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Fluid Analysis and Improved Structure of an ATEG Heat Exchanger Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics

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Abstract

In this study, a numerical model has been employed to analyze the internal flow field distribution in a heat exchanger applied for an automotive thermoelectric generator based on computational fluid dynamics. The model simulates the influence of factors relevant to the heat exchanger, including the automotive waste heat mass flow velocity, temperature, internal fins, and back pressure. The result is in good agreement with experimental test data. Sensitivity analysis of the inlet parameters shows that increase of the exhaust velocity, compared with the inlet temperature, makes little contribution (0.1 versus 0.19) to the heat transfer but results in a detrimental back pressure increase (0.69 versus 0.21). A configuration equipped with internal fins is proved to offer better thermal performance compared with that without fins. Finally, based on an attempt to improve the internal flow field, a more rational structure is obtained, offering a more homogeneous temperature distribution, higher average heat transfer coefficient, and lower back pressure.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Automotive Components, Automobile Engineering Institute, Wuhan University of Technology, 205 Luoshi Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430070, China

    Z. B. Tang, Y. D. Deng, C. Q. Su & X. H. Yuan

Authors
  1. Z. B. Tang
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  2. Y. D. Deng
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  3. C. Q. Su
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  4. X. H. Yuan
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Correspondence to C. Q. Su.

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Tang, Z.B., Deng, Y.D., Su, C.Q. et al. Fluid Analysis and Improved Structure of an ATEG Heat Exchanger Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics. J. Electron. Mater. 44, 1554–1561 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11664-014-3472-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11664-014-3472-z

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