Investigations on Hydro-Thermal Performance of a Microchannel Heat Exchanger Using Microchambers with Ribs

A fluid flow and heat transfer impact on microchambers of microchannel with ribs are investigated numerically under laminar flow (Reynolds number = 50 to 500) by Finite volume Method. The results obtained from experimental and numerical analysis under different chambers with ribs are compared for different flow rates. The result shows that the friction factor is decreased with increased Reynolds number. It is evident that the friction factor in a channel with microchamber of 11.5 mm pitch and rib height of 1 mm is 43.84% lower than the plan microchannel. The obtained results show that the heat transfer coefficient and Nusselt number are improved by 39.89% and 6.61% respectively with increase in Reynolds number. It is also observed that the heat transfer coefficient and Nusselt number are increased with the increase in ribs height and it is shown the highest values in a channel with microchamber of 11.5 mm pitch and rib height of 1 mm.