Performance Analysis of Plate-Fin Heat Exchangers: Different Fin Configurations and Coolants

Comparative appraisal of five common fin configurations (plain, perforated, offset strip, wavy, and pin) on the operation of the plate-fin heat exchanger is the main purpose of this study. Working fluids with different Prandtl numbers, air, water, oil, and ethylene glycol are considered as coolants. First, the simulation results for the two fins, offset strip and wavy, are validated with available experimental data, which obtained good agreement. Then, the effects of specific geometrical parameters of different fins are investigated on the thermal-hydraulic performance of the plate-fin heat exchanger. Finally, the role of the fin configuration and coolant types is compared using the thermal-hydraulic performance factor . Results are presented as the plots of factors versus Reynolds number in the laminar flow regime, . It is found that coolant type has no considerable effect on factor, pin fin has a better performance with about 64% factor value enhancement, and water has superior presentation as a coolant.