Vortex Generators Heat Transfer Enhancement of Rectangular Channel with Vertical Baffles: A Numerical Study

The flow characteristics and pressure distribution of air flow that is turbulent though a channel of rectangular cross section that fitted with three different configuration arrangements of solid vertical baffle plates are the main topics of this study's numerical analysis.The method of finite volume is utilized to solve two-dimensional differential equations in the analysis.The turbulence dynamics are elucidated by the k-ε turbulence model, which is applied in Fluent software.This simulation employed the Finite Volume Method with the SIMPLE algorithm.To thoroughly assess the system, boundary conditions were changed, including the entrance velocity field.The objective of this research is to study the effects of three different configurations of solid vertical baffles in a rectangular duct at a constant Reynolds number of 52,000 on turbulent kinetic energy, pressure drop, temperature variation, friction coefficient, velocity profile, and thermal enhancement factor.In the current model, there are three different arrangements of the solid vertical baffles.Case (1) where there are only two vertical baffles; one is situated at each wall of the channel with height of 0.08 m.In case (2), each baffle is replaced by two ones.So, there are two baffles at the top and bottom surfaces of the duct each has height of 0.04 m with total height of 0.08 m.By keeping the same approach, each baffle in case (2) is replaced by two ones with a height of 0.02 m with total height of 0.08 m, case (3), where there are four baffles at the upper and lower walls of the channel.The model's validity was confirmed using experimental data showing excellent comparability.The main purpose of the research is to study the effects of these configurations on turbulent kinetic energy, pressure drop, temperature variation, friction coefficient, velocity profile, and the factor of thermal enhancement.The Reynolds number is kept constant at 52,000.According to the current study, installing vertical baffles improves mixing.In case (1), maximal axial velocities are obtained in the channel's center; in case (2), they are found above and below the top and bottom baffles.There are several recirculation zones visible at crucial positions, including behind, above, and below the baffles.Case (2) had a thermal enhancement factor maximum of 1.39.Thus, four vertical solid baffles of 0.04 m in height are utilized to optimize this system, two of which are positioned at the top and bottom walls of the channel.