Simultaneous integration, control and enhancement of both fluid flow and heat transfer in small scale heat exchangers: A numerical study

Compactness, efficiency and control of heat exchangers are of great interest in many processes. A technological breakthrough must be achieved to go further in their ability to respond to needs. A new concept of heat exchanger is proposed. It consists in dynamically deforming at least one of the walls of a low hydraulic diameter channel. Heat transfer and mass flow rate enhancements are investigated in single-phase flow. When the deformation is a progressive wave with a relative amplitude of 98.5% and frequency of 50 Hz, it generates a flow having a mass velocity of up to 510 kg·m− 2·s− 1. Although the Reynolds number is low the heat transfer coefficient is enhanced by up to 450% compared to a straight channel.