Systematical numerical investigations on heat transfer performance of latticework channel

The heat exchanger with latticework channel is designed, optimized and fabricated for the first time to tackle high demands in fields of aeronautics, electronic device, etc. In this article, systematical numerical investigations on conjugate heat transfer are carried out for the latticework channel with the Reynolds number ranging from 100 to 1000. Due to the characteristics of the structure, the longitudinal vortex can be generated and maintained naturally without additional vortex generators, hence continuous enhanced heat transfer can be obtained. The Nusselt number can be enhanced by 3–10 times compared with that of the straight channel. By fixing the hydraulic diameter and channel aspect ratio, and adjusting the rib width, a heat transfer improvement of 28% to 69% can be achieved. Fixing the hydraulic diameter and rib width and increasing the channel aspect ratio at Re = 1000 can achieve the heat transfer improvement of 38%–70%. While in the case that the hydraulic diameter is flexible and the rib height is reduced, a heat transfer improvement of >153% can be achieved. Moreover, clear guidelines are provided on designing heat exchangers by using the latticework channel.