid. Also, the authors noticed that the 5% volume (vol) concentration nanofluids provided better heat transfer enhancements when compared to 1%, 3% volume concentrations, and base fluid. Enhancements (10.33%–8.24%) from lower to the higher mass flow rate in 40° HB with Al2O3 nanofluid at 5% volume concentration are observed when compared to water as base fluid.