Experimental Analysis of Heat Transfer in Multi-Mini-Channel Module: A Comparison with CFD Simulations

Kinga Strąk () and Dariusz Strąk
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Kinga Strąk: Faculty of Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering, Kielce University of Technology, al. Tysiaclecia Panstwa Polskiego 7, PL-25-314 Kielce, Poland
Dariusz Strąk: Independent Researcher, Zagórska 72/1, PL-25-362 Kielce, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 22, 1-34

Abstract: This study presents comprehensive experimental, analytical, and numerical analyses of heat transfer during countercurrent flow of Fluorinert FC-72 and distilled water within a multi-mini-channel (MMCH) module under steady-state conditions. The experimental investigation was conducted in a test section inclined at an angle of 165 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, utilizing an infrared camera to measure the external temperature of the heated mini-channel (MCH) wall. The test module comprised twelve MCHs: six hot (HMCH) and six cold mini-channels (CMCH), each with a rectangular cross-section. The dimensions of each MCH are 140 mm in length, 18.3 mm in width, and 1.5 mm in depth, with a hydraulic diameter of d h = 2.77 mm. The heating system on the top wall of the external heated copper comprises a halogen heating lamp. Results include infrared thermographs, temperature distributions, and heat transfer coefficients (HTCs) along the channels. Local HTCs were calculated using a one-dimensional (1D) approach, a simple analytical method, at interfaces such as the heated plate—HMCHs, HMCHs—separating plate, separating plate—CMCHs, and CMCHs—closing plate. CFD simulations conducted with Simcenter STAR-CCM+ incorporated empirical data from experiments, using parameters like temperature, pressure, velocity profiles, and heat flux density to determine HTCs. The maximum difference between the 1D method and CFD results was 29% at the HMCHs/separating plate interface. In comparison, the minimum was 13.5% at the separating plate/CMCHs interface, with an average across all channels and heat flux densities.

Keywords: flow; heat transfer; mini-channels; CFD simulations; Simcenter STAR-CCM+ software (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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