Improvement of Compact Heat Exchangers with Inclined Louvered Fins

Abstract

A simple theoretical model is proposed for flow patterns around the louvers of compact heat exchangers in air-conditioners. The purpose of this paper is to determine the louver arrangement having the highest heat transfer coefficient and the lowest static pressure drop. Experiments using a scaled-up modeling technique employing thermistor plates point to the existence of a specific fin configuration and louver angles that bring forth optimum heat transfer and static pressure drop characteristics. Performance of a newly-designed, inclined louvered fin and a flat tube heat exchanger was clarified using a steady state hot water-to-air testing technique. The heat transfer coefficient and static pressure drop of an optimally inclined louvered heat exchanger is 16% higher and 2127% lower than those for conventional louvered heat exchangers.