NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF THE OPTIMUM FIN PITCH OF A PLAIN PLATE TUBE HEAT EXCHANGER

In this study, effects on the heat transfer and pressure drop of the distance between the fins were investigated for plain-fin-tube heat exchanger. Numerical analyses; a model consisting of two half fins and pipe through flu gases has been chosen. The effect on the variation of distance (Lz) between the fins on the model was investigated by calculating pressure drop, temperature and velocity distribution values generated by the flu gas. On the model, Computing Fulid Dynamics (CFD) analyzing were carried out by using FLUENT package software and by GAMBIT for the model drawing and meshed. In the calculations, the conservation equations were considered in steady-state, 3-D and laminar flow conditions. In the models, conjugate heat transfer were figured out. According to calculations, the heat transfer in the maximum value of between Lz = 2,75-3 mm has been concluded. Correlation equations were obtained average Nusselt (Nu) number as functions of Reynolds (Re) and Prandtl (Pr) numbers for generated system model. Additional energy value due to pressure drop has been determined too small according to gain heat transfer value