Vortex Enhanced Heat Exchangers
A JOULE Project



Coordinator: Prof. W. Leiner, Bochum University
leiner@vtp.ruhr-uni-bochum.de
Supervisor (Chalmers): Lars Davidson
lada@tfd.chalmers.se
Researcher at Chalmers: Dr. A. Sohankar
sohankar@tfd.chalmers.se
Start of project: January 1997
End of project: December 2000


DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCTION AND TESTING OF OPTIMIZED DESIGNS OF COMPACT HEAT EXCHANGERS CONTAINING HEAT TRANSFER SURFACES WITH IMPLANTED VORTEX GENERATORS
 
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

The objective of the project is to develop a data base and a computer code to optimize the use of Vortex Enhanced Heat Exchangers (VEHE) in industry. Reliable methods for performance, prediction, design and production of Plate-Fin- or Tube-Fin heat exchangers with implanted vortex generators will be elaborated. Methods for achieving a maximum reduction of weight and pressure drop will be given.
 
TECHNICAL APPROACH
A feasibility study involving theoretical and experimental research work in cooperation with industry and research institutes will provide data and a methodology for performance prediction and optimization as well as practical methods for design and manufacture of vortex enhanced heat exchangers. The effects of geometric parameters on heat transfer will be investigated using different vortex generator shapes installed in different arrangements on the heat transfer surfaces. Computational modelling of heat transfer and fluid dynamics will be used for geometry optimization.
 
The results of the numerical studies will be experimentally verified by tests in wind tunnels on one-channel modules as well as on whole heat exchangers containing several vortex generators. A new measurement technology will be developed to identify the increase of the heat transfer caused by vortex generators A computer software for industrial prediction and design of VEHE's will be provided. Industrial partners will develop construction and cost-effective production methods.
 
EXPECTED ACHIEVEMENTS AND EXPLOITATION
Results are intended to be used initially by the consortium partners. The energy and material savings as well as the enviromental benifits associated with this innovation will be published. The contributing universities and research organisations will exploit the results through the usual academic channels of presentations and publications. Seminars and workshops for potential industries will also be organized. The developed software will be licensed to end users. Commercially significant innovations will be patented. The exploitation of the results will be also be realized by bilateral agreements between the partners and third parties.
 
CHALMERS' CONTRIBUTION
Chalmers has simulatated the unsteady laminar flow around vortex generators in channels [1].

 

 
REFERENCES
  1. A. Sohankar and L. Davidson, "Effect of Inclined Vortex Generators on Heat Transfer Enhancement in a Three-Dimensional Channel", Num. Heat Transfer. Part A, Vol. 39, No. 5, pp. 433-448, 2001.
     

 

 


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