Thermal performance enhancement in a wedge duct with in-line pin fins combined with vortex generators

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to enhance the heat transfer and thermal performance in the trailing edge region of the vane with vortex generators (VGs). Design/methodology/approach This numerical study presents the enhancement of thermal performance in the trailing part of a gas turbine blade. In the trailing part, generally, pin fins are used either in staggered or in-line arrangements to enhance the heat transfer. In this study, based on the idea from heat exchangers, pin fins are combined with VGs. A pair of VGs is embedded in the boundary layer upstream of each pin fin in the first row of the pin fin array having an in-line configuration. The effects of the VG angle relative to the streamwise direction and streamwise distance between the pin fin and VGs are investigated at various Reynolds numbers. Findings The results indicated that the endwall heat transfer is enhanced with the addition of VGs and the heat transfer from the surfaces of the pin fins. The level of heat transfer enhancement compared to the case without VGs is more significant at high Reynolds number. The surfaces of the VGs also show a significant amount of heat transfer. Study of the angle of the attack suggested that a high angle of attack is more appropriate for pin fin cooling enhancement whereas an intermediate gap between the VGs and pin fins shows considerable improvement of thermal performance compared to the small and large gaps. The phenomenon of heat transfer augmentation with the VGs is demonstrated by the flow field. It shows that the enhancement of heat transfer is governed by the mixing of the flow as a result of the interaction of vortices generated by the VGs and pin fins. Originality/value VGs are used to disturb the thermal boundary layer. It shows that heat transfer is augmented as a result of the interaction of vortices associated with VGs and pin fins.