Delta Winglet Pairs in the Core of a Pipe and its Effect on Heat Transfer and Flow

Vortex generators/turbulent promoters generate the longitudinal vortices which introduce the better mixing of the fluid with fluid circulation and enhance heat transfer. In this research, experimental investigations have been carried out to study the effect of delta winglet vortex generator (DWVG) in the core of the pipe on heat transfer and flow behavior. In this experiment, two pairs of delta winglet vortex generators (DWVG) were printed on the upside and downside of the thin plate using 3D printing technology in a ring and then placed in the core of the pipe to generate longitudinal vortices. Middle plate was very thin. The effect of heights (H = 5mm, 10mm, 15mm and 20mm) of DWVG for 10° angle of attack and 15mm spacing between leading edges of VG pairs on heat transfer and pressure drop was studied. The experiments were conducted for a fully developed turbulent flow of air in the range of Reynolds numbers (Re) 5000–25000. The influence of the DWVGs on heat transfer and pressure drop was investigated in terms of the Nusselt number (Nu) and friction factor (f). The experimental results indicate that DWVG in the core of the tube results in a considerable increase in Nu with some pressure penalty. It is found that DWVG increase Nu considerably only when H is over 10mm. Nu increases with Re and H. Friction factor decreases with Re but increase with H. The thermal performance enhancement (TPE) was noticed decreasing with Re. TPE could be obtain up to 1 only when the height is over 10mm for Re ≤ 7500. The experimental results show that the DWVG in the core of the pipe is not a good option to enhance the heat transfer at a higher Re.