Effect of curved fins and crescent-shaped protrusions on thermal performance in a wedge channel

Abstract

To increase a turbine’s efficiency and power output, the inlet temperature is substantially greater than the blade metal melting point. The problem with the trailing edge is that it frequently has the highest material temperature of the entire blade, resulting in the greatest thermal burden. Pin fin arrays and protrusions are a common method for cooling the trailing edge. This study introduces a novel configuration combining curved circular pin fins and crescent-shaped protrusions to improve the thermal-hydraulic performance of a wedge-shaped cooling channel. Both numerical simulations using CFD and experimental tests were conducted to evaluate the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of the channel with and without protrusions. A continuous heat flux of 3,280 w/m 2 is applied to the top wall, bottom wall, and fins. Wedge channel with curved fins and crescent protrusions are compared with base line model by varying the Reynolds number from 10,000–80,000. According to the findings, curved circular pin fins perform more effectively as a result of severe turbulence, with there being a 25.2 % increase in heat transfer when protrusion is used. Wedge ducts with curved circular pin fins and surface protrusions experience approximately 4.5–10.5 % higher pressure loss compared to the same configuration without protrusions, depending on the Reynolds number. The thermal performance factor of curved circular pin fin with protrusion shows a 25 % increase with respect to curved circular pin fin without protrusion.