An experimental study of heat transfer enhancement using vortex generators in a finned elliptical tube

In the recent years some papers have dealt with heat exchangers with non-circular tube geometry and vortex generators. Parametric studies with vortex generators applied on heat exchangers models are necessary. The present work consists of an experimental investigation about the influence of combining a plate-finned elliptical tube with vortex generators mounted on the fin surface. The objective is to search for the best position to place the vortex generators just considering heat transfer enhancement. The experimental technique for Nussel tnumber determination was the naphthalene sublimation and mass transfer analogy. A visualization was implemented spreading wetted chalk on fin surface, as a color sensitive evaporation material. The better position obtained is useful for future investigations involving heat exchanger formed by a higher number of tube rows. Additionally was studied the influence of Reynolds number and angle of attack on the average Nusselt number.