Numerical simulation on slit finned elliptical tube heat exchangers with different transverse tube pitch S1

longitudinal tube pitch S2 and the ratio a/b of major and minor axis of the elliptical tube

was verified by model experiment. The effect of tube bundle structure on the heat transfer and resistance characteristics of slit finned elliptical tube heat exchangers was analyzed. The results indicate that as S1 decreases from 70.55 mm to 60.55 mm

Nu and Eu at air-side increase

with optimized comprehensive flow and heat transfer performance of the heat exchangers when S1 equals to 60.55 mm. As S2 decreases from 75 mm to 65 mm

Nu at air-side increases

but Eu at air-side has no significant changes

with optimized comprehensive flow and heat transfer performance of the heat exchangers when S2 equals to 65 mm. The heat transfer and resistance characteristics of slit finned elliptical tube heat exchangers are significantly influenced by the transverse tube pitch. When the elliptical tube circumference is equal and a/b is between 1.5 and 2.5

the optimized comprehensive flow and heat transfer performance of the heat exchangers was the best when a/b was 1.8. The findings of this paper provide proofs of the application and further optimization of such heat exchangers in engineering practice.