Torsional Flow Heat Exchanger with Twisted Oval Tube

Abstract

Based on the enhanced heat transfer technology of the torsional flow heat exchanger (TFHE), the characteristics of fluid flow and heat transfer in the TFHE with twisted oval tube (TOT) were analyzed by combining numerical simulation and theoretical analysis. The field synergy principle was used to evaluate thermal convection on both tube and shell sides. The influences of the TOT on the heat transfer enhancement and flow resistance performance of the TFHE were discussed. The results show that contrasted with smooth tube, on the tube side, the convective heat transfer coefficient of the TOT is increased by 25.17–38.28%, and the comprehensive performance is increased by 18.56–24.21%. On the shell side, the convective heat transfer coefficient is increased by 117.99–126.53%, and the comprehensive performance is increased by 40.82–48.28%. The study provides a reference for the development of shell-and-tube heat exchangers.