Computational Investigation of Flow Dynamics in Multi-Channel Twisted Tape Heat Exchanger with Rectangular Cuts

Heat exchangers are essential components in numerous industries, including petrochemicals, refineries, and power generation. A key focus in the development of heating equipment is to improve their heat transfer efficiency. The process of transferring heat is critical and can be enhanced both by active and passive strategies. Generally, active methods refer to the introduction of an external energy source, while the passive method refers to the modification of parameters and environmental conditions, which is highly industrially and economically valued. In this study, a double pipe heat exchanger was used to evaluate the influence of implementing a twisted tape with a cut-out rectangular on the inner pipe wall. The different configurations of Twisted tape, Multi-channel and Conventional TT with the same double rectangular cut size, on the Nusselt number and friction factor in double configurations have been evaluated across various Reynolds numbers. The maximum value of the Nusselt number gives rise to an increase of ۷.۱۵% at a Reynolds Number ۱۵۰۰۰ and in multi-channel twisted tape when compared to conventional twisted tape. In addition, the maximum friction factor of multi-channel twisted tape at Reynolds Number of ۵۰۰۰ is ۰.۱۸۵۷, which thus further points to its increase by about ۱۲% compared to plain twisted tapes in this current study.

Keywords:

Heat exchangers , heat transfer , flow turbulence enhancement , computational fluid dynamics , twisted tape