Computer Simulation of Heat Transfer Performance for Internally Rifled and Corrugated Boiler Tubes Under Steady Fluid State

Abstract

Engineers are constantly working to improve the efficiency of boiler steam output rates for reasons of both economics and the environment. This can be accomplished by improving heat transfer efficiency through the boiler tubes. This is why comparing two distinct kinds of boiler tubes was done. Using computer simulation Ansys Fluent, this study examines airflow characteristics inside the boiler tube with different wall designs (rifled and corrugated). A varied wall design for a boiler tube (rifled and corrugated) was studied for pressure drop effects at various flow rates, and the efficacy of heat transfer between internally rifled and corrugated boiler tubes was compared. CFD analysis was used to analyze the thermal analysis within the boiler tube when hot air passes through it at a fixed inlet temperature of 450K. It was consumed that the ambient pressure was 101.325kPa, and the inflow velocity ranged from 8m/s, 10m/s, and 12m/s. According to the graph, internally rifled tubes have a higher heat transfer coefficient than corrugated tubes. The average heat transfer coefficient of the internally rifled tube model was 5947.128W/m²K, whereas the corrugated tube model was 5761.365W/m²K. As a result, the corrugated tube had a larger pressure, which meant a faster pressure decrease toward the outlet. Researchers can use the simulation result as a starting point for additional research into the potential parameters of the design in various fields and applications to be improved.