Numerical study on flow and heat transfer characteristics of supercritical methane in microchannels with airfoil fins

Abstract

In order to study the thermal and flow properties of interstage coolers in the liquefaction of methane process, numerical analyses were carried out on methane flow within a printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) with airfoil fins. A geometry model was developed in this research to include staggered microchannels with airfoil fins. The SST k-ω turbulence model was utilized in the analysis of how various operating parameters, including inlet flux, outlet pressure and inlet temperature, impact flow and thermal characteristics. It was found that higher inlet temperatures result in improved thermal feature but are also associated with increased resistance. Conversely, higher outlet pressure conditions led to better overall flow and thermal feature. Furthermore, the impact of airfoil fins on flow characteristics was studied, considering factors such as secondary flow intensity and entropy generation. Correlations for Fanning frictional factor and Nusselt number were developed with a margin of error within ± 3.5 %. These research findings are intended to benefit the design and optimization of PCHEs featuring airfoil fins microchannels for applications.