Development of a low Reynolds number enhanced heat transfer surface using flow visualization techniques

In this paper, an extensive flow visualization study was conducted to design and optimize a heat transfer surface suitable for compact heat exchangers operating in a low Reynolds number regime. The design of the new surface was achieved by carefully identifying possible enhancement mechanisms and choosing a geometry, which would promote these effects at lower Reynolds numbers than other enhanced surfaces. The new geometry, referred to here as a “pin–fin”, provides excellent transport characteristics by generating strong, unsteady, and three-dimensional vorticity under all flow conditions.