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Parametric CFD study for finding the optimal tube arrangement of a fin-and-tube heat exchanger with plain fins in a marine environment

Year of publication

2021

Authors

Välikangas, Turo; Folkersma, Mikko; Dal Maso, Miikka; Keskitalo, Tuomo; Peltonen, Petteri; Vuorinen, Ville

Abstract

<p>In the past, fin-and tube heat exchanger (FTHE) tube pattern ratios have been largely based on ad-hoc design principles. Here, we investigate the optimal tube arrangements for a FTHE with plain fins in marine environments represented by two different air types; one for unfiltered air with high condensation rate and one for clean dry filtered air conditions. The thermal-hydraulic efficiency of the FTHE design is measured by comparing a modified ratio of Colburn j-factor and Fanning friction factor. The regression model generated from the CFD data is then used to identify the maximum efficiency for two design specific fin pitches separately. We identified two optimal tube patterns: one for a large fin pitch for unfiltered air, and another for a small fin pitch for filtered air. Manufacturing restrictions were found to significantly limit the maximum achievable efficiency of a tube pattern. By neglecting the related manufacturing restrictions, 4% higher efficiency for a fin pitch of 1.5 mm and 23% higher efficiency for a fin pitch of 3.5 mm is achieved. Without any application specific limitations or manufacturing restrictions the fin pitch 1.5 mm can have a 36% increased efficiency than fin pitch 3.5 mm. These novel results show that development in manufacturing have potential for significant improvements in thermal-hydraulic efficiency.</p>
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Organizations and authors

Aalto University

Vuorinen Ville Orcid -palvelun logo

Tampere University

Dal Maso Miikka Orcid -palvelun logo

Välikangas Turo Orcid -palvelun logo

Publication type

Publication format

Article

Parent publication type

Journal

Article type

Original article

Audience

Scientific

Peer-reviewed

Peer-Reviewed

MINEDU's publication type classification code

A1 Journal article (refereed), original research

Publication channel information

Volume

200

Article number

117642

​Publication forum

51538

​Publication forum level

1

Open access

Open access in the publisher’s service

Yes

Open access of publication channel

Partially open publication channel

Self-archived

Yes

Other information

Fields of science

Physical sciences; Mechanical engineering; Environmental engineering

Keywords

[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

Internationality of the publisher

International

Language

English

International co-publication

Yes

Co-publication with a company

Yes

DOI

10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2021.117642

The publication is included in the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Publication data collection

Yes