Heat transfer in a 4.1L engine radiator: experimental validation
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Introduction: The thermal performance of internal combustion engines largely depends on the efficiency of their cooling systems. Radiators play a fundamental role in dissipating the heat generated, ensuring proper engine operation. Optimizing radiator design using tools such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) improves heat transfer and reduces pressure losses, resulting in greater thermal efficiency and lower energy consumption. The geometry of tubes and fins is a key factor in this process, as it directly influences heat dissipation and pressure drop.
Objective: This study aims to analyze heat transfer in a 4.1L internal combustion engine radiator by combining CFD simulations and experimental validation to evaluate its thermal performance and optimize its design.
Methodology: A CFD model with 9 tubes and 4 rows of fins was used, representing a commercial radiator with three columns of 28 tubes each. The k-ω SST turbulence model was applied, and simulations were performed in ANSYS Fluent. Numerical results were validated with experimental measurements in a test bench, where temperatures, pressures, and flow velocities were recorded.
Results: Experimental validation showed a difference of less than 5.8% compared to the simulation. An 18% improvement in heat transfer and a 12% reduction in pressure drop were achieved. The geometrical arrangement of tubes and fins proved to be a key factor in thermal efficiency, as small modifications can significantly enhance heat dissipation without increasing aerodynamic resistance.
Conclusions: The validated CFD model accurately predicts radiator thermal performance and optimizes its design. However, the study presents certain limitations, such as geometric simplifications and turbulence model selection, which could be improved in future research. It is recommended to explore advanced materials and hybrid configurations to enhance thermal efficiency. Furthermore, these findings can be applied to the design of radiators for electric and hybrid vehicles, where thermal management is crucial. This approach could be key in developing more efficient and sustainable radiators for the automotive industry.
- heat transfer
- CFD
- engine radiator
- thermal efficiency
- numerical simulation
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