Correlations and optimization of a heat exchanger with offset-strip fins

The thermo-flow characteristics of a heat exchanger with offset-strip fins are numerically investigated for various fin geometries and working fluids. Previous correlations underestimate f values in the laminar and turbulent regimes and overestimate j values in the laminar regime, as the blockage ratio increase. Therefore, new correlations, which apply to offset-strip fins with blockage ratios of greater than 20%, are presented. Even though the working fluid was changed, the f values did not vary. However, the j values differed according to the working fluid. New j correlations were suggested as functions of the Prandtl number. Design variables of the offset-strip fins in a fuel cooler were optimized by using the correlations and the design of experiment. As a result, the JF factor of the optimized offset-strip fin was enhanced by 24% compared with that of the reference offset-strip fin. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.This work was supported by the Korea Science and Engineering Foundation (KOSEF) grant funded by the Korea government (MEST) (No. 2009-0072371)