Parametric sensitivity analysis of automobile radiator performance

Abstract

The automotive radiator is an important part for automotive engines regarding its direct influence on the thermal performance of the engine. This paper presents a theoretical parametrical sensitivity analysis of an automotive radiator based on the effectiveness-NTU method. In this manner, the paper firstly focuses on the influence of operating conditions of both the water and air including inlet temperatures and Reynolds numbers on the radiator effectiveness, heat transfer rate, and the pressure drop. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the radiator responses versus these operating conditions is provided. Given the obtained results, it is concludingly reported that the radiator effectiveness correlates significantly to the water Reynolds number and the water inlet temperature rather than its correlation to the air Reynolds number and air inlet temperature. While the heat transfer rate correlates strongly to the inlet temperatures of the water and air, respectively, while the heat transfer rate weakly responded to the Reynolds numbers of the water and air. On the third hand, the water pressure drop presented higher sensitivity change at lower water temperatures.