SIMULATION OF AIR COOLERS

Abstract

The present investigation pertains to a theoretical study of Computer Aided Simulation of Air Coolers. Basically it deals with the study of the effect on performance of air cooler with variation of certain operating parameters and geometric variables namely air inlet temperature, air flow rate, tube outer diameter and fin spacing. Kern's method for designing the air cooler (finned tube) has been followed since this is the most widely used and acceptable design method. Using Kern's method, a design algorithm has been developed. Based on this algorithm a computer program has been developed and fin side heat transfer coefficient, air pressure drop, heat transfer surface area and air velocity are obtained to study the effect of design variables. The results show that minimum tube diameter (outer) for finned tube air coolers must be higher than a minimum value where the bare tube area becomes controlling. In this study this minimum diameter is 20 mm. Lower fin spacing increases the heat transfer at the cost of higher pressure drop. Air inlet temperature has marginal effect on heat transfer.