NUMERICAL MODELLING OF RADIATOR SYSTEM PERFORMANCE UNDER BAUCHI CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Abstract

The cooling system of the car plays a crucial role in managing the excess heat generated by the engine during its operation. Among its components, the radiator is pivotal for efficiently dissipating heat. However, the effectiveness of a radiator is influenced by various factors, including external conditions such as atmospheric temperature, humidity, and wind speed. This research aimed to understand the impact of Bauchi climatic conditions on automotive radiators. A comprehensive approach was employed, utilizing reverse engineering techniques to create a detailed model of a car radiator using SolidWorks, a computer-aided design (CAD) software. This model underwent simulations using ANSYS software with water as the coolant fluid. Environmental temperature, humidity, and wind speed data for Bauchi North and Bauchi South were sourced from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). The simulation timeframe spanned from January to December. The study shows the effects of environmental temperature, humidity, and wind speed on radiator performance. The highest outlet temperature recorded was 43.50°C at a flow rate of 2500 kg/h in April, and the lowest outlet temperature was 40.01°C at a flow rate of 500 kg/h in Bauchi North. For Bauchi South, the highest outlet temperature was 40.98°C at a flow rate of 2500 kg/h in April, and the lowest was 37.12°C at a flow rate of 500 kg/h. This study highlights the pivotal role of Bauchi's atmospheric conditions in influencing radiator performance, emphasizing the interplay between environmental factors and engineering design in automotive cooling systems.