Performance investigation of an innovative offset strip fin arrays in compact heat exchangers

Experimental and numerical studies on the flow and heat transfer characteristics for an innovative offset strip fins compact heat exchangers were performed. First, five fin schemes were investigated with various air flow velocities and a constant inlet steam pressure by experiments. The Reynolds number ranged from 500 to 5000 at the air side. The experimental results indicated that the fin pitch (Pf), fin length (Lf) and fin bending distance (Cf) have a significant influence on thermal performance of fins. The Colburn factor j, friction factor f and 'point of transition' were calculated from the experimental data. Then, the thermal-hydraulic performances of the novel offset strip fins were analyzed numerically. The simulation results obtained are in agreement with experimental data. Based on these simulations, the maximum values for local Nu number are at the channel inlet which is due to the thermal entrance effect. The longitudinal vortexes near the fin region will increase velocity gradient and reduce the thickness of boundary layer to improve heat transfer. The main conclusion draws from this work will be helpful for future development and design of a high-efficiency heat exchangers involving offset strip fin structures.