Experimental investigation on heat transfer enhancement from a channel with square blocks and identification of most influencing parameters using Taguchi approach

Abstract

Heat transfer is very essential process and, therefore, it is necessary to develop the optimization model. In this paper, an attempt has been made to develop an optimization model for complex heat transfer process using the Taguchi method. This paper presents the findings of an experimental investigation on the effects of input parameters such as Reynolds number, heat input, and Lx/ Ly ratio in a channel mounted with square blocks in staggered manner. The Nusselt number is considered as the output quality characteristics. Taguchi-based L27 orthogonal array has been used to accomplish the objective of the experimental study. An orthogonal array, signal-to-noise ( S/ N) ratio and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are employed to analyze the effect of input parameters on heat transfer enhancement. Based on the S/ N ratio value the optimal level of the input is identified and significant contribution of these parameters is determined by ANOVA. Confirmation test is also conducted to validate the optimal results. It is clearly shown that the output characteristic is improved by this approach. Taguchi method revealed that optimal combination of the heat transfer parameters for the enhancement of heat transfer rate is set as: Lx/ Ly at 2.5, heat input to be 250 W, and Reynolds number to be 300.