Heat transfer optimization via finned surface with the use of CFD

Abstract Finned tubes are widely used in many industries such as the automotive, petrochemical, refining, and energy industries. They are applied to increase heat transfer efficiency between fluids through the use of protruding fins on the outer or inner surface of the tube, which aim to increase the surface area of heat exchange. The efficiency of an externally finned tube made of copper is increased by maximizing heat transfer and minimizing costs using the Ansys package. Heat exchange efficiency is improved and production costs are lowered by optimizing finned tubes. Firstly, a finned pipe fragment was modeled and meshed. Then, heat exchange between hot free flowing air around the tube and cold water flowing through the pipe were simulated. The foundation width and fin length were optimized in the ranges of 0.38mm-3.63mm and 4.9mm-14.9mm, respectively, using the simulation as a base. After the optimization certain cases were calculated analytically. It was found that the thickness of the fin should be optimized regarding its impact on mass, and the length of the fin should be optimized regarding its impact on heat transfer. Additionally in straightforward cases, analytical results are similar to simulation results.