Computation of thermal energy in a rectangular cavity with a heated top wall

Abstract

A heat exchanger is a device that transmits heat energy from one object to another, or within the same object. Examples of heat exchanger include a boiler, an oven and a cooker. Experimental techniques for testing these devices make it more costly and time-consuming. Consequently, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can manage heat exchanger systems and their performance with ease. The actual impacts of what is being examined may then be predicted computationally which yields a precise output with approximate results. The designed geometry includes a rectangular duct with an inlet, outlet and two obstacles of equal height. The Navier–Stokes equations for the fluid flow are used. During the meshing process, the continuous geometric space of an item is divided into thousands or more forms, which helps to correctly identify the object’s physical shape. The desired model is computed numerically. Finite volume method (FVM) is used to study the results at a low Reynolds number (around [Formula: see text]. The goal is to theoretically analyze the transmission of heat and fluid resistance to the flow. The CFD findings with experimental data are compared to confirm the model predictions. A CFD model based on the FVM and experimental data from a flow cell is used to study how fluid moves through ducts. This study focuses on the pressure, velocity and temperature fields of a fluid moving through a rectangular duct. As the top wall fluid temperature rises, the temperature distribution changes. Increasing fluid flow declines the temperature distribution. Temperature distribution grows with duct heat flow. As the flow rate rises, so does dispersion. Furthermore, as flow rate and velocity distribution drop, pressure distribution rises.