HEAT TRANSFER AND FRICTION LOSS PERFORMANCE IN FLOW NETWORKS WITH MULTIPLE INTERSECTIONS

Abstract

An experimental study is performed on heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics in multiple-intersection flow networks consisting of a 60° intersection angle. Air is used as the working fluid. Both the pitch-to-hydraulic diameter ratio and the Reynolds number are varied. Results are expressed in terms of the heat transfer and friction factors and their ratio, called the “goodness factor.” It is found that the flow networks are characterized by a much higher goodness factor than a pin-finned surface of equivalent geometry when flow conditions are in the range of interested heat exchange applications.