Numerical study of fluid flow and heat transfer in a multi-port serpentine meso-channel heat exchanger

Three dimensional numerical simulations, based on the Navier–Stokes equations and the energy equation, are performed for forced convection of hot water through a serpentine meso-channel heat exchanger with a cold air across flow. The results are compared for the same geometrical and experimental conditions. The numerical predictions of heat transfer rate, both pressure and the temperature drop in the water, and the core surface temperature at the serpentine bend are found to be in good agreement with experimental data. Numerical results show that the existence of serpentine bend in the meso-channel heat exchanger causes the heat transfer rate to increase. The multi-port slab has flat surfaces on the top and bottom faces; air flows in contact with the heat transfer surfaces and maintains a uniform temperature distribution. Moreover, the parallel channels located inside the meso-channel slab core help to distribute the heat fairly uniformly through all the channels.