Application of Vortex Generators to Remove Heat Trapped in Closed Channels

Abstract

The utilization of vortex generators to increase heat transfer from cylinders installed inside a duct is investigated. In particular, a channel containing eight cylinders with volumetric heat sources is considered for different values of the Reynolds number. The effective possibility to use vortex generators with different sizes to increase heat transfer and, consequently, reduce the surface temperature of the cylinders is examined. Also, the amount of pressure drop inside the channel due to the presence of vortex generators is considered and compared with the cases without vortex generators. The results show that although the addition of generators increases the pressure drop, it strongly contributes to increase the heat transfer coefficient inside the duct (up to 80-90%).