Seminar at Texas A&M University with the participation of Dr. Artur Gutkowski.
On 15 September 2026, a scientific seminar within the Turbomachinery Lab Seminar Series was held at the Turbomachinery Laboratory of the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station in Texas. The event focused on flow and heat‑transfer phenomena in compact minichannel heat exchangers. The speaker was Dr. Artur Gutkowski from the Institute of Turbomachinery, who presented the results of his research in a talk titled “Investigation of Thermal-Flow Characteristics of Minichannel Heat Exchanger with Louvred Fins”. The professor is currently staying in Texas, where he is participating in a project meeting and presenting the outcomes of ongoing research. The visit also includes Dr. Grzegorz Liśkiewicz and PhD candidate Aleksandra Woźniak, who continue their presence at Texas A&M University as part of project activities.
During the seminar, experimental and numerical analyses of the thermal‑flow characteristics of a compact minichannel heat exchanger equipped with louvred fins were presented. The research involved laboratory measurements and CFD model validation, enabling the assessment of heat‑transfer mechanisms, pressure losses, and the influence of exchanger geometry on its performance.
Special attention was given to the impact of fin height and spacing on heat‑transfer effectiveness and pressure‑drop characteristics. Performance evaluation criteria such as the JF factor, the Performance Evaluation Criterion (PEC), and entropy‑generation minimization were discussed, highlighting solutions that ensure an optimal balance between heat‑transfer enhancement and acceptable flow resistance.
The stay of the Institute’s representatives in Texas provides an excellent opportunity for exchanging experience among researchers working on advanced turbomachinery and energy technologies. Prof. Gutkowski’s presentation emphasized the international research activity of the Institute of Turbomachinery and its contribution to developing innovative solutions for the energy industry.
