Effectiveness of Multi Baffles With Trefoils on the Performance of Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger

Abstract The design and analysis of shell and tube heat exchangers are essential for efficient heat transfer in various industrial applications. This study focuses on investigating the performance of a shell and tube heat exchanger using multi-baffles with four different trefoil geometries, i.e., rectangular, square, triangular and hexagonal shapes. The objective of this research is to optimize the heat transfer efficiency by examining the effects of these multi-baffle geometries on the performance of the heat exchanger. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and theoretical calculations are employed to evaluate the thermal performance of each geometry. CFD simulations are conducted to analyze the flow patterns, pressure drop, and heat transfer characteristics for each geometry. The effectiveness of the heat exchanger and the overall heat transfer coefficient are calculated to compare the performance of different configurations. The results obtained from the simulations and calculations provide valuable insights into the influence of different trefoiled baffle geometries on the heat exchanger’s performance. The findings indicate that each geometry has its unique impact on the heat transfer rate, pressure drop, and overall efficiency of the heat exchanger. The trefoil baffles exhibit improved heat transfer performance with hexagonal trefoil results in higher heat transfer while triangular baffles result in lower pressure drops. This research enhances our understanding of the relationship between multi-baffle geometries on the performance of shell and tube heat exchangers. The findings can be utilized to optimize the design and selection of baffle configurations based on specific industrial requirements, aiming for improved heat transfer efficiency and reduced energy consumption. Future research can explore additional multi-baffle geometries and investigate the effects of other operating parameters on heat exchanger performance to further enhance its design and performance.