Experimental investigation on overall thermal performance of fluid-flow in a rectangular channel with discrete V-pattern baffle

Abstract

This work presents the results of an experimental study of thermohydraulic performance of rectangular channel having discrete V-pattern baffle attached on the broad wall. Measurements have been carried out for the aspect channel ratio of 10, Reynolds number from 3000 to 21000, relative baffle height value of 0.50, relative baffle pitch value of 1.5, relative gap width value of 1.0, flow attack angle value of 60°, and relative discrete distance values of 0.26 to 0.83. The heat transfer and friction factor data obtained were compared with the data obtained from a smooth wall channel under similar operating conditions. In comparison to the smooth wall channel the discrete V-pattern baffle channel enhanced the Nusselt number and friction factor by 3.89 and 6.08 times, respectively. The overall thermal performance parameter is found superior for the relative discrete distance of 0.67. Discrete V-pattern baffle roughness shape has also been shown to be overall thermal performance higher in comparison to other continuous (without discrete) V-pattern baffle shape rectangular channel.