Numerical Heat Transfer Analysis of Wavy Micro Channels with Different Cross Sections

Abstract

Among the various heat transfer enhancement techniques employed in micro channels, the use of wavy micro channels has been gaining popularity. In this study, numerical heat transfer analysis of wavy micro channels of different cross sections has been conducted by varying the Reynolds number and the amplitude of waviness. Four different cross sections, namely rectangular, circular, notched rectangular and notched circular have been considered in this study. The Reynolds number has been varied from 100 to 800. A three dimensional, steady state numerical heat transfer analysis has been conducted on these channels using the finite volume method. The results indicate that the heat transfer coefficient increases by increasing the amplitude of waviness due to enhancement in fluid mixing. It has been concluded that the notched circular cross section with wave amplitude of 200 μm offers the largest heat transfer coefficient and would be effective for use in compact refrigeration and electronic cooling systems. The relationship between the HTC, Reynolds number and amplitude of waviness has been presented in this paper.