Impact of delta winglet vortex generators on the performance of a novel fin-tube surfaces with two rows of tubes in different diameters

To achieve heat transfer enhancement and lower pressure loss penalty, even pressure loss reduction, two novel fin-tube surface with two rows of tubes in different diameters are presented in this paper. Numerical simulation results show that the fin-tube surface with first row tube in smaller size and second row tube in larger size can lead to an increase of heat transfer and decrease of pressure drop in comparison with the traditional fin-tube surface with two rows of tubes in the same size. Based on this understanding, delta winglet pairs are punched out only from the larger fin area around the first transverse row of tubes in smaller size in the novel fin-tube surfaces. Delta winglet pairs used as longitudinal vortex generator are arranged either in “common flow up” or “common flow down” configurations. Numerical simulation results show that delta winglet pairs can bring about a further heat transfer enhancement and pressure drop decrease through the careful arrangement of the location, size and attack angle of delta winglet pairs either in “common flow up” or “common flow down” configurations. The traditional knowledge of heat transfer enhancement with necessary pressure drop increase is challenged by the present conclusion. The present work will be helpful to develop more compact, higher heat transfer efficiency, lower fan power and quieter heat exchanger of refrigeration and air condition system.

► Two novel fin-tube surfaces are presented and numerically simulated.
► The novel fin-tube surfaces bring about heat transfer enhancement.
► Pressure drop reduction of the novel design is another interesting finding.