The effect of triangular shutter type flow deflector perforated baffle plate on the thermofluid performance of a heat exchanger

Abstract

AbstractThe study aimed to investigate the heat transfer (HT) properties of a tubular heat exchanger (HX) by using innovative baffle plate arrangements. The newly designed baffle plate was circular with triangular openings and adjustable triangular flow deflectors. These deflectors were strategically placed at the inlet of the HX to create a swirling flow downstream. Three baffle plates were installed along the flow direction with different length‐to‐diameter ratios (pitch ratios) to assess their impact on HT, pressure drop, and thermal enhancement factor. The study compared these results with a smooth channel under varying Reynolds numbers (16,500–29,500). The findings revealed that both the pitch ratio (0.6–1.2) and the inclination angle of the deflectors (30⁰–50⁰) significantly affected the HX's performance. Notably, the baffle plate with a deflector inclination angle of 30° and a pitch ratio of 1 showed a remarkable average improvement of 36.5% compared to other angles and ratios.