A Bejan’s Constructal Theory Approach to the Overall Optimization of Heat Exchanging Finned Modules With Air in Forced Convection and Laminar Flow Condition

Abstract

Optimizing ever smaller heat exchangers determines two opposite needs: augmenting performances, on the one hand; removing heat in excess to reduce failures, on the other. This numerical study, modeled thanks to Bejan’s Constructal theory, researches the overall optimization of finned modules, differently shaped and combined, cooled by air in laminar flow and forced convection condition: Losses of pressure, together with heat removed, contribute to the final assessment made through a novel idea of performance based on the so called overall performance coefficient.