Development of heat transfer performance in tubular heat exchanger with improved NACA0024 vortex generator

The aim of the experiment was to explore the thermal and fluid flow characteristics inside the tube heat exchanger. To produce and enhance the flow circulations and longitudinal vortex within the tube, an improved NACA0024 vortex generator (VG) was mounted at the top of the aluminum tape inside the tube. These presented vortex generators were made using 3D printing technology, and they were made of Polylactic Acid or PLA. The Reynolds number range of 3912 to 19,617 was chosen as the testing range. The experimental outcome indicated that the NACA0024 vortex generator was improved with the angle of VG = 90 degrees and pitch to chord line = 4 as it displayed the maximum value of 1.62 at the minimum value of 3923 as the Reynolds number for the highest heat transfer enhancement performance (HTEP). Moreover, the empirical associations for Nusselt number, friction factor and HTEP are articulated and matched to investigational data within ranges of +/- 5%, +/- 10% and +/- 9%, respectively.

Automated summary

The experimental results showed that using the improved NACA0024 vortex generator can produce the best heat transfer enhancement effect inside the tube heat exchanger. The empirical associations for Nusselt number, friction factor, and heat transfer enhancement performance were matched with investigational data.