Accepted Manuscript

Heat transfer enhancement using different types of vortex generators (VGs): A

review on experimental and numerical activities

Muhammad Awais, Arafat A. Bhuiyan

PII: S2451-9049(18)30049-0
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsep.2018.02.007
Reference: TSEP 135

To appear in: Thermal Science and Engineering Progress

Received Date: 18 August 2017

Revised Date: 5 February 2018
Accepted Date: 10 February 2018

Please cite this article as: M. Awais, A.A. Bhuiyan, Heat transfer enhancement using different types of vortex
generators (VGs): A review on experimental and numerical activities, Thermal Science and Engineering
Progress (2018), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsep.2018.02.007

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 Heat transfer enhancement using different types of vortex generators
(VGs): A review on experimental and numerical activities
1
Muhammad Awais, 1Arafat A. Bhuiyan
1
Department of Mechanical and chemical Engineering, Islamic University of Technology (IUT)
Board Bazar, Gazipur-1704, Bangladesh
E-mail: arafat@iut-dhaka.edu

Contact details of the corresponding author

Dr. Arafat A. Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical and chemical Engineering,
Islamic University of Technology (IUT)
Board Bazar, Gazipur-1704, Bangladesh
Phone: +88029291254. Ext. 3207
E-mail: arafat@iut-dhaka.edu
1 Contents
2 Abstract ............................................................................................................................................ 1
3 Keywords .......................................................................................................................................... 2
4 Nomenclature.................................................................................................................................... 2
5 1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 3
6 2. Experimental studies ................................................................................................................. 7
7 2.1. Influence of winglet arrangements with different transverse rows ...................................... 7
8 2.2. Effect of Heat transfer and Pressure drop for different tube shapes .................................. 10
9 2.3. Types of VGs Vs Heat transfer augmentation.................................................................... 12
10 2.4. Influence of the angle of attack and height ....................................................................... 14
11 3. Flow visualization studies......................................................................................................... 17
12 3.1. Concept of flow visualization method ............................................................................... 17
13 3.2. Recent studies of visualization .......................................................................................... 18
14 3.3. Effects of block type VGs on heat transfer......................................................................... 18
15 4. Numerical activities ................................................................................................................. 20
16 4.1. Influence of VG’s on heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics ................................ 20
17 4.2. Impact of winglet type VGs on heat transfer enhancement ............................................... 22
18 4.3. Influence of attack angle of VG’s on heat transfer and pressure drop ............................... 24
19 4.4. Influence of VGs height on heat transfer and pressure drop .............................................. 26
20 5. Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 27
21 6. References............................................................................................................................... 35
22

23 Abstract
24
25 This paper presents a comprehensive review on heat transfer augmentation and pressure
26 loss reduction of compact heat exchanger (CHXs) by using interrupted surfaces in the form
27 of vortex generators (VGs). The influence of type, shape, and design and attack angle of VGs
28 on enhancement of heat transfer rate and pressure loss are widely discussed. The sole
29 objective of this review is to gather major thermodynamic features of CHXs presented by
30 researchers through both experimental and numerical investigation for innovative designing
31 purpose of heat exchangers. We have evaluated the effects of different types of vortex
32 generators, their arrangement, location, attack angles and height on heat transfer and
33 friction characteristics of heat exchangers. It was noticed that longitudinal vortices induced
34 by vortex generators leads to the reduction of wake region behind tubes, augmentation of
35 turbulence intensity and higher flow mixing. However, the intensity and strength of these
36 vortices is strictly dependent on Reynold number. Delta winglet type vortex generators
37 provide better heat transfer performance than rectangular winglet type vortex generators.
38 Location of these winglets is quite suitable in downstream region than upstream region.
39 Moreover, flow visualization techniques are discussed to analyze the vortex formation due
40 to VGs at microscopic level.

41 Keywords
42 Heat transfer enhancement, Vortex generators (VGs), Compact heat exchangers (CHXs),
43 Liquid crystal thermography (LCT), Flow visualization
44

45 Nomenclature
46 Cf Skin friction coefficient
47 Nusp Span average Nusselt number
48 dh, DH Hydraulic diameter
49 e Vortex height
50 f Friction factor
51 H Fin thickness
52 j Colburn factor
53 Lp Longitudinal pitch
54 Nu Nusselt number
55 Re Reynold number
56 sp Span average
57 St Stanton number
58

59 Abbreviations
60 CHXs Compact heat exchangers
61 VGs Vortex Generators
62 HXs Heat exchangers
63 LCT Liquid crystal thermography
64 DWVGs Delta Winglet Vortex Generators
65 LVGs Longitudinal Vortex Generators
66 TVGs Transverse Vortex Generators
67 RWVGs Rectangular Winglet Vortex Generators
68 CFU Common Flow Up configuration of winglets
69 CFD Common Flow Down configuration of winglets
70 O-DWT Oblique delta winglet twisted tape
71 S-DWT Straight winglet twisted tap
72 RWT Rectangular winglet tape vortex generators
73 WPT Winglet perforated tape
74 WTT Winglet non-perforated tape
75 CTWH Curved trapezoidal winglet pair with holes
76
77 Greek letters:
78 α, β Attack angle

79 1. Introduction
80 Heat exchanger is a device that allows exchanging heat between fluids. The separator which
81 separates the two fluids is called heat transfer surface and it can vary with different types of
82 heat exchangers [1-4]. The wide classification of heat exchangers is based on their types of
83 construction, flow arrangements, surface compactness, heat transfer process, pass
84 arrangement, phase of fluids, and heat transfer mechanism. HXs possess greater value and
85 used everywhere e.g. in thermal power plants, air conditioning equipment, radiators in
86 automobiles, space vehicles and refrigerators [5-7].

87 Thermodynamic performance of HXs is the main concern of designers and researchers. For
88 the past decades, several techniques have been developed to improve the thermal
89 efficiency of heat exchangers by reducing the entropy rate and level of exergy (destruction
90 of maximum available work). These techniques are named as Active techniques, Passive
91 techniques and compound techniques [8-11]. Active techniques involve use of external
92 power to augment heat transfer rate in heat exchangers. For example, maximizing mixing
93 flow rate by rotating the surface or through scraping, vibrate the heat transfer surface to
94 restart the boundary layer and produce secondary flow, applying electric and magnetic field
95 to provide forced convection hence enhance bulk mixing of hot and cold fluid, injecting
96 similar fluid to the upstream region of heat exchangers etc. While Passive techniques do not
97 require any external power to enhance heat transfer performance of heat exchangers.
98 These techniques are as follows, i. increase the heat transfer surface area with the help of
99 extended surfaces such as wavy fins [12], offset strip fins [13], louver fins [14-18], sinusoidal
100 fins [19, 20], herringbone wavy fins [21], plane fins [22], perforated fins and micro fin tube,
101 etc. [23]. These extended surfaces generate secondary flow to deteriorate boundary layer
102 by reducing its thickness and restarting it, ii. ‘Formation of corkscrew flow (for secondary
103 flow generation) by making heat transfer surface corrugated and incorporating different
104 types of vortex generators and twisted tape inserts etc.’ iii. Porous or hydrophobic coating
105 of heat transfer surface to increase turbulence intensity, iv. Adding displaced enhancement
106 device such as tube inserts (wire turbulator, twisted tapes etc.) to disrupt boundary layer
107 thickness, v. adding surface protuberances such as cube or pyramid for secondary flow
108 formation. Compound techniques are obtained by mixing above techniques together to
109 achieve highly effective turbulent flow pattern and weak wake region behind the tubes for
110 better results [24-27].

111 Swirl flow devices retain greater value in heat transfer field [28]. The devices such as vortex
112 generators (VGs) play significant role in enhancing heat transfer performance and reducing
113 pressure drop [24, 29]. Vortex generators are defined as protrusion from heat transfer
114 surface responsible for producing swirling flow around an axis which in result leads to the
115 generation of vortices. They are widely classified based on their types, shapes and
116 geometry. VGs are also named as interrupted surfaces responsible for inducing major
117 convective heat transfer mechanisms in compact heat exchangers [30, 31] which are as
118 follows,

119  Inducing secondary flow or swirl flow with the help of interrupted surfaces.
120  Mixing the flow along the wall region by making surfaces rough or mixing the main
121 flow with the help of passive techniques.
122  Developing boundary layer- reducing the boundary layer thickness by introducing
123 fins and VGs.
124  Enhancing turbulence intensity by incorporating rough surfaces.

125 An interrupted surface such as vortex generators (VGs) can play fundamental and significant
126 role in obtaining above heat transfer mechanisms with the help of heat transfer
127 enhancement passive technique of swirl flow [32]. Vortices induced by VGs are classified
128 into two categories such as, transverse vortices and longitudinal vortices [30]. Transverse
129 vortices have their axis normal to the flow direction and are consistent with 2D flow while
130 longitudinal vortices axis is in the stream wise direction and implied in 3D flow. Vortex
131 generators (VGs) lead to higher heat transfer performance by reducing the boundary layer
132 thickness through disrupting and deteriorating it and hence intensifying the turbulent flow.
133 Transverse vortices and their generation influence the heat transfer mainly through flow
134 disruption while longitudinal vortices and their generation have their impact on heat
135 transfer rate by involving above all heat transfer mechanisms. Fig. 1 is illustrating the
136 generation of longitudinal vortices by rectangular winglets.

137

138 Figure 1: Configuration of winglet-type VG on a fin surface: (a) CFD (b) CFU [33] and (c)
139 Longitudinal vortices generation [34].

140

141 The variation of different parameters such as longitudinal tube pitch, transverse tube pitch,
142 and fin pitch etc. plays significant role in the performance of finned-tube heat exchangers
143 [22, 35-37]. The detailed parametric studies for different flow ranges were critically
144 investigated for plain and wavy finned tube heat exchangers by the authors [26, 38, 39].
145 Also, the orientation, shape, types, pattern and geometry of vortex generators plays crucial
146 role in enhancement of heat transfer rate of heat exchangers. In ref [33], numerical
147 investigation was performed to evaluate the influence of five different orientation of
148 winglet type vortex generators (CFU, CFD, CFU-CFU, CFD-CFD, CFU-CFD) at the Reynold
149 number range from 250-1580. The basic representation of CFU and CFD configuration of
150 winglet is shown in Fig. 1. Their results showed that CFU-CFU yields better result as
151 compared to other configurations. In ref [34], Fiebig performed the numerical investigation
152 to acknowledge the effectuality of longitudinal vortex generators on heat transfer and flow
153 loss in parallel plate heat exchanger. He discovered that longitudinal vortices induced by fins
154 which are in the form of longitudinal vortex generators impart noteworthy effect on heat
155 transfer enhancement. In ref [40], Wu and Tao scrutinized the influence of longitudinal
156 vortex generator’s parameters on laminar convection heat transfer in a channel with the
157 help of numerical investigation. They concluded that when the LVG’s are installed away
158 from the inlet and also reducing the space between LVG’s pair leads to the reduction in
159 Nusselt number at the expense of no pressure drop. In ref [41], Fiebig studied the effect of
160 embedded wings and winglet type vortex generators in internal flow on heat transfer and
161 pressure drop. His major outcome was that at all Reynold number LVGs yields higher heat
162 transfer performance than TVGs at the expense of same pressure loss. As LVGs and their
163 generation prone to develop boundary layer without any delay, inducing swirl flow and
164 finally destabilizing and disrupting the flow to intensify turbulence, which makes it more
165 effective than TVGs. He also found that vortices can leads to the reduction of critical
166 Reynold number by a factor of 10 or more and wings and winglet gives same heat transfer
167 augmentation at less pressure drop. In another article given in ref. [30], authors assured for
168 the significant and preferable performance of LVGs over TVGs. However, both VGs can
169 enhance heat transfer performance. While showing a bit contradiction with his previous
170 article, he mentioned that winglets can be more effective than wing type VGs. The types and
171 performance features of different vortex generators are tabulated in Table 1.

172 In recent years, many researchers [42-52] worked on the aid of vortex generator’s (VGs)
173 performance on heat transfer enhancement using special type of inserts [53-55], using
174 different types of nano-fluids [56], by changing the shape of the heat exchangers etc. [57-
175 59] . Hence, in the present study, main objective is to elucidate innovative ways of heat
176 transfer augmentation and pressure loss reduction. The impact of vortices induced by
177 interrupted surfaces such as vortex generators on enhancement of heat transfer rate in heat
178 exchangers is widely discussed after careful and thorough study of different researchers and
179 scholar’s experimental and numerical investigations. The influence of types, shape,
180 geometry, orientation, and location etc. of VGs is also evaluated and results are expressed in
181 graphs which are depicting the relation between j-factor vs Reynold number, heat transfer
182 coefficient (h) vs Reynold number (Re), and Nusselt number (Nu) vs Reynold number (Re)
183 and relation between some other crucial factors regarding heat transfer and friction factor
184 (f). The primary objective of review is to acknowledge recent advancement of ingenious
185 ways of improving heat transfer performance in heat exchangers. This comprehensive
186 review will be extremely useful for designers to design compact heat exchangers with even
187 smaller area to volume density, low thermal resistance on both air and liquid side,
188 effectively efficient with higher heat transfer, less pressure drops and pumping power and
189 finally increase the thermodynamic performance of heat exchangers. Overall, this review
190 will summarize the recent advancements in the enhancement of heat transfer and pressure
191 drop performance by using vortex generator (VGs) considering three types of studies such
192 as visualization of the flow field by means of dye injection, computational modeling of the heat
193 exchanger and the experimental analysis conducted by the researchers which will cover the
194 Influence of winglet arrangements with different transverse rows, effect of Heat transfer
195 and Pressure drop for different tube shapes, Influence of the angle of attack and height,
196 effects of block type VGs on heat transfer, impact of winglet type VGs on heat transfer
197 enhancement, influence of VGs height on heat transfer augmentation and pressure drop
198 etc.

199 Table1: Types and performance features of vortex generators.

200 2. Experimental studies

201 2.1. Influence of winglet arrangements with different transverse rows
202 The selection, types, arrangement and location of VGs impart quite significant influence on
203 heat transfer and pressure drop of HXs. As vortices induced by each VGs have their own
204 intensity and strength and strictly dependent on Reynold number which coerce researchers
205 to investigate and find optimal parameters of winglets. Following discussion is carried out to
206 summarize major findings of researchers for innovative designing of compact heat
207 exchangers.

208 The studies in Refs. [60, 61] experimentally acknowledged the impact of one and two
209 transverse rows of winglets on heat transfer enhancement and pressure loss reduction of
210 finned-tube heat exchanger with both inline and staggered arrangement of tubes and it was
211 concluded that winglets with 2 transverse rows and staggered arrangement of tubes provide
212 6-15% higher heat transfer performance in a whole range of Re number as compared to the
213 winglets having single row configuration shown in fig 2a because two transverse rows of
214 winglets are responsible for intensifying turbulence intensity more than winglets with one
215 transverse rows. As higher heat transfer rate comes with larger pressure drop so the
216 corresponding pressure drop for 2 transverse rows of winglets was found 61-117% higher as
217 compared to the single transverse row of winglets depicted in fig 2b. The reason for higher
218 pressure drop by using 2 transverse rows of winglets could be explained by this
219 phenomenon, “the second row of winglet only helps to reduce the form drag for second row
220 of tubes but for the first and third row of tubes it becomes obstruction in the reduction of the
221 form drag which in result leads to the higher pressured drop. On the other hand, by using the
222 only one winglet row the form drag appears only at first tube row while it decreases per unit
223 length as the tube row number increases’’. While in case of inline arrangement of tubes two
224 transverse rows of winglets provides 7-9% higher heat transfer enhancement and
225 corresponding pressure drop raises 3-9% as compared to the single transverse rows of
226 winglets. As staggered arrangement always leads to the higher mixing flow and velocity
227 circulation mode.

228 Figure 2: (a) Heat transfer enhancement and (b) pressure loss penalty for number of
229 transverse rows of winglets [60, 61].

230

231 Ref. [62] experimentally deducted the influence of LVGs on performance of air cooled
232 condenser in the Reynold number range from 1500 to 4500. Winglet vortex generators were
233 installed on wavy fins around flat tubes. It was reported that wavy finned tubes with LVGs
234 augment significant amount of heat transfer as compared to the traditional wavy finned flat
235 tubes. it could be explained as longitudinal vortices induced by delta winglet pairs disrupt
236 thermal boundary layer and enhance the velocity gradient which makes cold and hot fluid
237 flow mixing better, hence better heat transfer performance. The enhancement in Nusselt
238 number was found around 21-60% at the expense of rise of friction factor. The study in ref.
239 [63] used DWVGs inside the tubes with different arrangement to examine their influence on
240 heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics as compared to the plain tubes. It was found
241 that tubes with VGs inside, yields higher heat transfer rate and pressure drop as compared
242 to the tubes without VGs.

243 The influence of one and three rows of winglets on the performance of fin-and-tube heat
244 exchanger was experimentally investigated by the authors in ref [64] in the Reynold number
245 range from 220 to 960. It was concluded that single and three pair of vortex generators
246 increases 16.5-44% and 30-68.8% air side heat transfer coefficient respectively. Moreover,
247 winglets with three arrays yields higher heat transfer performance than winglets with single
248 array. However, this higher transfer rate comes with higher pressure drop as shown in fig 3.
249 As formation of Longitudinal vortices induced by winglet arrays can significantly deteriorate
250 and form boundary layer thickness, enhance turbulence intensity and finally augment flow
251 mixing between hot and cold fluid which leads to the higher heat transfer performance [30].
252 Furthermore, these interrupted surfaces also possess certain impact on pressure drop as
253 discussed in ref [63].

254

255 Figure 3: Influence of winglets array on j and f factor at different Reynold number [64].
256 The study given in ref. [65] demonstrated the influence of annular and delta winglet vortex
257 generators on heat transfer performance of heat exchangers of fin-and-tube heat exchanger
258 at Re=1000. It was noticed strength of horseshoe vortices induced by tubes diminishes in
259 downstream region and to compensate this affect installation of winglets on heat transfer
260 surface can be carried out. The formation of longitudinal vortices appeared behind the
261 tubes due to staggered winglet arrangement as shown in fig 4. The annular height seemed
262 to have significant impact on counter rotating longitudinal vortex strength. The formation of
263 vortices because of these winglets could certainly influence heat transfer performance of
264 heat exchanger and pressure drop as discussed previously [60].

265

266 Figure 4 : Formation of vortices due to (a) delta VGs (b) annular VGs [65].

267

268 The study in ref. [66] experimentally investigated the influence of VGs on heat transfer
269 performance by using two types of delta winglet tape inserts i.e. oblique delta winglet
270 twisted tape (O-DWT) and straight winglet twisted tap (S-DWT) and also compared their
271 performance with typical twisted tape. It was concluded that O-DWT yield higher heat
272 transfer performance as compared to S-DWT at the expense of higher friction factor. It was
273 also noticed that as the ratio of twisted tape pitch and width (y/w) decreases, Nu increases
274 as shown in fig 5. It could be explained by a phenomenon that twisted shape interrupted
275 surfaces with smaller (y/w) leads to higher turbulent intensity and mixing flow and
276 corresponding enhancement in friction factor is due to the longer flow length provided by
277 these surfaces. As the flow length increases, the tangential contact between flowing stream
278 and tube surfaces rises too.

279

280 Figure 5: Effect of straight and oblique wings on (a) Nu number (b) f- factor [66].

281

282 The impact of backward and forward wing vortex generators on heat transfer performance
283 and friction factor was experimentally studied by [31]. Fig.6a and fig.6b depicts geometry of
284 forward wing and backward wing vortex generators respectively, while fig.6c and fig.6d
285 elucidating their influence on Nu-number and f-factor at different wing width ratio. It was
286 concluded that F-wing VGs provide higher heat transfer performance than B-wing VGs at the
287 penalty of larger friction factor. It could be explained as F-wing VGs disrupt boundary layer
288 thickness, augment turbulent flow intensity and increase mixing flow, in result greater
289 influence on heat transfer rate as compared to B-wing VGs as discussed in previous ref [24].

290 Zhou [67] performed experimentally study to elaborate the difference between curved
291 trapezoidal winglets (CTW) and traditional delta winglets such as rectangular winglet, delta
292 winglet and trapezoidal winglet. It was noticed that delta winglet pairs yield better
293 performance in Laminar and Transitional flow region, while CTW provide higher transfer
294 performance in turbulent flow region.

295

296 Figure 6: (a) Forward wing (b) Backward wing and Effect of B/F-wing arrangement on (c) Nu
297 number (d) f-factor [31].

298

299 2.2. Effect of Heat transfer and Pressure drop for different tube shapes
300 Like winglet types, tube shapes also play crucial role on thermo-hydraulic performance of
301 heat exchanger. These tubes can be circular, oval or elliptical, flat etc. Each geometry has its
302 own influence on reduction of wake region and formation of horseshoe vortices. The
303 strength of vortices induced by tubes certainly depends on its geometry. Authors
304 investigated the variation of plain fin and wavy finned –tube heat exchangers using circular
305 tube for in-lined and staggered tube arrangement and showed that staggered tube provide
306 better heat transfer compared to in-lined case for different fin shape [26, 38]. Refs. in [68,
307 69] evaluated the impact of circular, flat and square tubes on local heat transfer coefficient.
308 Ref [70] presented a review on performance of three different types of curved tubes i.e.
309 helically coiled tubes, spirally coiled tubes, and other coiled tubes in heat exchanger. Here,
310 in following section we are going to illustrate prominent effect of different tubes with vortex
311 generators on heat transfer performance in detail.

312 The studies in refs. [71-73] experimentally measured the effectiveness of VGs on local heat
313 transfer and pressure loss in fin-tube heat exchanger considering both flat and round tubes
314 and visualized the variation of local Nu number with the help of Liquid Crystal
315 Thermography (LCT). Fig. 7a and fig. 7b depicts the impact of staggered arrangements of flat
316 and round tubes with and without VGs on heat transfer performance at the Re number of
317 around 2700 based on channel height and average velocity. Without VGs, Nu number
318 enhancement can be seen for both flat and round tubes because formation of horseshoe
319 vortex due to staggered arrangement of tubes intensify turbulence and flow mixing.
320 Moreover, it can be noticed that without VGs staggered arrangement of round tubes gives
321 three peaks. First peak (Nu=20) caused by the first row of the tubes at y/H=3 while second
322 peak (Nu=26) appears at y/H=13 in front of the second row of the round tubes. It can be
323 seen that second peak is higher than the first peak. As the horseshoe vortex generated by
324 the blockage due to the first row of the tubes is quite strong and also staggered
325 arrangement of tubes reduces the wake region behind the tubes, as the third row of the
326 tube is in the wake of the first row of the tubes so it yields lower peak. As compared to the
327 round tubes, flat tubes yield very poor performance (20 % less heat transfer at one-fourth
328 the pressure loss) without VGs. As flat tubes do not yield horseshoe vortex and 60%
329 blockage reduced due to the flat tubes as compared to the round tubes which leads to the
330 no peak after the first row of the tubes and poor heat transfer performance. When the VGs
331 are installed in both configurations, significant difference in heat transfer enhancement is
332 observed. As with vortex generators flat tubes manifest higher heat transfer performance
333 with greater average value of Nu number and extra peaks as the vortices formed by flat
334 tubes with VGs have higher flow length. The corresponding friction factor for flat tubes with
335 VGs friction factor increases from 0.021 to 0.05 at Re=3000 while in case of the round tubes
336 with VGs it only increases 3% which is negligible as compared to flat tubes. However, at
337 Re>1000 flat tubes (with or without VGs) depicts no change in friction factor as it almost
338 become flat. Moreover, for flat tubes with VGs, f is 50% smaller than round tubes.

339

340 Figure 7: Local fin Nusselt number for staggered arrangement (a) without VGs (b) with VGs
341 [71-73].

342

343 O’Brien [74] deduced the effect of VGs on local heat transfer and pressure drop of finned-
344 tube heat exchanger by incorporating oval(elliptical) and circular tubes. The results are
345 depicted in Fig. 8a and fig. 8b which are manifesting the impact of single and two winglet
346 pairs along the leading edge of the oval tubes on local heat transfer coefficient for four
347 Reynold numbers. It was reported that at the stagnation region of oval tubes h is greater for
348 both single and two winglet pairs due to the horseshoe vortex generator caused by the
349 winglets. These vortices than travel downstream alongside of the tube in the form of
350 longitudinal vortex and play significant role in the enhancement of heat transfer
351 performance in downstream region. Also, Fig. 8c evaluating the comparison of circular and
352 elliptical tubes were showing that circular tubes with delta winglet pairs provide higher Nu
353 number hence higher heat transfer performance as compared to other configurations. It
354 was also concluded that oval tube with winglet pair yield 38% higher heat transfer
355 performance than oval tube without winglet pair. It can be explained by a phenomenon that
356 wake or poor heat transfer region produced behind the elliptical tubes can be reduced by
357 winglet pairs. Moreover, these winglet pairs enhance the fluid exchange between inside and
358 outside of the wake region, which gives more heat transfer rate than oval tubes without any
359 VGs around them as discussed in previous study [62]. The study in ref. [75], also
360 experimentally evaluated the influence of DWVGs on heat transfer performance and
361 pressure drop of compact fin-and-tube heat exchanger with flat tubes and louvered fin
362 surfaces. It was demonstrated that compact heat exchanger without vortex generators
363 provide poor heat transfer performance as compared to those heat exchangers which are
364 incorporated with DWVGs.

365

366 Figure 8: Local fin surface heat transfer coefficient for (a) oval tube plus a single winglet pair
367 (b) round tube with two delta winglet pair in a staggered configuration and (c) Mean surface
368 Nu number based on local h for seven flow configuration [74].
369

370 2.3. Types of VGs Vs Heat transfer augmentation

371 Types of VGs impart quite noticeable role in heat transfer augmentation. DWVGs are the
372 most notorious type of VGs which are installed around the tubes with different
373 configuration. Fiebig [72] reported three DWVGs configuration shown in fig 9. Each
374 configuration has its own mechanism in enhancing heat transfer performance in compact
375 heat exchanger. In configuration 1, DWVG pair serves two purposes. First it blocks the fluid
376 flow and turns it into horseshoe vortex and second it creates a longitudinal vortex which
377 runs parallel to the horseshoe vortex. While in configuration 2 DWVG pair enhances the
378 heat transfer performance of the fins near the tubes and configuration 3 mainly strengthen
379 the horseshoe vortex. Torii [61] demonstrated the effect of VGs type on heat transfer by
380 conducting an experimental study of finned-tube heat exchanger having winglet type VGs
381 installed in fins with common flow up configuration as shown in fig 10a. It was reported that
382 with the inline arrangement of tubes, heat transfer rate is augmented by 10% to 20% and
383 pressure drop reduction is 8 to 15% shown in fig 10b. While using the similar geometric
384 arrangements of test core but with staggered arrangement of tubes it was found that heat
385 transfer rate is enhanced by 10 to 30% and pressure loss reduction is 34 to 55% depicted in
386 fig 10c. It could be explained as staggered arrangement of tubes and DWVG eliminate the
387 poor heat transfer zone in the wake region and helps to delay the separation flow. And also,
388 when the wake travels down to the next row, its length in the staggered arrangement gets
389 twice as long as in the in-line one. Hence the CFU configuration of delta winglet pair
390 improves the performance for a low Reynolds number, more for the staggered tube bank
391 than for the in-line one.

392 Figure 9: Location of delta winglets [72].

393

394 Figure 10: (a) Geometric arrangement of test core with three rows and vortex generators
395 and Comparison of j/j0 and f/f0 against Re number with (b) inline tube arrangement (c)
396 Staggered arrangement [61].
397

398 The effect of rectangular winglet tape vortex generators (RWT) on thermal performance of
399 tubular heat exchanger was experimentally investigated by [76] in the Reynold number
400 range from 4100 to 26000. It was concluded that rectangular winglet type vortex generator
401 yields higher heat transfer performance as compared to baseline case (plain tubes) at the
402 expense of certain pressure drop. Refs. [77] and [78] experimentally evaluated the influence
403 of delta winglet type vortex generators on heat transfer performance and found that delta
404 winglets play significant role in reducing thermal wake region which in result leads to the
405 higher heat transfer coefficient. It was also noticed that pressure drop increases in the
406 region of higher Reynold number when winglets are installed as discussed in previous ref.
407 [63].
408 Another author in ref. [79] experimentally investigated the influence of staggered
409 arrangement of winglet perforated tape (WPT) and winglet non-perforated tape (WTT) on
410 heat transfer and friction factor in the Reynold number range from 4000 to 30000. Fig. 11a
411 depicts geometry of WPT, while fig. 11b and fig. 11c is illustrating the influence of these
412 winglets on Nu number and f-factor. It could be seen that both WPT and WTT arrangement
413 yield higher Nu number as compared to smooth tube at same attack angle of 300. It could be
414 explained as both winglets induce secondary flow and vortices in flow stream. These
415 vortices lead to the augmentation of turbulent flow intensity and better flow mixing [3].
416 However, WTT provide better heat transfer rate than WPT. As perforated winglets tends to
417 vortex flow leakage which in results reduces the temperature gradient in radial direction.
418 Furthermore, the corresponding friction factor for WTT is higher than WPT. As intensified
419 vortex strength causes better tangential contact between flow stream and tube surface,
420 which makes f-factor quite prominent.

421

422 Figure 11: (a) winglet perforated tape geometry (WPT), Variation of (b) Nu and (c) f-factor
423 with Re for WTT and WPT [79].
424

425 2.4. Influence of the angle of attack and height

426 Vortex generators are attached to the heat transfer surfaces (fins/channels) at specified or
427 optimum angle. As vortices induced by these VGs are certainly dependent on its inclination.
428 The formation of circulation zone and turbulence intensity, hence heat transfer
429 enhancement and pressure drop is largely affected by how the vortex are placed on the fins
430 of compact heat exchangers. By keeping the importance of angle of attack of VGs in mind,
431 for the past several years many researchers focused on examining and analyzing its
432 influence on heat transfer augmentation and pressure drop through systematic
433 experimental and numerical techniques.

434 Ref. [80] demonstrated the impact of two different attack angles i.e. 10 0 and 300 of delta-
435 winglet pairs on thermal performance of fin-and-tube heat exchanger at 1400 ≤ Re ≤ 3400. It
436 was found that at α=300, heat transfer performance was more significant than at α=150. The
437 influence of various attack angles on heat transfer performance varies with other different
438 parameters too such as, inclination angle of vortex, attachment method, Reynold number
439 etc. Ref [81] conducted experimental study to acknowledge the impact of curve winglets on
440 heat transfer performance with different attack angles and at 650 ≤ Re ≤ 21000. It was
441 concluded that at attack angle of 600, curved trapezoidal winglet pair with holes (CTWH)
442 yield better heat transfer performance as shown in fig.12.

443

444 Figure 12: Effect of attack angle on performance of CTWH [81].

445

446 Torii [74] experimentally studied the impact of LVs induced by DWVGs on heat transfer
447 characteristics of laminar boundary layer. The influence of various DWVG’s angles 5° to 25°
448 on heat transfer enhancement of laminar boundary layer at constant free stream velocity
449 2.92 m/s to 2.98 m/s is depicted in fig 13a. It was found that in the downstream region the
450 impact of angle is more significant i.e. the Stanton number ratio St/St 0 increases from 1.1 at
451 x = 0.65 m to 2.4 at x=1.708 m for α=10° to 25° which means that heat transfer coefficient is
452 improved by varying the VG’s angles. The influence of vortex height on flow behavior and
453 heat transfer performance is depicted in fig 13b. By keeping the angle of attack α=15°,
454 constant free stream velocity and varying the height from 3 to 30 mm it was found that,
455 shift of the enhanced region grows while the peak Stanton number ratio remains
456 unchanged. It means that transition of laminar to turbulence boundary layer can be
457 influenced by varying the vortex height. The influence of internal and external vortices on
458 heat transfer performance was also found by varying the vortex height. It was noticed that
459 internal vortices only effect the transition of boundary layer while external vortices
460 influence development pattern of the transition to the turbulence.

461

462 Figure 13: Axial development of span wise Stanton number distribution (a) parameter attack
463 angle (b) parameter height [74].
464

465 Fig 14 is manifesting the impact of different aspect ratio of rectangular wing VG for three
466 different angles of attacks on the enhancement of heat transfer performance of fin-plate
467 HX. It was found that for AR = 2.0 and at 300 angle of attack provides better ratio of Nu/Nu 0
468 = 1.4 (subscript 0 denotes HX without VG) with increase of the Re number, while for AR = 2
469 and 450 angle of attack ratio of Nu/Nu0 =1 and for AR = 2 and 20 angle of attack Nu/Nu0 =
470 1.03. As rectangular wings with 300 optimum attack angle cause significant disruption of
471 thermal boundary layer and bring about better heat transfer enhancement between fluid
472 and fin surface at the cost of higher pressure drop. The corresponding friction factor is
473 higher for higher angle of attack, as higher heat transfer rate comes with higher pressure
474 drop [82]. In ref. [67], it was experimentally conducted that curved trapezoidal type vortex
475 generators (CTWP) with smaller attack angle (150), larger angle of inclination and curvature
476 yield higher thermodraulic performance.

477

478 Figure 14: Variation of Nu function of Re at (a) attack angle 200 (b) attack angle 300 (c) attack
479 angle 450 [82].

480

481 Ref [83] reported the impact of DWVGs on heat transfer enhancement of laminar boundary
482 layer by varying the VG’s angle of attack and height. The impact of the angle of attack of VG
483 on the heat transfer enhancement with constant VG’s height is depicted in fig 15. It was
484 found that as the angle of attack increases the heat transfer performance increases i.e. heat
485 transfer level in both upwash and downwash region rises as the angle of attack increases.
486 The influence of the VG’s height on the heat transfer performance (in the form of Stanton
487 number) with angle of attack 150 is depicted in fig. 15a. It is obvious that the existence of
488 longitudinal vortices in the downstream region provides better heat transfer effect. It was
489 found that as the VG’s height rises the heat transfer performance improves significantly i.e.
490 for H = 25 mm and 10 mm three and two peaks of the heat transfer coefficient was
491 observed respectively. These peaks appeared due to the formation of main and corner
492 vortex. While for H=6mm main and corner vortices are weak so heat transfer performance is
493 low. As the distance along the downstream increases impact of the VG’s height tends to
494 vanish. It was concluded that heat transfer enhancement level is 80 % at x = 0.4 mm and
495 50% at x = 0.5 mm.

496

497 Figure 15: Stream wise development of local Stanton number (a) parameter attack angle (b)
498 parameter height [83].
499 3. Flow visualization studies
500 3.1. Concept of flow visualization method

501 It is a crucial experimental technique which visualizes the fluid flow and heat transfer. Flow
502 visualization technique is comprised of lot of significant methods to make fluid flow and
503 temperature field of transparent fluid visible and also segregated into two groups such as
504 surface flow visualization and off-surface visualization [84, 85]. The former one incorporates
505 coating of interest surface area with oil, tufts or special clay mixture. Surface flow
506 visualization can be achieved by ink dot method, oil film visualization method etc. Oil film
507 visualization is used in wind tunnels to visualize valuable information regarding laminar or
508 turbulent boundary layer, transition, separated flow regions etc. of tested model. Some
509 additives (pigments) are added in oil and then coated on the surface, when the wind tunnel
510 is turned on, higher flow velocity of air carried oil away leaving dry pigment on surface
511 forming streaky pattern and finally visualizing the flow pattern close to the surface. While
512 pointing out the fact that the flow results on surface are not same with the free stream (off-
513 surface) results. The off-surface visualization techniques involve Dye injection method,
514 Smoke flow visualization (smoke wire technique, pulsed wire technique etc.), Hydrogen
515 bubble method etc. Dye injection methods are specifically used to manifest the flow pattern
516 in water tunnel or water channel while Smoke flow visualization is used where air flow is our
517 primary concern like when flow visualization study is carried out in air tunnel. The word
518 smoke refers to the combustion products, steam, aerosols, mist, and vapor. To get the
519 better visualization of flow regime in off-surface criteria, dye injection method is preferred
520 over smoke visualization method. As any method (like Dye injection) used for visualizing
521 transparent fluid pattern should possess following three characteristics,

522 o Better visibility

523 o Neutral buoyancy
524 o Low mixing rate with the main fluid

525 The procedure of dye injection method is simple and results are accurate. Dye is introduced
526 to the location of interest in flowing liquid by an injection tubes or pitot tubes or from small
527 orifices in the wall of a test model. Dye can be food coloring, food coloring and milk, ink,
528 potassium permanganate, fluorescent ink, fluorescing dyes etc., which depicts colored flow
529 pattern. Some additives are added such as alcohol whose specific weight is lower than that
530 of water, to obtain better neutral buoyancy for more accuracy. Illumination is required to
531 see the streaks clearly in above discussed methods. Sometimes illumination is provided in
532 the form of thin slice/plane (<1mm thickness) to illuminate the tracer material within the
533 sheets. A mercury lamp or spot light with lens used for expanding the beam to produce this
534 light sheet which can be used in both smoke and dye visualization. For more details, see
535 refs. [84, 85].

536

537 3.2. Recent studies of visualization

538 In ref. [86], water flow visualization was performed using dye injection technique to study
539 the fluid flow pattern at Reynold number 500, 1500 and 2500 depicted in fig. 16. Black color
540 was used in front of the 1st tube row while red color behind the tube to manifest the flow
541 pattern around the tube clearly. Fig. 16b depicts that horseshoe vortex form in front of the
542 tubes and swirl around it then keep flowing towards the next row of tubes shown by black
543 dye trajectory. It can be seen that pair of vortex form in the downstream region, as the
544 angle of span increases strength of these vortices is intensified. It was found that red dye
545 trajectory is not constrained in the wake region behind the tubes instead it directly flows
546 downstream region towards the next tube rows. Fig. 16a manifests the impact of Re number
547 on longitudinal vortices formed by rectangular block VG. It was noticed that as the Reynold
548 number increases, better flow mixing takes place in recirculation zone which leads to the
549 better heat transfer performance.

550

551 Figure 16: Flow visualization (a) for span angle of 45° at three different ReDH (b) for three
552 different span sngles at Redh=500 [86]

553

554 3.3. Effects of block type VGs on heat transfer

555 Block type VGs are special type winglets where Delta profiles were made out of PVC sheet
556 and bent through 900 to form winglets as mentioned in Ref. [87]. This study [87] analyzed
557 the impact of block type VGs on heat transfer and fluid flow analysis in plane fin-tube heat
558 exchanger. The PVC fins and profiles were mounted on a tube bundle made of transparent
559 plastic and tested in a low speed water tunnel with three different Reynold numbers 2600,
560 3400 and 4600 based on tube transverse pitch. Both CFU and CFD configuration was studied
561 as depicted in fig. 17a and fig. 17b respectively. By using the die injection flow visualization
562 technique, flow pattern around the tubes and VGs were reported. They found that delta
563 winglets profile of 390 and 300 angle of incident depicts coherent and distinguishing vortices.
564 It can be seen from fig. 17a that CFD configuration gives longitudinal stream wise vortex
565 having diameter approximately 3rd of the tube height and due to pressure difference these
566 vortices end up striking the next delta winglet profile. Fig. 17b manifests another
567 longitudinal streamwise vortex formed by CFU delta winglet configuration which travels
568 parallel to the tubes. It was seen that this vortex possesses higher velocity gradient result in
569 greater Nusselt number compared to the former vortex which leads to the better heat
570 transfer enhancement.

571 Another experimental study was performed [88] to visualize longitudinal vortices induced by
572 two inclined ribs with different geometry in water tunnel using dye injection technique at
573 1000≤Re≤2000. It was observed that, formation of counter rotating vortices appeared in
574 flow stream and also strength and intensity of these vortices is quite dependent on varying
575 Reynold number. Ref. [89] also conducted flow visualization study and demonstrated the
576 influence of vortex generators on eradication of circulation region behind the tubes. It was
577 noticed with the addition of VGs in plain tube horseshoe vortex and flow mixing rate
578 becomes more prominent as discussed in ref [65]. Fig. 18 is taken from ref. [65] which is
579 elucidating the impact of delta winglets on flow mixing at different Re number. It can be
580 seen that as the Re number increases, mixing of two streaks also increases. Moreover, as
581 flow visualization can be performed by several novel techniques. Ref. [50] also
582 demonstrated the influence of vortex generators on heat transfer enhancement by using
583 laser sheet flow visualization technique and found that LVGs augment significant heat
584 transfer performance as compared to plain-ducts.

585

586 Figure 17: Longitudinal vortex streak generated by a delta-winglet vortex generator using a
587 (a) CFD configuration (b) CFU configuration [87].

588
589 Figure 18: Flow visualization of the STV5 vortex generator at (a), (b) Re = 500 and (c), (d) Re
590 = 1500 [65].
591

592 After examining above discussion, it can be concluded that flow visualization study imparts
593 crucial role in visualizing significant flow pattern in heat transfer. As heat transfer
594 augmentation in HXs strictly dependent on vortices induced by different interrupted
595 surfaces and their geometry. Flow visualization study is the key factor in order to analyze
596 these vortices at microscopic level. Furthermore, after thorough discussion of influence of
597 interrupted surfaces on heat transfer performance of HXs through experimental studies, the
598 importance of numerical study can’t be neglected. Here, in following section we are going to
599 illustrate the importance of vortex generation through numerical study.

600 4. Numerical activities

601 Along with the experimental study, numerical study is also crucial to have better
602 understanding of the results. In recent years, several numerical attempts have been made
603 to investigate the influence of vortex generators in the performance of heat exchangers.
604 The influences of different types of VGs on heat transfer and friction characteristics of
605 compact heat exchanger are documented based on the recent numerical studies.

606 4.1. Influence of VG’s on heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics
607 By keeping the angle of attack 300, tube rows number (n=3) and Reynold number in the
608 range from 500 to 2500 based on hydraulic diameter the influence of LVGs on Nusselt
609 number (Nu) and friction factor (f) against Re of fin and oval tube HX is depicted in fig. 19c
610 and fig. 19d respectively. While fig. 19a and fig. 19b demonstrate the difference between
611 baseline and modified case. A baseline case refers to the fin and oval tube HX without LVGs
612 (fig. 19a) while modified case represent the HX with LVGs (fig. 19b). It was found that
613 modified case improved the heat transfer rate by 13.6-32.9% as compared to the baseline
614 while corresponding friction factor increases from 29.2-40.6% because of the form drag of
615 LVGs. The reason of enhancement of heat transfer with LVGs is explained through fig. 20. It
616 shows that without VGs, a recirculation zone is formed behind the tube which is separated
617 from the mainstream flow and hence poor heat transfer is observed in baseline case. While
618 in modified case LVGs reduced the size of the recirculation zone, delays the boundary layer
619 separation from oval tubes and increases the local flow velocity which leads to the better
620 mixing of hot and cold fluid, hence better heat transfer performance is achieved.

621

622 Figure 19: Fin-and-oval tube heat exchanger with and without vortex generators (a) baseline
623 case (b) modified case and Influence of LVGs on (c) Nu number (d) f-factor [90].

624

625 Figure 20: Local velocity distribution on the middle cross-section for baseline case and
626 modified case: (a) baseline case; (b) modified case [91].
627
628 At constant angle of attack of VGs i.e. 30° and number of row (N=3) the influence of location
629 of LVGs on heat transfer enhancement and friction factor (f) of fin and oval tube HX is
630 depicted in fig. 21. Fig. 21a and fig. 21b demonstrate the location of punched LVGs in
631 upstream and downstream regions. It was found that LVGs punched in downstream region
632 enhance more heat transfer rate than those of punched in upstream region [91]. It can be
633 explained as follow, at the leading edge of the flow the significant growth of boundary layer
634 and poor heat transfer wake region behind the oval tubes leads to the reduction of Nusselt
635 number (Nu). To compensate this effect punched LVGs in downstream region comes in play,
636 it generates strong vortices and swirling flow which leads to the better mixing of hot and
637 cold fluid by dragging the flow from near the wall region to the main flow stream so the
638 heat transfer rate increases in downstream region as compared to upstream region shown
639 in fig 5a. The corresponding pressure drop is depicted in fig 5b, it can be seen that friction
640 factor f is higher at downstream region than upstream region as better heat transfer
641 enhancement is penalized by larger friction factor [92, 93].

642

643 Figure 21: Different strategies for placement of LVGs on fin and oval tube HXs (a) Upstream
644 case (b) Downstream case and influence of LVGs on (c) Nu number (d) f-factor [90].
645

646 Another author [90] performed numerical study to acknowledge the influence of triangular
647 prism (TP) on heat transfer enhancement. It was demonstrated that when TPs is installed in
648 channel, higher heat transfer enhancement is observed as compared to the channel without
649 TP shown in fig. 22a. It can be noticed that channel with TP yields higher Nu number as
650 compared to the plane channel wall at the Reynold number of 20,000. A high peak is
651 appeared at the location of TP due to the formation of longitudinal vortex. At the exit of
652 channel Nu was found higher with TP as compared to without TP. The only reason that TP
653 gives significant heat transfer augmentation because of the generation of vortices in
654 downstream region.

655 The influence of various Reynold numbers on heat transfer enhancement is depicted in fig.
656 22b. It can be seen that higher Reynold numbers (Re=40,000) TP yield better heat transfer
657 performance than lower Reynold number (Re=10,000). As at higher Re number velocity
658 circulation rises and turbulence intensity gets intensified. As enhancement of heat transfer
659 rate is penalized by pressure drop. It can be seen from fig. 22c that presence of TP in
660 channel yields higher skin friction coefficient than the plane channel i.e. the enhancement in
661 Cf is 25% at the exit of the channel as compared to the case of developing turbulent flow in
662 plane channel because of the formation of form drag.

663 Figure 22: Distribution of Nu (a) at Re=20,000, (b) along channel wall with different Re
664 number (c) Skin friction coefficient Cf distribution at Re=20,000 [90].
665

666 4.2. Impact of winglet type VGs on heat transfer enhancement

667 Several authors [94-96] performed numerical studies to analyze the impact of winglet type
668 VGs on heat transfer enhancement of fin-tube heat exchanger and reported best
669 attachment methods of VGs on heat transfer surface, comparison performance of oval
670 tubes with winglets and without winglets, influence of number of winglets with position and
671 geometry etc. It was concluded that when oval tubes are installed without any VGs, at the
672 leading edge of the flow passage Nu number is very high, as hot fluid encounters the cool fin
673 surface. Then Nu number starts decreasing as the boundary layer thickness starts growing
674 on the channel. However, a swirling motion caused by an oval tube intensify the better fluid
675 mixing hence Nusselt number rises again. While in downstream region due to dead water
676 zone and low fluid velocity reduction in Nu number starts appearing. This problem can be
677 rectified by mounting a winglet protrusion on the fin surface as shown in fig. 23b. The
678 influence of one winglet pair on Nusselt number distribution in channel is demonstrated in
679 fig. 23b. The corner or horseshoe vortex induced by the winglet pair at the upstream side
680 and is swept downstream wrapping the winglet in result reducing the wake region behind
681 the oval tubes hence enhancing the heat transfer performance. Fig. 23c manifesting the
682 influence of number of winglet pairs on heat transfer performance. It was found that for
683 plane channel span-averaged Nusselt number decreases in downstream direction because
684 of the growth of the boundary layer along the channel wall and finally it becomes constant.
685 Configuration (b) yields higher heat transfer performance than plane channel as the oval
686 tube induces horseshoe/corner vortices. For channel with combination of one oval tube and
687 winglet pair 81% higher heat transfer is achieved as compared to the plane channel.
688 Similarly, by making further improvement adding one more winglet pair 147% higher span-
689 averaged Nusselt number is achieved as compared to the plane channel. It was also
690 concluded that at Re=1000, that for four winglet pairs with inner pairs in CFD direction and
691 outer pairs in CFU directions with oval tubes yields 100% higher heat transfer enhancement
692 as compared to no winglet case.

693

694 Figure 23: (a) one winglet pair in CFD and Nu number distribution on the bottom plate (b)
695 with winglets (c) Comparison of span-averaged Nu number for baseline channel and
696 modified channels [96].

697

698 Ref [97] demonstrated the comparison between plain fin and fin with DWLVGs (α=30°) in
699 the presence of two aligned tube rows number at 800 ≤ Re ≤ 2000. Heat transfer
700 augmentation was found 13-18% and corresponding pressured drop reduction was 9-11%
701 due to the formation of longitudinal vortices and highly turbulent flow. Ref. [98] conducted
702 numerical study to acknowledge the influence of RWVGs on heat transfer enhancement of
703 plate fin heat exchanger and found 13% enhancement in heat transfer rate as compared to
704 baseline case. Furthermore ref. [99] also stated the effectuality of DWVGs on heat transfer
705 performance through numerical study and found that channel with single winglet and
706 winglet pair lead to 33% and 67% heat transfer enhancement as compared to the channel
707 without winglets. We have noticed that in every case where any type of VGs are installed
708 around any kind of tube, along with the enhancement of heat transfer there is always
709 pressure loss which could be explained as follows, for the baseline case air side resistance of
710 fin channel from inlet to outlet is only comes from local resistance of the tubes and also
711 some friction is offered by fin surface. While in case of tubes with winglets, air side
712 resistance not only comes from the tubes and fin surface but also winglets provide
713 additional resistance which leads to the higher pressure drop.

714

715 4.3. Influence of attack angle of VG’s on heat transfer and pressure drop
716 The selection of angle of attack of VGs plays important role in compact heat exchangers. As
717 heat transfer and friction characteristics are dependent on it. The choice of attack angle of
718 DWLVGs should be moderate, as larger attack angle enhance pressure drop penalty while
719 smaller attack angle yields heat transfer performance. Larger attack angle yields vortices
720 with greater strength until transverse vortex formation and breakdown of longitudinal
721 vortex occurs. After performing lots of systematic experimental and numerical techniques
722 researchers have presented 300 optimum attack angles for VGs. At this angle heat transfer
723 performance is significant and pressure loss is moderate. Following details are provided to
724 fathom the concept of optimum attack angle for VGs.
725

726 Ref [97] illustrated the influence of attack angle of DWVGs in the presence of three tube
727 rows number on the heat transfer performance of fin and tube heat exchanger which is
728 depicted in fig. 24. For β, 450 and 300 heat transfer enhancement was found 20-25 and 16-
729 20% respectively as compared to baseline case. While the corresponding pressure drop is
730 higher for higher angle of attack i.e. for 30 and 45° attack angle of DWLVGs pressure drop is
731 8-10% and 10-12% respectively as compared to plain fin and tube HX without winglets. As
732 for plain fin and tube HX resistance is offered by only tubes and friction surface (tubes offer
733 more) and for HX with DWLVGs, resistance is not only offered by tubes and fin surface but it
734 also comes from protrusions, which leads to the higher pressure drop.

735

736 Figure 24: Effect of DWLVGs on Nusselt number and pressure drop (3 tube row) [97].
737

738 The impact of different LVG’s angle of attacks on heat transfer performance and friction
739 factor at different Reynold number (500, 1000, 1500 and 2500) is depicted in fig. 25. It can
740 be seen from fig. 25a that as the angle of attack increases Nu number rises because of the
741 enhancement of longitudinal vortices but for α>30°, Nu number starts decreasing due to the
742 formation of Transverse vortices and breakdown of longitudinal vortices. At all Reynold
743 number, the influence of angle of attack shows same behavior. The corresponding friction
744 factor is also increases as the LGV’s angle of attack increases shown in fig. 25b, as VGs at
745 higher angle of attack yields more form drag. [92, 93, 100].

746

747 Figure 25: Influence of angle of attack on (a) Nu number (b) friction factor f [92].
748

749 The influence of the angle of attack of VGs on the Nusp is depicted if fig. 26a. It was found
750 that as the angle of attack raises heat transfer enhancement raises i.e. at 200-attack angle
751 the enhancement in Nusp was found 45.6% higher as compared to the Plane channel,
752 similarly at 300-attack angle the enhancement in Nusp was found 26.4% higher as compared
753 to the 200 angle of attack. Because, for higher attack angle of VGs, produced vortices
754 possesses higher strength. The influence of attack angle on fanning friction factor is
755 depicted in fig. 26b. It was found that at higher attack angle friction factor is higher i.e. for
756 β=300 the order of f x Re is 8.4% which is more that for β=200 due to the resistance offered
757 by increasing vortex circulation at higher angle of attack [94].

758

759 Figure 26: Effect of attack angle on the distribution of the combined spanwise average (a)
760 Nusselt number (Nu) in the channel (b) f-factor in the channel [94].

761

762 A numerical investigation [101] was performed to determine the influence of different
763 attack angles of DWVGs on heat transfer and friction characteristics of fin-and-tube heat
764 exchanger. It was concluded that as the attack angle of VGs increases, heat transfer
765 increases as discussed in previous ref. [92]. However, at 40◦ optimum attack angle,
766 maximum heat transfer enhancement was found. It was also noticed that heat transfer fin
767 surface with VGs significantly impact heat transfer performance of HX than fin surfaces
768 without VGs. Moreover, another study [102] was performed both experimentally and
769 numerically to examine the impact of several attack angles of LWGs on heat transfer in
770 rectangular channel and concluded heat transfer augmentation and attack angle of VGs
771 have direct relation, while higher attack angle leads to higher pressure drop. However, 450
772 optimum attack angles were found for thermal performance and minimum pressure drop
773 rate.

774 Furthermore, following crucial points can help to augment heat transfer performance at
775 moderate pressure loss as documented in ref [103].
776  DWLVGs are punched around the first transverse rows of tubes augment the swirling
777 motion of longitudinal vortices in downstream region and also help to reduce the
778 pressure loss.
779  Larger leading edge of winglets can enhance heat transfer performance.
780  To reduce the form, drag of delta winglets, the height of delta winglet pairs is chosen
781 as 0.9 times of the net fin pitch. The optimum chosen angle for VGs is 300 ≤ α ≤ 450.
782

783 4.4. Influence of VGs height on heat transfer and pressure drop
784 The variation in geometry of VGs imparts quite crucial role in attaining the optimum
785 thermodynamic features of CHXs. To accentuate this influence lot of researchers have
786 deducted both experimental and numerical studies [104, 105]. The most prominent results
787 regarding the attack angle and height of VGs gained by various researchers through
788 experimental studies have already been explained in section 2.4. In ref [106], effect of VGs
789 arrays on heat transfer and pressure drop of fin and tube heat exchanger is explained
790 through a numerical study. It was concluded that VGs with higher attack angle tends to yield
791 better heat transfer performance and in the penalty of higher pressure drop while optimum
792 attack angle was found 30°. In ref [107], a numerical study was performed to acknowledge
793 the impact of longitudinal vortex generators (LVGs) on heat transfer and pressure drop by
794 varying the crucial parameters of LVGs such as area, length, height and location. It was
795 concluded that by increasing the area of LVGs and keeping the attack angle of 45°,
796 enhancement in Nusselt number was found. Moreover, it was deduced that for rectangular
797 winglets longitudinal vortex generators (RWLVGs) with greater height tends to provide
798 higher heat transfer performance and pressure drop. It could be explained as augmentation
799 in height of LVGs yield lower cross sectional flow area of the channel, which in result leads
800 to the higher flow velocity and hence strong vortices induction. Similar types of studies have
801 been presented in ref [108] to describes the effect of aspect ratio of VGs in a novel heat
802 exchanger with delta-winglet vortex generators.
803 5. Conclusion
804

805 A comprehensive review is performed to evaluate novel techniques of enhancing heat

806 transfer performance and pressure drop reduction of compact heat exchangers through
807 researcher’s experimental and numerical work. The influence of vortex generators on
808 reducing air side thermal resistance and improving thermodynamic features of heat
809 exchangers is widely discussed. Followings are the most important concluding remarks of
810 this review,

811  Protrusion from heat transfer surfaces like vortex generators (VGs) play prominent
812 role in enhancing heat transfer performance and design heat exchanger with even
813 smaller area to volume density, low thermal resistance on both air and liquid side
814 and finally increase the thermodynamic performance of heat exchangers.
815  LVGs have ability to originate three heat transfer mechanisms such as, secondary
816 flow formation, developing boundary layer and intensifying turbulent intensity of
817 fluid flow. Reduction in boundary layer thickness is caused by main and corner
818 vortices induced by longitudinal vortices of VGs.
819  Poor heat transfer region or wake region behind the tubes can be significantly
820 reduced by VGs. They are also capable of enhancing significant amount of heat
821 transfer in downstream region.
822  precise location, size and attack angle of VGs is crucial to enhance significant amount
823 of heat transfer performance regardless of CFU or CFD configuration at the penalty
824 of moderate pressure drop. However, locations of VGs have negligible influence on
825 pressure drop.
826  Staggered arrangement of winglets is responsible for bringing more heat transfer
827 rate than inline arrangement of winglets. Moreover, Delta winglet pairs (DWPs) are
828 superior to Rectangular winglet pairs (RWPs) and also Winglets are preferable over
829 wings in term of higher heat transfer rate and lower pressure drop.
830  Longitudinal vortices induced by longitudinal vortex generators such as delta
831 winglets are superior to transverse vortices produced by transverse vortex
832 generators at the expense of same pressure drop.
833  Different researchers proposed various VG’s attack angles in their studies, however
834 optimum attack angle lies in the range of 300-450.
835  Flow visualization study play key role in visualizing flow pattern of fluid streamlines
836 at microscopic level. The formation of horseshoe vortices, corner vortices,
837 longitudinal vortices and transverse vortices induced by vortex generators can easily
838 be analyzed and examined through this study.
839
840

841
842 Table1: Types and performance features of vortex generators
Sl type of VG Characteristics of VGs
1  Vortices induced by VGs are classified into
Delta Winglets two categories such as, Transverse vortices
Vortex and longitudinal vortices.
Generators  DWVGs have superior performance to
(DWVGs) other types of wings and winglets. It has
two configurations i.e. CFU and CFD.
2 Inclined  Deducted the influence of LVGs on
longitudinal performance of air cooled condenser in the
vortices (LVGs) Reynold number range from 1500 to 4500.
 Winglet vortex generators were installed
on wavy fins around flat tubes.
 Wavy finned tubes with LVGs augment
significant amount of heat transfer as
compared to the traditional wavy finned
flat tubes.
3 Delta wing and  Fin-tube heat exchanger considering both
Rectangular wing flat and round tubes.
 Visualized the variation of local Nu number
with the help of Liquid Crystal
Thermography (LCT).
 Delta wing and rectangular wing both are
different types of vortex generators used.
 Both wings induce longitudinal vortices
which is always superior to the transverse
Enhancement characteristics Related
Refs.
 Enhancing the heat transfer rate at the [30]
expense of moderate pressure loss. [63]
 Existence of longitudinal vortices in the [77]
downstream region provides better heat [83]
transfer effect. [87]
 A substantial increase in the heat transfer was [96]
noted, with a maximum improvement of the
heat transfer coefficient of 80%.
 longitudinal vortices induced by delta winglet [41]
pairs disrupt thermal boundary layer and [62]
enhance the velocity gradient [50]
 Makes cold and hot fluid flow mixing better, [54]
hence better heat transfer performance. [92]
 The enhancement in Nusselt number was
found around 21-60% at the expense of rise of
friction factor.
 Longitudinal vortices play significant role in [71]
bringing fluid from periphery to the Centre of [72]
the vortices. [73]
 For flat tubes with VGs, f is 50% smaller than
round tubes.
 As compared to the round tubes, flat tubes
yield very poor performance (20 % less heat
transfer at one-fourth the pressure loss)
without VGs.
 vortices.
4 Half-delta wing  Experimentally studied the impact of LVs
vortex generator induced by DWVGs on heat transfer
(DWVGs) characteristics of laminar boundary layer.
 The heat transfer measurements were
performed using a constant heat-flux
surface with 96 embedded thermocouples.
 The vortex generator's height and angle of
attack were varied to account for the
influence of the vortex size, position and
strength.
5  Triangular prisms are interrupted surfaces
which creates longitudinal vortices that
Trianular prism travel long way in downstream direction.
(TP)  When TPs is installed in channel, higher
heat transfer enhancement is observed as
compared to the channel without TP.
 TP gives significant heat transfer
augmentation because of the generation of
vortices in downstream region.
 As flat tubes do not yield horseshoe vortex
and 60% blockage reduced due to the flat
tubes.
 It was found that in the downstream region [74]
the impact of angle is more significant i.e. the
Stanton number ratio St/St0 increases.
 At constant angle of attack α=15°, constant
free stream velocity and varying the height
from 3 to 30 mm, shift of the enhanced region
grows while the peak Stanton number ratio
remains unchanged.
 It was noticed that internal vortices only
effect the transition of boundary layer while
external vortices influence development
pattern of the transition to the turbulence.
 Enhanced heat transfer performance at the [90]
expense of rise of skin friction coefficient.
 Channel with TP yields higher Nu number as
compared to the plane channel wall at the
Reynold number of 20,000.
 Presence of TP in channel yields higher skin
friction coefficient than the plane channel i.e.
the enhancement in Cf is 25% at the exit of
the channel.
6 Built-in wing-type  oval tubes are used in place of circular
vortex generators tubes, and
 Delta-winglet type vortex generators in
various configurations are mounted on the
fin-surface.
 The investigation is carried out for different
angles of attack of the winglets to the
incoming flow for the case of two winglet
pairs.
 The variation of axial location of the
winglets is also considered for one pair of
winglets mounted in common-flow-down
configuration.
7 Oval tubes and  Performed numerical studies to analyze
multiple delta the impact of winglet type VGs.
winglets  best attachment methods of VGs on heat
transfer surface, comparison performance
of oval tubes with winglets and without
winglets, influence of number of winglets
with position and geometry were studied.
8 Curve rectangular  Vortex generators (VGs) applied on the fin
vortex generators surfaces of circular tube bank fin heat
(CRVGs) exchangers.
 Curve rectangular vortex generators
(CRVGs) are punched.
 The circumferential position, the radial
position, the base arc length and height of
VGs and the fin spacing are the main
parameters investigated.
 at 200-attack angle the enhancement in Nusp [94]
was found 45.6% as compared to the Plane
channel,
 at 300-attack angle the enhancement in Nusp
was found 26.4% as compared to the 200
angle of attack.
 At higher attack angle friction factor is higher
i.e. for β=300 the order of f x Re is 8.4% which
is more that for β=200 due to the resistance
offered by increasing vortex circulation at
higher angle of attack.
 When oval tubes are installed without any [95]
VGs, at the leading edge of the flow passage
Nu number is very high, as hot fluid
encounters the cool fin surface.
 For channel with combination of one oval
tube and winglet pair 81% higher heat
transfer is achieved as compared to the plane
channel.
 The local Nusselt number on the fin surface [109]
contacting with the wake region increases
significantly.
 When the base arc length of VGs is about 3.8
times of the optimal height of VGs, better
heat transfer performance can be obtained.
 When the ratio of the fin spacing to the tube
outer diameter is 0.239, better heat transfer
performance is obtained.
9 Modified  A modified rectangular longitudinal vortex
rectangular generator (LVG) obtained by cutting off the
longitudinal four corners of a rectangular wing.
vortex generators  Fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics
of this LVG mounted in rectangular channel
are experimentally investigated.
10 Delta winglet  DWLVGs are punched around the first
longitudinal transverse rows of tubes augment the
vortex generators swirling motion of longitudinal vortices in
(DWLVGs) downstream region
 Larger leading edge of winglets can
enhance heat transfer performance.
11 Longitudinal  Performed the analysis to identify the
vortex generators impact of longitudinal vortex generators
(LVGs) (LVGs) on heat transfer and pressure drop
 By varying the crucial parameters of LVGs
such as area, length, height and location.
 An experimental study was conducted to
12 Winglet scrutinize the influence of staggered WPT
perforated tapes and WTT on thermal performance of HX.
(WPT) and  WTT were fabricated by placing winglets in
Winglet non the form of aluminium strips on straight
perforated tapes tape made of aluminium sheet with
(WTT) specified dimensions. While the fabrication
of WPT is same as WTT except holes were
made on straight tape.
 Modified rectangular wing pairs (MRWPs) [110]
have better flow and heat transfer
characteristics than those of rectangular wing
pair (RWP).
 Near the positions of z = ±40 mm from the
centerline of the heater plate, the local heat
transfer is enhanced due to the strong
longitudinal vortices generated.
 Drag of delta winglets, the height of delta [61]
winglet pairs is chosen as 0.9 times of the net [64]
fin pitch. [80]
 The optimum chosen angle for VGs is 300 ≤ α [95]
≤ 450.
 Increasing the area of LVGs and keeping the [107]
attack angle of 45°, enhancement in Nusselt
number was found.
 For rectangular winglets longitudinal vortex
generators (RWLVGs) with greater height
tends to provide higher heat transfer
performance and pressure drop.
 The channels wall incorporated with winglets [79]
tends to disrupt the thermal boundary layer
which in result leads to the higher heat
transfer performance and friction factor.
 WTT provide better heat transfer rate than
WPT.
13 Block shape VGs  Both 3D- numerical and experimental study
was carried out to acknowledge the effect
of block shape VGs on heat transfer and
fluid flow of fin and tube HX.
 The influence of different attack angles was
also investigated.
14 Trapezoidal  Performed 3D- numerical study to
winglet pairs investigate the impact of TWP on
(TWP) thermodynamic features of CHXs.
 A comparison was made between simple
trapezoidal winglet pairs (TWP) and curved
trapezoidal winglet pairs (CTWP).
 Both winglet pairs are capable of producing
corner vortices, induced vortices and main
vortices in flow field.
15 Twisted V tape  Conducted experimental studies
vortex generators acknowledge the influence of twisted tape
VGs on heat transfer enhancement and
pressure drop characteristics of HX.
 The variation in crucial parameters such as
twist ratio and free space ratio were also
investigated.
 Capable of inducing different swirl and
turbulent intensities in the channel.
16 Flexible vortex  The effect of FVG and RVG on heat
generators (FVG) transfer and mixing were investigated
and Rigid vortex through a 3D- numerical study.
generators (RVG)  Flexible flaps were incorporated in case of
FVG while for RVG rigid flaps were
 Both studies depicted that longitudinal [86]
vortices induced by block shape vortex
generators provides significant enhancement
in heat transfer performance with higher
friction factor
 The span angle of 45° yield best overall
performance.
 The enhancement in Nusselt number (Nu) and [58]
friction factor (f) occurs due to the insertion of
winglet pairs.
 CTWP yield higher thermal performance
compared to TWP because of the intensified
vortex generations.
 Imparts fundamental role in attaining [52]
following two heat transfer mechanisms [66]
hence higher heat transfer performance. [111]
 Deterioration of boundary layer development.
 Enhancement in heat transfer area.
 Friction factor rises due to loss of dynamical
pressure of the fluid near the channel wall due
to long flow path and extra forces exerted by
swirl motion.
 High amplitude oscillation developed by [59]
mechanical agitators ( FVG) leads to very
higher flow mixing
 Reduction in thermal boundary layer
thickness which in results provide augmented
 introduced.
 Different arrangement of flexible flaps in
upstream and downstream region of
channels yields different impact on flow
field pattern.
 Channels with FVG and RVG provide
higher Nusselt number (Nu) and friction
factor (f) as compared to empty channel.
heat transfer performance.
 Higher pressure drop appears as VGs
increases the blockage ratio inside the
channel.
 FVG gives comparatively higher performance
than RVG.
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1103 and-tube heat exchanger with combined longitudinal vortex generators. International
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1106 Transfer Performance of Finned Flat Tube Bank with Considering Nonuniform Fin
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1137

1138
1139
1140

1141
1142 (c)
1143

1144

1145

1146

1147 Figure 1
1148
1149
1150 (a) (b)

1151

1152

1153

1154 Figure 2
1155
1156
1157

1158

1159

1160

1161 Figure 3
1162
1163
1164
1165 (a) (b)

1166

1167

1168

1169

1170

1171 Figure 4
1172

1173
1174
1175 (a)

1176
1177 (b)

1178

1179

1180 Figure 5
1181

1182
 (b)
(a)

(c) (d)
1183

1184

1185

1186 Figure 6
1187

1188

1189
 (a) (b)

1190

1191

1192

1193 Figure 7
1194
 (a) (b)

(c)
1195

1196

1197

1198 Figure 8
1199
1200
1201

1202

1203

1204

1205 Figure 9
1206
 (a)

1207

1208 Figure 10
 (a)

(b)

(c)
1209

1210

1211 Figure11
1212
1213
1214

1215

1216

1217

1218 Figure 12
1219
 (a)

(b)
1220

1221

1222

1223

1224 Figure 13
1225
 (a)

(b)

(c)
1226

1227

1228

1229 Figure 14
1230
 (a) (b)
1231

1232

1233

1234

1235 Figure 15
1236
 Re=500 VG30

Re=1500 VG45

Re=2500 VG60

(a) (b)
1237

1238

1239

1240

1241 Figure 16
1242
 (a) (b)
1243

1244

1245

1246

1247 Figure 17
1248
 (a) (b)

(c) (d)
1249

1250

1251

1252

1253 Figure 18
1254
1255

(a) (b)

(c) (d)
1256

1257

1258

1259

1260 Figure 19
1261
1262

1263
1264

1265

1266

1267

1268

1269 Figure 20
1270
 (a) (b)

(c) (d)
1271

1272

1273

1274

1275

1276 Figure 21
1277
 (a)

(b)

(c)
1278

1279 Figure 22
 (a)

(b)

(c)
1280

1281

1282

1283

1284 Figure 23
1285
1286

1287

1288

1289 Figure 24
1290
 (a) (b)
1291

1292

1293

1294

1295 Figure 25
1296

1297
 (a) (b)
1298

1299

1300

1301

1302 Figure 26
1303
1304 Highlights

1305  Summarized the review on heat transfer augmentation/pressure loss reduction.

1306  Delta winglet vortex generators provide better thermal output than rectangular
1307 type.
1308  Optimum attack angle of VGs is 300 and 450 for heat transfer enhancement.
1309  Longitudinal vortices enhanced more heat transfer rate than transverse vortices.

1310

1311