Thermal performance assessment of heat exchanger with hyperbolic-cut twisted tape using numerical and artificial intelligence approach under turbulent conditions with graphene oxide nanofluid

Twisted tape in heat exchangers provides a passive method to enhance heat transfer and optimize performance. This investigation, focusing on a heat exchanger tube with a hyperbolic cut twisted tape (HCTT) insert employing graphene oxide nanofluid in water, presents a novel approach to improving heat exchanger performance. The performance of the HCTT in terms of Nusselt number (Nu), friction factor (f), and thermo-hydraulic performance (η) was examined considering different parameters such as cut ratios (0.3 ≤ b/c ≤ 1.2), volume fractions (0.02 ≤ φ ≤ 0.04), and Reynolds number (10,000 ≤ Re ≤ 22,000). The numerical model was validated against the experimental results and was in decent agreement. Further, the artificial intelligence (AI) approach was explored in the study, where an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was employed to estimate the Nusselt number, friction factor, and thermo-hydraulic performance using the output from the model. The performance of the HE could be precisely predicted and optimized using the AI model, enabling improved heat exchanger design. Compared to a plain tube (PT), the Nusselt number, friction factor, and thermal efficiency for HCTT increased by 40.42 %, 56.27 %, and 25.90 %, respectively. The thermal performance was 1.26, the highest observed value at a cut ratio of 1.2 and volume fraction of 4 %. The results revealed that nanoparticles improved heat transfer and were maximum at Re = 22,000. The results from this study could serve as a valuable resource for engineers and researchers involved in modern heat exchanger design. Fig. 1 Schematic of the (a) hyperbolic profile, (b) computational flow domain, and (c) geometric parameters. Fig. 2 Typical mesh utilized in the computational domain. Fig. 3 Validation of the numerical findings. [Display omitted] •Hyperbolic cut twisted tape is analyzed employing graphene oxide as nanofluid.•Development of ANFIS–AI tool to predict Nu, friction factor and thermal efficiency.•HCTT promotes pressure drop/heat transfer near tube walls along with better mixing.•Highest heat transfer is obtained at a hyperbolic cut ratio of 1.2 and φ of 4 %.•Thermal performance of HCTT enhances by 25.90 % compared to plain tube.