Optimization of metal foam air-cooled heat exchangers

Three different configurations of two tubular heat exchangers, constructed by wrapping 12 mm thick aluminum foam around cylindrical tubes, were tested to study the heat transfer performance and pressure drop characteristics. Each arrangement was mounted such that it formed an array of a single, vertical row inside a low speed wind tunnel. The tests are carried out under cross-flowing air velocity between 1.5 and 4.5 m/s and the effects of transversal tube pitch were investigated. The results were compared against similar measurements collected pertinent to air forced convection across a single similar foam-wrapped tube in order to understand the effective heat transfer and fluid flow behaviors of the multiple tube configurations.