Numerical simulation to evaluate the influence of geometric parameters on the physical behavior of heat e

Abstract

In the present investigation, a methodology was developed by means of numerical simulation for the evaluation of the influence of the geometric parameters of the heat exchangers used in thermoelectric generation devices. The validation of the proposed methodology was carried out through experimental tests on a diesel engine test bench under four load conditions (2 Nm, 4 Nm, 6 Nm, and 8 Nm) and a constant speed of 3600 rpm. The results obtained show that the methodology proposed by means of the numerical simulation presents a high concordance with the behavior described experimentally. The deviation between the simulation predictions and the experimental results was less than 4%. Additionally, it was evidenced that the change in the geometry of the heat exchanger has a considerable impact on the parameters of heat flow and surface temperature. It was shown that a 50% reduction in fin distance causes an increase of 2% and 2.4% in the previous parameters. Through geometric modifications, the electrical power generated increased by 7.9%. In general, the methodology developed through numerical simulation allows the analysis of the physical, thermal, and hydraulic phenomena present in heat exchangers focused on use in thermoelectric devices.