Enhancing flow structure in heat exchangers analysis of dynamic and thermal air-flow behavior with perforated and inclined baffles

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the dynamic and thermal behavior of air-flow within a heat exchanger equipped with two distinctive baffles: a perforated baffle and a partially inclined baffle. The influence of hole positioning in the perforated baffle on the overall performance of the heat exchanger is thoroughly investigated through a systematic examination of temperature curves at varying Reynolds number values. The results demonstrate significant enhancements in flow characteristics attributed to the presence of these baffles. The flow structure exhibits prominent main currents across the gaps and secondary currents through the holes. The inclusion of these barriers leads to significant deformations and the emergence of well-developed recycling cells in the form of vortices. Both the perforated and inclined baffles effectively reduce pressure values on their frontal regions, thereby mitigating friction losses. Furthermore, the introduction of a perforation in the lower part of the baffle induces a more turbulent flow compared to the other cases. This is attributed to the expansion of the recirculating cells, resulting in improved fluid mixing and subsequent enhancement of thermal energy gain. These findings offer valuable insights into the design and optimization of heat exchangers, enabling improved performance and efficiency in various engineering applications.