Numerical Investigation of Vortex Generator Position Effects on Thermal–Hydraulic Performance in a Corrugated Channel
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32972/dms.2026.002Keywords:
Corrugated channel; Vortex generator; Heat transfer enhancement; CFD simulation; SST k–ω modelAbstract
Improving heat transfer in compact heat exchangers is essential for achieving better thermal efficiency, particularly in corrugated channels where the geometry strongly influences the flow structure. This study numerically examines the thermal and hydraulic performance of a corrugated channel fitted with vortex generators (VGs), focusing on VG streamwise position effects. Three positions (d = –2, 0, and +2) were analyzed using ANSYS Fluent with the SST k–ω turbulence model. Results indicate that placing VGs near the corrugation entrance (d = –2) provides the highest heat transfer enhancement (≈121%) and the maximum PEC of 0.96, although accompanied by a higher pressure drop. Optimizing VG placement improves overall heat exchanger performance.
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