Buoyancy-induced flow and heat transfer in multilayered cavities with openings

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the flow interaction between the cavities and its impact on heat transfer. The role of the openings is examined and three strategies are considered: one opening, two openings on single side and two openings on double sides. Design/methodology/approach A two-dimensional laminar natural convection heat transfer in multilayered open cavities was numerically investigated. The governing equations in primitive variables were discretized by the finite volume method and solved by SIMPLE algorithm. Findings The results show that for the cavities with one opening, the flow in the cavities is connected with each other. The exhaust hot fluid from the lower cavity was entrained into the upper cavities by thermal buoyancy and hence the heat transfer in the upper cavities was decreased because of thermal accumulation. Two openings on the single side could strengthen the flow interaction between the cavities and then enhance the heat transfer. However, the double-sided openings eliminated the flow interaction between the cavities and thus the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics in all cavities are independent. It was concluded that the flow interaction between the multilayered open cavities has an importance effect on the heat transfer in the cavities. Originality/value The flow interaction between the multilayered open cavities was illustrated. The effect of flow interaction on the heat transfer in the cavities was investigated. The role of openings in the flow interaction and heat transfer in cavities was explored. The cavity below affects above cavity for the openings on single side. No interaction exists between the cavities with openings on double sides.