In a bid to boost the efficiency of heat exchangers, a team of researchers led by Mohamed A. Hamied from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Alexandria, Egypt, and the University of Oviedo in Spain, has developed a novel approach that combines two geometric improvements into a single configuration. The study, published in the journal ‘Case Studies in Thermal Engineering’ (translated from English), focuses on shell-and-helical coil heat exchangers, which are widely used in industrial and maritime applications.
The research team set out to tackle the challenge of enhancing heat transfer in these systems, which are crucial for energy recovery and overall system efficiency. They developed a three-dimensional model to simulate turbulent flow and heat transfer across four different structural configurations: a conventional design, a baffled configuration, an internally finned tube design, and a combined baffle–finned configuration.
The results were promising. The integrated configuration, which combines shell-side baffles and tube-side internal fins, achieved the highest performance improvement. According to the study, this design showed a 33 percent increase in effectiveness compared to the conventional design, reaching a maximum effectiveness of 0.60. Moreover, it demonstrated a peak thermal-hydraulic performance value of approximately 1.60 at low flow rates, indicating a good balance between heat transfer enhancement and pressure loss.
Hamied explained, “The numerical model was benchmarked against experimental data with a maximum deviation of about 2 percent, supporting its reliability.” This validation is crucial for the practical application of the findings, as it ensures that the model can be trusted to accurately predict real-world performance.
The implications for the maritime sector are significant. Heat exchangers are vital components in various maritime systems, including propulsion, power generation, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. By improving the efficiency of these systems, ships can reduce their fuel consumption and lower their emissions, contributing to a more sustainable maritime industry.
Moreover, the compact and efficient design proposed by Hamied and his team could be particularly beneficial for ships with limited space, such as offshore platforms or smaller vessels. The enhanced performance could also lead to cost savings, as less energy would be required to achieve the same level of heat transfer.
In the words of the researchers, “The study introduces a novel enhancement strategy that combines two geometric improvements into a single configuration, offering a compact and efficient solution for advanced thermal system applications.” This innovative approach could pave the way for more efficient and sustainable maritime operations, benefiting both the environment and the bottom line.
As the maritime industry continues to grapple with the challenges of decarbonization and energy efficiency, research like this offers a glimmer of hope. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in heat transfer technology, Hamied and his team are helping to shape a more sustainable future for maritime operations.