Performance Analysis of Corrugated Twisted Tape Inserts for Heat Transfer Augmentation

Abstract

This study explores the impact of wavy corrugated twisted tape inserts on enhancing heat transfer and reducing pressure drop in a double pipe heat exchanger. Cu inserts with twist ratios of 3.2, 4.2, and 5.2 were used to create turbulence in the inner tube. Varying water flow rates and measuring bulk mean temperatures at different points revealed significant improvements in heat transfer over smooth tubes. The insert with a 3.2 twist ratio achieved the highest Nusselt number increase (185%) and a 36.33% rise in the friction factor. These results highlight the effectiveness of wavy corrugated twisted tape inserts for optimizing heat transfer, with a 3.2 twist ratio identified as the most effective. Across Reynolds numbers from 4000 to 18000, Nusselt number increases were 77.75% for a 5.2 twist ratio, 167% for a 4.2 twist ratio, and 185% for a 3.2 twist ratio. Friction factors rose by approximately 10.42% for a 5.2 twist ratio, 32.54% for a 4.2 twist ratio, and 36.33% for a 3.2 twist ratio, demonstrating the relationship between twist ratio, heat transfer enhancement.