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Recent Innovation in Heat Transfer Enhancement Techniques

Ashwani Kumar1*, Mukesh Kumar Awasthi2, Nitesh Dutt3 and Varun Pratap Singh4,5

1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical Education Department, Uttar Pradesh, Kanpur, India

2Department of Mathematics, Babasaheb Bhimarao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India

3Department of Mechanical Engineering, COER University, Roorkee Uttarakhand, India

4Solar Thermal Energy Research Group (STERG), Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa

5Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Bidholi, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

Heat transfer plays a critical role in various industrial processes, electronic cooling systems, battery thermal management and renewable energy applications. In recent years, significant strides have been made in the field of heat transfer enhancement techniques to improve efficiency and optimize thermal management. This abstract provides a concise overview of the recent advancements in heat transfer enhancement methods, encompassing both experimental and computational approaches. Innovative materials, such as advanced nanomaterials and metamaterials, have emerged as key contributors to enhanced heat transfer. Nanofluids, which consist of nanoparticles dispersed in traditional heat transfer fluids, exhibit improved thermal conductivity, leading to more efficient heat transfer in various applications. Additionally, the design and fabrication of structured surfaces with micro and nano-scale features, known as surface modifications, have proven effective in augmenting convective heat transfer. Additive manufacturing technologies have revolutionized the fabrication of intricate heat exchanger geometries, offering a high degree of customization and geometric complexity. This has led to the creation of compact and efficient heat exchangers with improved thermal performance. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms in heat transfer research has opened new avenues for optimization and control. These technologies enable the development of intelligent thermal management systems capable of adapting to dynamic operating conditions, thereby enhancing overall system efficiency. Integration of novel materials, innovative surface modifications, advanced computational simulations, additive manufacturing, and the incorporation of artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in heat transport enhancement.

Keywords: Heat transfer, innovative techniques, artificial intelligence, advance materials, heat exchangers

1.1 Introduction

Heat transfer is a fundamental process that plays a crucial role in the exchange of thermal energy between systems and their surroundings. Three distinct mechanisms govern heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation. Each method operates in unique ways, influencing the transfer of heat through different mediums and under diverse conditions. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for comprehending the thermal behavior of materials and systems in various environments, paving the way for advancements in fields such as engineering, physics, and materials science. Figures 1.1 and 1.2 show brief descriptions of methods of heat transfer. Table 1.1 highlights the factors and parameters that collectively contribute to the effectiveness of heat transport enhancement in various applications such as cooling systems, heat exchangers, and thermal management devices.

Figure 1.1 Methods of heat transfer.

Figure 1.2 Classifications of heat transfer methods [1–3].

Conduction, convection, and radiation are three fundamental methods of heat transfer. Conduction involves the direct transfer of heat through a material, typically a solid, by the collision of particles. In convection, heat is transferred through the movement of fluid (liquid or gas) particles, creating a cycle of warmer and cooler regions. This method is commonly observed in fluids where warmer portions rise and cooler portions sink, establishing a continuous circulation. Radiation, on the other hand, is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves that can propagate through a vacuum. Unlike conduction and convection, radiation does not require a medium and can occur in the absence of material substance. These three methods are crucial in various scientific and engineering applications, ranging from designing efficient heat exchangers to explaining the thermal dynamics of natural phenomena [1, 2].

1.1.1 Industrial Application of Heat Transfer Enhancement Techniques

Table 1.2 and Figure 1.3 highlight the key factors and different industrial applications of the heat transport enhancement techniques. Heat transfer enhancement techniques are often utilized in combination based on specific industrial requirements. Power generation, particularly in thermal power plants, the use of advanced heat exchanger designs and surfaces with enhanced thermal conductivity improves overall energy conversion efficiency. In the aerospace industry, where thermal management is critical, techniques such as finned surfaces and phase change materials aid in dissipating excess heat generated during flight. Additionally, in electronics and microelectronics manufacturing, heat transfer enhancement is vital to prevent overheating and ensure the reliability of electronic components. Furthermore, in the field of chemical processing, innovative heat exchanger configurations and materials facilitate more efficient heat transfer, reducing energy consumption and enhancing overall process productivity. Overall, the integration of heat transfer enhancement techniques is pivotal across industries, contributing to increased energy efficiency, improved system reliability, and enhanced performance in a wide range of applications.

Table 1.1 Important factors and their effect [1–4].

1.1.2 Standards and Regulations

International standards and regulations pertaining to heat transfer are crucial for ensuring safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability in various industries. Organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) play a significant role in developing and maintaining these standards. ISO 22007 establishes guidelines for determining thermal conductivity, while ISO 6946 addresses heat transfer through building elements. Some general standards and organizations that are relevant to heat transfer and related fields are listed in Table 1.3. The applicability of these standards may vary depending on the industry and specific applications.

Table 1.2 Techniques to enhance heat transfer and their industrial applications [5,...