Targeted heat transfer augmentation in circular tubes using a corona jet

Natural convection heat transfer can be noticeably enhanced by corona wind in tubes and channels. A corona-induced secondary flow may be generated in tubes with no major changes in the geometry, or causing any noise or vibration. In this investigation, it is shown that the eccentric configuration of a wire electrode inside a tube forms a local jet along the eccentricity direction, which impinges on the tube wall and improves the local heat transfer. Since the direction of the corona jet is determined by the eccentricity direction of the electrode, the jet may be oriented properly to target the desired spots.

► Corona-induced secondary flow field is utilized for targeted enhancement of the convective heat transfer in circular tubes.
► Eccentric configuration of a wire-tube configuration leads to formation of a jet along the eccentricity direction.
► The corona jet impinges upon the tube wall and enhances the local heat transfer coefficient significantly.
► The heating elements on the perimeter of the tube can be targeted and cooled efficiently using the corona jet.
► The extension of the heating elements determines the level of cooling effectiveness.