Thermal performance enhancement in cross flow by vortex generators: A Review

Abstract

The passive mode of enhancement in the heat transfer applications has been widely used since decades. The method is more popular due to the non-requirement of any prime mover for energy interaction. The fluid flow interaction in any heat exchanger defines the thermal performance of the device. The cross-flow heat transfer experiences the flow through the tube array and fins. The fin-and-tube heat exchangers are widely used in many fields such as air-conditioning, refrigeration, automobile, process industry, etc. The winglets are the projected area over the fins and the tube surface in order to impart flow turbulence as the fluid flow over the tube surface. Over last decades, numerous researchers have proposed the different methods for the heat transfer enhancement with the increased turbulence. This study presents the comprehensive review of most of the research on heat transfer augmentation with the use of vortex generators. The study also suggests the measures for understanding the design consideration of the cross-flow heat exchanger so as to fabricate the better model of the future cross-flow heat exchanger.