Experimental and numerical investigation into thermal performance optimization of vehicle radiators

Vehicle radiators have an important application area among the heat exchangers. The radiator cools refrigerant, which was heated during the transfer of the heat generated in the engine block of the vehicles to the external environment. Several numerical and experimental parametric studies are carried out to determine and improve the thermal performance of radiators. In this study, firstly, different design parameters were changed and a series of experiments were performed with specially produced radiators to determine the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics. Then, in computer environment, a program which can change the design and operating parameters, were created using many equations used in the analysis of heat exchangers. The results obtained from this program were compared with the results of the experimental study. Then, a comprehensive, parametric study was carried out taking into account many factors affecting radiator and fin performance. Finally, the fundamental parameters affecting the radiator's thermal performance and pressure drops were determined and the contribution ratios of these parameters on the radiator performance were analyzed using different statistical methods. Effective parameters on the radiator's thermal and hydraulic performance, contribution ratios of these parameters, optimum design and operating conditions were determined using Taguchi, ANOVA and Grey Relational Analysis methods.