GENERATION OF AN AUTOMATED WORKFLOW FOR THE SIMULATION OF RIBBED EXCHANGER MODELS
PROJECT RESULTS
The model was post processed using both ParaView and the post-processing script described previously to display a range of results over time. ParaView gave the model’s visual results while the script supplied data files which were collated, and graphs were then generated from the collected data to show trends. Specifically, the post-processing script supplied values for the copper/water interface temperature and the inlet and outlet pressures (which was displayed as the pressure drop) over time which are displayed below.
RESULTS FOR RANGE OF DATA
Through using parameterised scripts, models were generated, meshed and simulations were run for 29 different cases. These cases involved holding two of the three variables - pin distance, pin radius and pin height - constant while varying the remaining variable to observe its effect on the flow behaviour and heat transfer.
The pressure drop across a heat exchanger is a key factor to consider in its design. The pressure drop between the inlet and outlet was measured and plotted for each of the three variable changes. The pressure drop is shown against pin distance, pin radius and pin height in the graphs below respectively.
In a plate and fin heat exchanger, the desire is to reduce the temperature of the solid through the cooling fluid. This is done through the interface of the surface of the copper and where the fluid touches these solid interfaces. The effect that the pin distance, pin radius and pin height had on the interface temperature was measured and can be observed below respectively.
