Abstract
This study investigates the heat transfer performance of a novel ZA27 metal foam heat exchanger. An open-celled metal foam is combined with a thin-walled copper tube in a single-step casting process. The heat transfer between two separated water streams flowing through the copper tube and foam, respectively, is measured and compared to an equivalent shell tube heat exchanger arrangement. Heat transfer enhancement of up to 71% and a heat transfer rate exceeding 30 kW are observed and attributed to the increased surface area of the metallic foam. However, overall performance was limited by the inefficient heat transfer between the internal mass stream and the copper tube.
Highlights
Metallic foams combine a metallic matrix with controlled porosity
The current study addresses the integration of ZA27 metal foams into compact heat exchangers to improve heat transfer
Zhao et al [5] conducted a numerical investigation of open-cell foam-filled-tube heat exchangers. According to their results, increased poredensity enhances the heat transfer capacity of this heat exchanger. They observed that metal foam heat exchangers outperformed the finned tube heat exchangers that were considered in this study
Summary
Metallic foams combine a metallic matrix with controlled porosity. Closed-cell metallic foams exhibit superior mechanical properties and are predominantly considered for structural applications [1]. Open-cell metallic foams combine a highly conductive metallic matrix with a large volumetric surface area. This combination suggests their use for functional applications such as heat exchangers [2], electrodes [3] or sound absorbers [4]. Zhao et al [5] conducted a numerical investigation of open-cell foam-filled-tube heat exchangers According to their results, increased poredensity enhances the heat transfer capacity of this heat exchanger. They observed that metal foam heat exchangers outperformed the finned tube heat exchangers that were considered in this study. T’Joen et al [6]
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