Local and Average Transfer Coefficients for One-Row Plate Fin and Tube Heat Exchanger Configurations

Abstract

The analogy between heat and mass transfer has been used to obtain local and average transfer coefficients for a one-row plate fin and tube heat exchanger configuration. The mass transfer experiments were performed using the naphthalene sublimation technique. A heat exchanger passage was modeled using naphthalene plates; spacer disks simulated the tubes. Detailed measurements of the surface elevation of the naphthalene plates were made before and after a data run, and this enabled evaluation of the local transfer coefficients. Average transfer coefficients were determined both by surface integration of the local mass transfer or by weighing the test plate with a precision balance; the two methods gave results that agree within one or two percent. The local measurements revealed high values of the transfer coefficient on the forward part of the fin due to the presence of developing boundary layers. In addition, owing to a natural augmentation effect caused by a vortex system which develops in front of the tube, there are very high fin transfer coefficients in a U-shaped band that rings the tube. The effect of the vortex system is more pronounced at higher Reynolds numbers. Relatively low transfer coefficients are encountered on the portion of the fin that lies downstream of the minimum flow cross section. The coefficients are especially low in the region behind the tube.

Effect of geometrical parameters on heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of plate fin and tube heat exchangers

“…Then, Schulemberg [2] conducted similar study for plate fin and elliptic tubes. Saboya and Sparrow [3][4][5] used the naphthalene sublimation technique in order to obtain local and overall heat and mass transfer coefficients for different configurations, experimentally. Webb [6] reported that elliptical tubes have better performance than circular tubes.…”

An Experimental Study on Air-Side Performance of Fin-and-Tube Heat Exchangers Having Compound Enhanced Fins Under Wet Condition

“…평판 핀 열교환기의 경우 핀 선단으로 부터의 경계층과 원관 주위의 말굽 와류가 중 요한 열전달 메카니즘으로 알려져 있다 [4]. 웨이브 핀 열 교환기의 중요한 전열 촉진 메카니즘은 유동 혼합과 골 부근에서 형성되는 Goetler 와류로 알려져 있다 [5,6] …”

Etude du transfert de chaleur convectif dans un four circulaire

“…By measuring the napthalene profile on the test surface before and after the experiment has been performed, local mass transfer coefficients may be determined. This technique has been used to study forced convection in a one-row plate fin and tube heat exchanger [44].…”