Parametric study and optimization of louver finned-tube heat exchangers by Taguchi method

A serial studies on the effects of fin pitch, fin collar outside diameter, transverse tube pitch, longitudinal tube pitch, number of longitudinal tube rows, louver height, louver angle, fin thickness and louver pitch on fin performance of louver finned-tube heat exchanger is investigated by numerical method. The parameters of louver finned-tube heat exchangers are optimized by the Taguchi method. Eighteen kinds of models are made by compounding levels on each factor, and the heat transfer and flow characteristics of each model are analyzed. The results show that fin collar outside diameter, transverse tube pitch and fin pitch, are the main factors that influence significantly the thermal hydraulic performance of the heat exchanger. Therefore, these three factors are considered as the most important factors for an optimum design of a heat exchanger. The optimal conditions are obtained, and the results are also verified by analytical methods.

► Louver finned-tube heat exchanger is investigated by numerical method. ► Optimized by the Taguchi method of eighteen kinds models. ► Study the most important factors for an optimum design of a heat exchanger. ► Tube diameter, transverse pitch and fin pitch are significantly influence factors. ► The optimal conditions are obtained and verified by analytical methods.