Thermal performance of wavy fin in a compact heat exchanger duct using Galerkin method

Abstract

In this paper, heat transfer in a compact heat exchanger duct is analyzed. The Galerkin method is applied to solve the nonlinear heat transfer equation. It is then validated by the numerical method since temperature distribution graphs fitted on each other thoroughly. Heat transfer rate at different fin geometry parameters, surface emissivity and convection coefficients are compared. Results show that fin thickness is not so effective in heat transfer rate in comparison with fin length, accordingly in a constant fin volume it is suggested using longer fins rather than thicker ones. From the results it can be inferred that the most notable factor for increasing heat transfer rate is heat transfer coefficient. Although heat transfer coefficient plays a major role in heat dissipation rate, depending on duct surface temperature, from one point it is not valuable to increase the heat transfer coefficient in order to help heat dissipation rate. Also, comparing two different metals of fin material, it is concluded that the heat dissipation rate difference is negligible among them, and thus using aluminum fin is profitable than copper fin since it is lighter and cheaper.