Heat Transfer Enhancement Using a Turbulator — Homework

Overview

Shell and tube condensers use forced convection to transfer heat from one fluid to another. For example, they use cold water moving through tubes to cool down and condense the steam moving through the shell. Turbulators, or twisted tapes, can be inserted in the tubes to enhance the heat transfer between the fluids and improve the performance of the condenser.

Objectives

The objective of this simulation example is to analyze the heat transfer enhancement obtained using turbulators. We will analyze a pipe in which water is flowing and compare the total heat transfer due to convection in a simple pipe and a pipe with a twisted tape turbulator.

Setup

Download the Mesh file required for setting up the simulation and associated Case & Data files here. Follow the instructions below to set up this simulation in Ansys Fluent starting with the mesh file. In case you face any issues setting up or running the simulation, please refer to the corresponding initial and final Case and Data files.

Alternate video link.

Results and Discussion

Let us now analyze the simulation and understand the physics of heat transfer enhancement using a twisted tape in internal flows.