Abstract
The fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics in parallel flow double-layer microchannel heat exchanger are investigated both numerically and experimentally. The effect of microchannel height, width and spacing on fluid flow and heat transfer performance is comprehensively studied. The numerical results are firstly validated by comparing the Nusselt number, pressure loss and friction factor with the experimental data. Subsequently, the velocity and temperature profiles from simulation results are obtained to study the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics. The results show that the increasing height and width have an appreciable contribution to the velocity profile. The dimensionless hydrodynamic entrance length does not depend on microchannel size. Moreover, average Nusselt number increases with increasing width and decreasing height for simultaneously thermally and hydrodynamically developing flow. The friction factor is found to decrease slightly with increasing spacing and decreasing height and width. Taking the average Nusselt number, friction factor and the thermal performance index as an evaluation criterion, the heat exchanger with microchannels of 1–1.5 mm in height, 0.4–0.6 mm in width and 0.6–0.8 mm in spacing shows better heat exchange performance.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.