Thermal and hydraulic performance of a rectangular duct with multiple V-shaped ribs

A study was conducted to analyze the performance of a novel swirl flow duct utilized for compact heat exchangers. The ducts analyzed were made in copper and supported a hydraulic diameter of 8.89 mm. Pressure drop measurements were carried out at isothermal conditions. In addition, a heat transfer rig was used that was characterized by a fan and a flow rate control system similar to the pressure drop test system. Experimental results indicated that rib-roughened tubes generated the largest heat transfer increase per unit pressure drop increase.