In this blog post, we will showcase a case study on analyzing the heat flow in an automotive oil cooler using midas NFX CFD. The objective of the analysis is to evaluate the heat exchange performance based on different cooling fan pattern configurations in the oil cooler.
Heat Exchange Process: The heat exchange process involves the introduction of hot oil (120℃) into the aluminum fins while cold water (90℃) flows in the opposite direction. This arrangement facilitates heat transfer within the system. The internal structure of the heat exchanger includes corrugated inner fins that accelerate the heat exchange process.
Analysis of Temperature Distribution in the Heat Exchanger: By employing midas NFX CFD, we conducted a heat flow analysis to examine the temperature distribution in the heat exchanger. The analysis revealed that the temperature of the internal fins is significantly influenced by the temperature of the oil. However, the outer wall of the heat exchanger exhibits a nearly uniform temperature distribution due to the influence of water.
Fin Temperature distribution
Heat Transfer Rate and Temperature Gradient: The results indicate that the heat transfer rate in the heat exchanger increases as the temperature gradient within the system becomes steeper. Additionally, the temperature difference between the internal fins and the outer wall of the heat exchanger is more prominent in the upstream direction of the oil flow and diminishes as it progresses downstream. Consequently, the heat transfer rate is expected to decrease in proportion to this temperature difference.
External temperature of Heat exchanger
Conclusion:
Through the midas NFX CFD analysis, we gained insights into the heat flow characteristics of an automotive oil cooler. The study highlighted the significant impact of oil temperature on the temperature of the internal fins while demonstrating the uniform temperature distribution influenced by water on the outer wall of the heat exchanger. Furthermore, we confirmed that the heat transfer rate within the heat exchanger is directly proportional to the temperature gradient. The temperature difference between the internal fins and the outer wall decreases in the downstream direction, resulting in an anticipated decrease in the heat transfer rate.
Fin Temperature distribution
External temperature of Heat exchanger
