Offset strip fin nanocomposite polymer heat exchanger development

Abstract

This paper describes an analytical and numerical design method for compact heat exchangers using nanocomposite polymer fins. The heat exchanger considered is a plate and fin air/water type. There are OSF fins with longitudinal gaps on the air side and minichannels on the water side. The analytical model is based on several state of the art correlations like the Manglik and Bergles correlation for OSF fins, introducing some corrections due to the gap along the fin. A global analytical design method allowing optimization of the heat exchanger is described. A CFD model of the fins has been developed in order to introduce corrections due to the specific geometry of the polymer fins. Prototypes developed with industrial partners will be tested in our lab to validate this model. © 2012 WIT Press.