Learning Forum

[António Oliveira]

Hi,

I want to know if I am using the best setup for the analyses of my heater. This heater is a pipe where the power density is applied to the outer surface of the pipe and water runs inside of it. I have a requirement that I need to use 27kW, the temperature in the inlet 5ºC and a flow rate of 20L/min. In a way to find out the outlet temperature. Note: Inside the pipe, I got a spiral in order to achieve a higher temperature. 

Then, I did the mesh in the Fluent and applied an inflation between the fluid and the inner surface of the pipe, where I applied the last ratio with the first layer size (for a desired Y+=1). And got a quality of (max. skewness: 0,92 ; min. orthogonal: 0,07) 

For the Setup

1. I am using the k-omega and the SST model, are the options good or should i need to tick more boxes? 
   
2. Then i applied the Boundary Conditions, Inlet: 5ºC, Mass flow rate: 20L/min and 27kW (35W/cm2)

For the solution:

1. I am using the pressure-velocity Couple method

2. And the controls this (i dont know if i have to change anything) 

3. I use this residual and some reports to make sure the solution converge

4. In the calculation, should I run simulation in a steady regime or a transient regime? 

 

Thanks

[RG]

Hi,

Case Set up looks OK, Only thought is if you have captured Heater solid as well, It is better to use volumetric heat source since energy source applied to solids through electric energy. 

For steady Vs Transient, it depends on what you would like to see as output. Meaning If you want to see temp rise in water wrt time then transient is the only option. If your objective is to see Water temp at outlet after steady state is achieved then you can use steady state simulation

Thnaks