Analysis of velocity fields and heat transfer coefficients over inclined inverted L-shaped baffles in a 3-D channel

Efficient thermal management in internal flow systems is critical for enhancing heat exchanger performance. This study investigates how variations in baffle inclination and flow rate affect flow behavior and heat transfer within a 3-D channel equipped with inverted L-shaped baffles. The flow is modeled under steady, laminar conditions with water as the working fluid. Results show that increasing flow velocity and adjusting baffle orientation generate complex 3-D flow structures, including vortex formation and secondary flows, which enhance fluid mixing and disrupt thermal boundary-layers. These effects lead to significant improvements in heat transfer, with the highest average heat transfer coefficient observed at the combination of greatest flow velocity and optimized baffle configuration, achieving up to 80% enhancement compared to less favorable set-ups. The findings demonstrate the synergistic influence of flow dynamics and baffle geometry in maximizing convective heat transfer, providing valuable insights for the design of more efficient thermal management systems.