A simplified correlation for the air-side heat transfer coefficient exhibited from plate finned heat exchangers was accomplished. The development of the present formula was based on the implementation of the Buckingham-pi theorem. The physical dimensions of the plate fin parameters and tube geometry of the heat exchanger were incorporated in the correlation to reveal their effect on air-side heat transfer coefficient. It is intended to be used for air dry bulb and wet bulb temperatures in the range 16–40 °C and 13–20 °C through the tube banks, respectively. It is valid for transverse to longitudinal tube pitches ratio of XT/XL = 0.75 and 0.83. The air-side Reynolds number based on maximum flow velocity and equivalent tube diameter to be in the range of 2.2 × 103 ≤ Re ≤ 8.75 × 103. The total mean absolute errors of the predicted overall heat transfer coefficient and heat duty were 10% and 13%, respectively.

Issue Section:
Research Papers
Keywords:
Extended surfaces, Forced convection, Heat exchangers, Heat transfer enhancement, Fins
Topics:
Heat exchangers, Heat transfer coefficients, Flow (Dynamics), Flat plates

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