Thermal and Fluid Dynamic Simulation of Automotive Fin-and-Tube Heat Exchangers, Part 1: Mathematical Model

• Published in: Heat transfer engineering Vol. 29; no. 5; pp. 484 - 494
• Main Authors: Pérez-Segarra, C. D., Oliet, C., Oliva, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia, PA Taylor & Francis Group 01-05-2008; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Devices using thermal energy; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Ground, air and sea transportation, marine construction; Heat exchangers (included heat transformers, condensers, cooling towers); Road transportation and traffic; Motor car; Vehicle radiator; Heat exchanger; Cooling system; Compact heat exchanger; Numerical simulation; Liquid flow; Modeling; Heat transfer
• ISSN: 0145-7632; 1521-0537
• DOI: 10.1080/01457630701851107

The aim of this paper is to present a developed detailed model for the simulation of automotive fin-and-tube heat exchangers (Compact Heat Exchanger Simulation Software, CHESS). The simulation strategy and the mathematical methodology are described in detail. The model is based on a 3D discretization around the tubes as small heat exchangers, where the appropriate governing equations (mass, momentum and energy) are applied for each control volume on the air-side, the solid elements, and the coolant side. Some verification and illustrative results are also provided to show the features of the model. A comparison between numerical simulation results and experimental data is presented in a companion paper (Part 2).