Effect of vibrator position and frequency on heat transfer enhancement in counter flow concentric pipe heat exchanger

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to deal with heat transfer enhancement because of transverse vibration on counter flow concentric pipe heat exchanger. Experiments were performed at different vibrator positions with varying amplitudes and frequencies.

Design/methodology/approach

Tests are carried out at 4 different vibration frequencies (20, 40, 60 and 100 Hz), 3 vibration amplitudes (23, 46 and 69 mm) and at 3 vibrator positions (1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 of pipe length) with respect to hot water inlet under turbulent flow condition.

Findings

Experimental results indicate that Nusselt number is enhanced to a maximum extent of 44% with vibration when compared to Nusselt number without vibration at a frequency of 40 Hz, an amplitude of 69 mm and at a vibrator position of one-fourth of pipe length with respect to hot water inlet.

Originality/value

Empirical correlation is developed from experimental data to estimate the heat transfer coefficient with vibration for experimental frequency range with an error estimate of approximately ±10%.

Citation

Arasavelli, S.S., Konijeti, R. and Budda, G.R. (2020), "Effect of vibrator position and frequency on heat transfer enhancement in counter flow concentric pipe heat exchanger", World Journal of Engineering, Vol. 17 No. 5, pp. 751-760. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJE-01-2020-0032