Dimensionless Parameters for the Optimization of Annular-Finned Tubes

This paper addresses the problem of optimizing an array of annular fins starting from an empirical fit of the average convection coefficient that recognizes the influence of the fin spacing. A dimensionless formulation is proposed to reduce the number of independent parameters to only four, being applicable to a rather generic situation. The formulation is illustrated with a parametric study encompassing the ranges of interest of the variables: Reynolds number, thermal conductivity ratio, volume constraint and fin spacing and thickness. Applied to the standard designs of annular-finned heat exchangers, the method predicts fully coherent points of optimum thermal performance. A sequence is suggested to integrate the optimization process within the design calculations of heat exchangers, and several graphs are presented which are suitable to this purpose. The method can be applied to the design and scaling calculations of annular-finned tube bundles for gas-liquid or gas-gas applications.