Single-Phase Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics in Pillow-Plate Heat Exchanger: A Numerical Study

Abstract

The pillow-plate heat exchanger (PPHE) is an excellent substitute for the traditional heat exchanger; in manufacturing industries. In this paper, a numerical investigation is carried out to predict and accurately analyze the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics in the pillow-plate used for the pillowplate heat exchanger. It is observed that the recirculation region is essential to direct bearing of heat transfer in PPHE compared to the smooth channel. Further, the computational study is based on geometrical parameters such as welding spot and internal hydraulic diameter. The numerical results are validated against some experimental and numerical results. Based on the computational results, the heat transfer enhancement increased significantly and the temperature gradient is increased behind the welding spot. Compared to smooth surface, the thermal performance is more efficient at a lower Reynolds number than a higher one.