Numerical modelling of heat transfer during fluid flow in a mini annular channel using simcenter STAR-CCM+

¹ Kielce University of Technology, Faculty of Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering, Al. 1000-lecia Panstwa Polskiego 7, 25-314 Kielce, Poland
² Kielce University of Technology, Faculty of Management and Computer Modelling, Al. 1000-lecia Panstwa Polskiego 7, 25-314 Kielce, Poland

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 12 March 2026

Abstract

This study presents a numerical analysis of heat transfer during steady, single-phase flow of HFE-649 in a mini annular channel. Fully three-dimensional simulations were performed in Simcenter STAR-CCM+ to predict temperature, velocity, and pressure fields, as well as local variations of the heat transfer coefficient. The computational model represents a small vertical annular geometry corresponding to a laboratory test section that is currently being developed for future experimental validation. A three-dimensional model created in SolidWorks was imported into Simcenter STAR-CCM+, where a polyhedral mesh refined near solid–fluid interfaces was applied. The governing equations of mass, momentum, and energy conservation were solved. A laminar fluid flow model was adopted. The boundary conditions reflected typical parameters of compact heat exchange systems, including the prescribed mass flow rate, inlet temperature, outlet pressure, and constant wall heat flux. The simulations yielded detailed temperature, velocity, and pressure fields that characterise the thermal and flow behaviour within the channel. The obtained results provide a numerical reference for the design and calibration of the experimental setup and will serve as a numerical reference for validating and optimising mini annular channel configurations in compact heat exchangers.