Simulation of conductive fins effect on mixed convection heat transfer in a two-dimensional inclined channel using the lattice Boltzmann method

Abstract

The simulation of the laminar mixed convection heat transfer inside a 2-D inclined channel was investigated here by employing the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). The channel was equipped with conductive fins. The effects of inclination angle (φ), geometrical parameters (e and A), and a wide range of the Richardson numbers (Ri = 0.1-10) at fixed Reynolds number (Re = 100) on the heat transfer and flow structure were studied. The numerical model was validated by the published benchmark problems. Results were analyzed in terms of isotherms, streamlines, average Nusselt number, and average temperature. It found that the Nu increases with a decrease in the number, height, and width of fins. Results showed that when the channel equipped with 16 fins the reduction in Nu value reaches 62% compared to the empty channel. In addition, at Ri = 1 and N = 8, the Nusselt number decreased by about 52-77% for different fin widths compared to the channel without fins. However, the Richardson number and inclination angle enhanced the heat transfer rate in terms of the average Nusselt number. It revealed that a higher heat transfer rate belongs to the Ri = 10 and φ = 60°. The finding of this work showed the capability of LBM in simulating the mixed convection heat transfer in an inclined channel equipped with fins. A numerical analysis of the results produced a comprehensive set of results that could be utilized to reduce heat transfer. This paper can provide a novel framework for the design of air solar collectors and heat exchange systems.