Parametric study on hydraulic performance of an inlet plenum in a printed-circuit heat exchanger

Hydraulic performance of an inlet plenum in a printed-circuit heat exchanger has been analyzed using three-dimensional Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations. The numerical model of the inlet plenum was constructed through grid dependency test, calculation domain tests, and turbulence model and numerical scheme selections. Shear stress transport turbulence model was used for analysis of turbulence. Non-uniformity of the flow in zigzag flow channels was evaluated for the reference case. Parametric studies have been performed with the angle of the inlet plenum wall, radius of curvature of the inlet plenum wall, and width of the inlet pipes. The effects of these parameters on the flow uniformity and friction performance were evaluated.