Heat transfer characteristics in micro-fin tube equipped with double twisted tapes: Effect of twisted tape and micro-fin tube arrangements

An experimental study was carried out to investigate the influence of double twisted-tape inserts (DTs) in micro-fin tubes (MFs) on heat transfer, friction factor and thermal performance factor characteristics of the compound devices in the following configurations: (1) twisted tapes acted in the same direction (for co-swirl) while MF and twisted tapes acted in the same (parallel) direction (MF-CoDTs:P), (2) twisted tapes acted in the same direction (for co-swirl) while micro-fin tube and twisted tapes acted in opposite directions (MF-CoDTs:O) and (3) twisted tapes acted in opposite directions for counter swirl (MF-CDTs). The MF alone and the MF equipped with a single twisted tape in parallel/opposite arrangement were also considered for comparison. The experiments were conducted for the flows with the Reynolds numbers between 5 650 and 17 000, under uniform heat flux condition. The experimental results indicate that MF-CDTs induce stronger swirl/turbulence flow, resulting in higher heat transfer rate, friction factor and thermal performance factor than other combined devices. The thermal performance factors associated with the use of MF-CDTs were found to be higher than those associated with the uses of MF-CoDTs:P, MF-CoDTs:O and MF alone up to 9.3%, 6.5% and 56.4%, respectively. The empirical correlations developed using the present experimental data for the Nusselt number, friction factor and thermal performance factor are also reported.