Optimization of the finned double-pipe heat exchanger using nanofluids as working fluids

Abstract

The heat exchanger pipe diameter has a significant effect on the flow characteristics as well as on the initial investment, operation and overall cost. Increasing fin dimensions increases the annulus hydraulic diameters. Even though the total volume of the heat exchanger remains unchanged between the finned and bare designs, the heat duty increases with increased heat transfer area for the finned design. The fins should be designed, and the dimensions should be calculated with special attention for different flow rates and heat exchanger dimensions. In this study, number, geometry and dimensions of the fins are determined using the algorithms available in the literature. The operational condition optimization is carried out accompanied with the cost analysis. In addition, the effects of the types of working fluids and fouled and clean cases are investigated for the total heat transfer enhancement in parallel with performance, lifetime and cost issues. A detailed analysis is presented for finned and unfinned double-pipe heat exchanger models for pure engine oil and its nanofluid mixtures with Ti, TiO2, Cu, CuO, Al and Al2O3 nanoparticles, multi-wall carbon nanotubes and graphene nanosheet having a constant particle concentration in the liquid phase. The nanofluid is flowing in annulus side, whereas the seawater is flowing in the tube side. It is observed that both the pressure drop and the pumping power increase with the increasing fin number and decrease with the cleanliness factor, whereas the total tube number decreases with increasing fin number. It is found that different types of nanofluids affect the cost and optimum annulus side velocity significantly. The results are summarized in several figures that consider the increasing Reynolds number with the cleanliness factor, the heat transfer coefficient and the pressure drop, the friction factor with changing mass flow rate and the cost values with corresponding annulus side velocities. Finally, the overall characteristics of the trend lines are provided in the figures.