Flow and heat transfer behavior for a vortex-enhanced interrupted fin

The potential for enhanced air-side heat transfer in HVAC&R applications has been investigated using combined spanwise and streamwise vorticity. Spanwise vortices were created using an offset-strip fin array, and streamwise vortices were introduced into the flow using delta-wing vortex generators. Mass transfer measurements, obtained using the naphthalene sublimation technique, were used to quantify the heat transfer characteristics of a baseline and enhanced array, and these results were compared to flow visualization and particle image velocimetry measurements of the instantaneous velocity fields. Significant enhancement was observed over portions of the Reynolds number range tested (400≤Re≤3700), and a transitional Reynolds number range was identified within which the spanwise and streamwise vortices act to decrease the heat transfer performance of the array.