The effect of plate-fin types on the thermal-hydraulic and second law performances of a vehicle intercooler

摘要

In this study, five fin types namely, plain fins, louvered fins, offset strip fins, wavy fins and perforated fins utilisable in the design of vehicle intercoolers are theoretically examined. The aim is to see their effect on the thermal-hydraulic and second law performances of the intercooler. In the analysis, Ford Cargo TCI engine specifications are used to establish intercooler's operating conditions. Totally, 15 different fin geometries of five types are analysed. The results show that offset strip 1/9-24.12 fin provide highest thermal performance, with 99.8% effectiveness and 33.23 kW heat transfer while causing 12.57% pressure loss in the hot fluid. Conversely, plain 9.03 fin maintains the least pressure drop, 0.53%, but with effectiveness of 43.3%. For rational efficiency, plain fins possess highest values ranging 0.37 to 0.405. Moreover, as the hot fluid flow rate increases flow imbalance diminishes and thus rational efficiency increases up to a certain point.