This article presents three dimensional CFD (computational fluid dynamics) investigation of local Nusselt number and local friction factor ratios in an air channel with various V-pattern ribs as roughness elements employed on one wall. The various ribs such as, V-pattern rib, protrusion rib in V-pattern, dimpled rib in V-pattern, and V-pattern rib combined with groove have been considered in the study. The CFD analysis on heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics is conducted to investigate the overall effects of the various V-pattern rib shapes on the thermal hydraulic performance. The results found that V-pattern rib with a combination of groove roughness shapes provides better thermal hydraulic performance than other comparable V-pattern rib roughness shapes. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.