Numerical Analysis of Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop in a Square Channel with Novel Centre Hole Inclined Ribs

Abstract

In present simulation analysis, heat transfer, pressure drop and thermal performance factor in a square channel equipped with inclined ribs with central hole is investigated. The study is conducted in turbulent flow regime with Reynolds number ranging from 10000 to 80000. The variable parameters are pitch ratio (y = p/D = 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5), hole ratio (h = d/D = 0.1 and 0.2) and rib angle (θ =30°, 45°, and 60°). ANSYS Fluent 19.0 is used for simulations and governing equation are solved using RANS turbulence model. It is revealed from the investigation that presence of inclined ribs enhance the heat transfer and pressure drop. For the case of inclined ribs with central hole, enhancement is further increased. For all the cases the thermal performance factor remains higher than unity.