Evaluating turbulence models for accurate thermo-fluid simulation in STHE with combined tube bundles
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Date
2025
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Turkish Journal of Engineering
Abstract
Shell and tube heat exchangers are widely used for their thermal efficiency, and their performance is heavily influenced by the turbulence regime, which is primarily turbulent due to the complex geometry involved. This study evaluates the impact of three turbulence models—k-ε, k-ω, and realizable k-ε—on shell and tube heat exchangers with circular, 90° elliptical, and combined tube configurations, including line-line, random, and elliptical 90°-circular combinations. Using COMSOL Multiphysics software, we simulate thermofluidic flows and compare the results for each turbulence model and tube geometry. The results show that the k-ω model is the most effective for simple geometries, providing reliable and consistent outcomes, while the realizable k-ε model exhibits the lowest pressure drop, making it particularly suitable for configurations with varying mass flow rates and more complex geometries. The choice of different tube bundle combinations can significantly impact the overall thermal and hydraulic performance of the heat exchanger. For combined configurations, the k-ε model provides the best heat transfer performance, particularly in the STHE-E90°_C combination, where the strategic placement of circular tubes in the center and near the shell has a significant effect on optimizing both heat transfer efficiency and pressure losses. This study offers valuable insights for optimizing the design and performance of shell and tube heat exchangers, ultimately contributing to more efficient thermal systems.
Description
2025, 9(2), 258-271
DOI: 10.31127/tuje.1546393