OPTIMIZATION OF RADIATOR SYSTEM DESIGN USING NUMERICAL MODELLING TECHNIQUES UNDER VARIED CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF BAUCHI

The optimization of automotive radiator systems is essential for effective heat management in vehicles, particularly in varying climatic conditions. This research focuses on the influence of Bauchi's atmospheric conditions on the performance of a Toyota Corolla 2010 radiator. Utilizing reverse engineering techniques, a detailed model was created using SolidWorks, which was then analyzed through simulations in ANSYS, employing water as the coolant. Data on environmental temperature, humidity, and wind speed were sourced from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency for the period of January to December. Optimization techniques identified key parameters affecting heat transfer, resulting in an optimal louver angle of 27°, amplitude of 1.57045, and louver pitch of 2.18687. Simulation outcomes indicated that the highest outlet temperature reached 43.50°C at a flow rate of 41 L/min in April, while the lowest was 40.01°C at 8.3 L/min in Bauchi North. Conversely, in Bauchi South, the maximum outlet temperature was 40.98°C at the same flow rate, with a minimum of 37.12°C at 8.33 L/min. These findings bring in to focus the significant impact of local atmospheric conditions on radiator performance, illustrating the complex interaction between environmental variables and the design of cooling systems in automotive engineering.