Mixed convection in a baffled grooved channel

Abstract

In the present numerical work, flow structure and heat transfer characteristics are investigated in a baffled grooved channel, differentially heated from the sides. The baffle is placed vertically downward from the top wall of grooved channel geometry, with the motive of diverting outside forced flow towards the inside of the square cavity. In-house CFD code based on finite volume method has been used to solve the 2D equations of continuity, momentum and energy. The effect of change in baffle position and height is investigated in the range of Richardson numbers 0.1 to 10. For the present study, external flow from both left and right of the grooved channel are considered. A remarkable enhancement of heat transfer is observed in presence of baffle. The study has also pointed out that for optimal performance, the position and height of the baffle need to be adjusted depending on the direction of external flow.