Multi-objective optimization of the dimple/protrusion channel with pin fins for heat transfer enhancement

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the optimal geometry parameters in a dimple/protrusion-pin finned channel with high thermal performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The BSL turbulence model is used to calculate the flow structure and heat transfer in a dimple/protrusion-pin finned channel. The optimization algorithm is set as Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II). The high Nusselt number and low friction factor are chosen as the optimization objectives. The pin fin diameter, dimple/protrusion diameter, dimple/protrusion location and dimple/protrusion depth are applied as the optimization variables. An in-house code is used to generate the geometry model and mesh. The commercial software Isight is used to perform the optimization process.

Findings

The results show that the Nusselt number and friction factor are sensitive to the geometry parameters. In a pin finned channel with a dimple, the Nusselt number is high at the rear part of the dimple, while it is low at the upstream of the dimple. A high dissipative function is found near the pin fin. In the protrusion channel, the Nusselt number is high at the leading edge of the protrusion. In addition, the protrusion induces a high pressure drop compared to the dimpled channel.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is to optimize the geometry parameters in a pin finned channel with dimple/protrusion. This is good application for the heat transfer enhancement at the trailing side for the gas turbine.

Citation

Luo, L., Du, W., Wang, S., Wu, W. and Zhang, X. (2019), "Multi-objective optimization of the dimple/protrusion channel with pin fins for heat transfer enhancement", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 29 No. 2, pp. 790-813. https://doi.org/10.1108/HFF-05-2018-0194