Numerical analysis of the surface and geometry of plate fin heat exchangers for increasing heat transfer rate

This paper investigates the flow field and turbulent flow heat transfer around an array of plain and perforated fin using Fluent software within the range of 20,000-50,000 Reynolds. Regarding the turbulent flow, the k-epsilon RNG turbulence model was implemented, and SIMPLE algorithm was used for solving the equations of three-dimensional,steady, and incompressible flow. In the simulation process, air was considered as the working fluid with consistent physical properties. The results revealed that perforated fins increase the heat transfer coefficient as well as Nusselt number. The highest heat transfer coefficient and Nusselt number was achieved for perforated fins with two square holes. Moreover, it was concluded that increase of Reynolds number notably increases the heat transfer coefficient and Nusselt number. The total drag force imposed to plain fins was higher than the force imposed to perforated fins. As a result, by changing plain fins into perforated fins, the pressure decreases due to passage of the flow through the pins, and accordingly, the total drag force imposed to the fins decreases. Finally, it was revealed that attaching some pins on the plain fins along the passing flow will decrease the pressure, while notably increase the heat transfer. Furthermore, it can reduce the fins' weight and price.