Experimental study on single phase operation of microjet augmented heat exchanger with enhanced heat transfer surface

Abstract

The article presents experimental investigations on a prototype heat exchanger. Presented research is focused on combined active and passive enhancement techniques of surface modification and microjet impingement. The results were compared to reference plate heat exchanger without microjet impingement.The Wilson plot method was applied to determine the heat transfer coefficients in the single phase operation. The heat exchanger was capable of exchanging 300 W of thermal energy at LMTD of 40 K. The obtained overall heat transfer rates reach 600 W/m2.Introducing knurled surface resulted in ∼10% increase heat transfer area, and similar enhancement in transferred heat in reference to plate heat exchanger geometry. Knurled surface decreased heat transfer in combination with a multi-jet impingement in comparison to a smooth surface. A possible explanation of that effect is that the flow in wall jet region is disrupted by the knurled surface and directed in the bulk of the fluid. Initiating mixing with colder fluid, thicker thermal boundary layer, and affecting local temperature distribution.