Air side heat transfer coefficients of discrete plate finned-tube heat exchangers with large fin pitch

The objective of this study is to investigate the heat transfer characteristics of discrete plate finned-tube heat exchangers with large fin pitches. Thirty-four heat exchangers were tested with variations of fin pitches, the number of tube rows, fin alignment, and vertical fin space. The j-factor of the discrete plate finned-tube exchanger was analyzed as a function of coil geometry and then compared with that of the continuous plate finned-tube heat exchanger. For fin pitches of 7.5–15 mm, the j-factors of the discrete plate finned-tube heat exchangers were 6.0–11.6% higher than those of the continuous plate finned-tube heat exchangers. Two separate correlations for the j-factor were developed for the inline and the staggered fin alignment in the discrete plate finned-tube heat exchangers to predict the measured data within a relative deviation of 2.9%.     

Effect of Flow Distribution to the Channels on the Thermal Performance of the Multipass Plate Heat Exchangers

Over last two decades, plate heat exchangers (PHEs) have presented themselves as a viable alternative to the conventional shell and tube heat exchangers in the process and power industries. The thermal theory available for plate heat exchangers in the literature largely works on the assumption of equal flow in each channel. However, it is well known that the distribution of fluid from port to channel in PHE is far from being uniform. The present study brings about this port to channel flow distribution effect on the thermal behavior of multipass plate heat exchangers. The variation of the heat transfer coefficient due to flow variation from channel to channel has also been taken into consideration. Heat exchangers with both equal and unequal passes of the fluids have been studied. The results indicate that the flow maldistribution severely affects the performance of plate heat exchangers, and multipassing can act as an important tool to reduce the deterioration in performance due to maldistribution. The results show that with a low number of passes, the increase of velocity of fluid may be counterproductive in terms of heat transfer enhancement. Also, adding plates in order to increase the heat transfer surface may not be effective due to an increase in flow maldistribution. The correlations for 1-1, 1-2, 2-2, and 2-3 pass plate heat exchangers with the maldistribution index as a parameter are also presented.     

Use of high performance plate heat exchangers in chemical and process industries

At present, plate heat exchangers constantly open up new application fields in the chemical, process, and allied industries due to their numerous advantages. The channel flow between individual plates is characterized by high turbulence induced at low flow velocities. Heat transfer coefficients are generally higher in plate heat exchangers than in conventional shell-and-tube heat exchangers. According to the nature of the process, physical properties of the media, and allowable pressure drops, plates with a variety of patterns are available to adapt the equipment optimally to the specific process conditions. For handling aggressive media the module welded plate heat exchanger was developed. The laser welded modular design keeps the inherent advantages of plate type heat exchanger. It can be disassembled and mechanically cleaned outside the modules. The capacity can also be subsequently modified by changing the number of plates, or the plate patterns can be altered as it can be with the gasketed units. Typical applications of module welded plate heat exchangers in the chemical industry are acid coolers, thermal oil coolers, or condensers for hydrocarbon mixtures.     

板翅式换热器翅片及隔板动态特性分析

基于板翅式换热器翅片的非稳态导热方程，计算分析了翅片的动态特性，认为翅片的不稳定传热过程相对于换热器其它过程特征时间无限小，因此可以不考虑翅片的动态特性，从而简化了板翅式换热器动态模型，通过分析换热器动态过渡过程表明：隔板的热容对板翅式换热器的动态特性的影响是不容忽略的。     

Application of nanofluids in heat exchangers: A review

The purpose of this review summarizes the important published articles on the enhancement of the convection heat transfer in heat exchangers using nanofluids on two topics. The first section focuses on presenting the theoretical and experimental results for the effective thermal conductivity, viscosity and the Nusselt number reported by several authors. The second section concentrates on application of nanofluids in various types of heat exchangers: plate heat exchangers, shell and tube heat exchangers, compact heat exchangers and double pipe heat exchangers.     

Dynamics of plate heat exchangers subject to flow variations

A predictive model has been presented to suggest the transient response of plate heat exchangers, subjected to a step flow variation. The work also brings out the effect of the port to channel maldistribution on the performance of plate heat exchangers under the condition of flow variation. The results indicate that flow maldistribution affects the performance of the plate heat exchangers in the transient regime. A wide range of the parametric study has been presented which brings out the effects of NTU and heat capacity rate ratio on the response of the plate heat exchanger, subjected flow perturbation.To verify the presented theoretical model, appropriate experiments have been carried out. Experiments include the responses of the outlet temperatures subjected to inlet temperature transient in the circuit followed by a sudden change in flow rate in one of the fluids. Simulated performance has been compared to the performance measured in the experiments. Comparisons indicate that theoretical model developed for flow transient is capable of predicting the transient performance of the plate heat exchangers satisfactorily, under the given conditions of changed flow rates.     

等雷诺数法在板式换热器传热试验中的应用

在换热器的传热性能试验中,对流换热系数的测定是重要的一个组成部分,对流换热系数的测定方法有很多种,但都有各自的应用范围和条件。对于板式换热器而言,用等雷诺数法来获得其对流换热系数是比较合适的一种方法,文中介绍了等雷诺数法的原理及其在板式换热器中的应用。通过实例,介绍了具体的试验及计算方法。     

Dimensional analysis on the evaporation and condensation of refrigerant R-134a in minichannel plate heat exchangers

Two-phase flow analysis for the evaporation and condensation of refrigerants within the minichannel plate heat exchangers is an area of ongoing research, as reported in the literatures reviewed in this article. The previous studies mostly correlated the two-phase heat transfer and pressure drop in these minichannel heat exchangers using theories and empirical correlations that had previously been established for two-phase flows in conventional macrochannels. However, the two-phase flow characteristics within micro/minichannels may be more sophisticated than conventional macrochannels, and the empirical correlations for one scale may not work for the other one. The objective of this study is to investigate the parameters that affect the two-phase heat transfer within the minichannel plate heat exchangers, and to utilize the dimensional analysis technique to develop appropriate correlations. For this purpose, thermo-hydrodynamic performance of three minichannel brazed-type plate heat exchangers was analyzed experimentally in this study. These heat exchangers were used as the evaporator and condenser of an automotive refrigeration system where the refrigerant R-134a flowed on one side and a 50% glycol–water mixture on the other side in a counter-flow configuration. The heat transfer coefficient for the single-phase flow of the glycol–water mixture was first obtained using a modified Wilson plot technique. The results from the single-phase flow analysis were then used in the two-phase flow analysis, and correlations for the refrigerant evaporation and condensation heat transfer were developed. Correlations for the single-phase and two-phase Fanning friction factors were also obtained based on a homogenous model. The results of this study showed that the two-phase theories and correlations that were established for conventional macrochannel heat exchangers may not hold for the minichannel heat exchangers used in this study.     

A general solution for one-dimensional multistream heat exchangers and their networks

A mathematical model for predicting the steady-state thermal performance of one-dimensional (cocurrent and countercurrent) multistream heat exchangers and their networks is developed and is solved analytically for constant physical properties of streams. By introducing three matching matrices, the general solution can be applied to various types of one-dimensional multistream heat exchangers such as shell-and-tube heat exchangers, plate heat exchangers and plate-fin heat exchangers as well as their networks. The general solution is applied to the calculation and design of multistream heat exchangers. Examples are given to illustrate the procedures in detail. Based on this solution the superstructure model is developed for synthesis of heat exchanger networks.     

A general calculation method for plate heat exchangers

The possibilities of process stream guidance within plate heat exchangers are very complex. There exist constructional solutions, in which the process-streams are led through stream-passages connected in series or parallel. Other constructions realize the heat transfer between more than two process streams. Known are also constructions, where the stream passages are spirals. All these constructions deviate more or less from the ideal principle of uniflow or counterflow guidance. While the approximate interpretation of plate heat exchangers is solved methodically, the only methods used for the calculation of existing apparatus are either mathematically extremely exacting or not generally valid. To analyse the behaviour of plate heat exchangers, exact and easy to apply calculation methods are required. This article presents a general calculation method for the stationary simulation of plate heat exchangers of any type required. The method allows a mathematically exact determination of the temperature profiles of types of apparatus mentioned above. In a further step the proposed method can also be used for the simulation of the heat flux along the walls of the plates as well as the dispersion in the passages. The basic idea of the presented method is the simulation of a heat exchanger network with generalized operating characteristics. The “classic formulas” of this operating characteristic are given in this method as special cases. The general calculation method for plate heat exchangers can be used without any iteration. Only the consideration of temperature dependent properties as well as phase transitions require iterations. This method is characterized by a great numerical stability.     

Plate Heat Exchangers: Calculation Methods for Singleand Two-Phase Flow

Plate heat exchangers were first developed about 100 years ago but have won increasing interest during the last two decades, primarily due to the development of methods of manufacturing brazed plate heat exchangers. This type of heat exchanger offers very good heat transfer performance in single-phase flow as well as in evaporation and condensation. Part of the reason is the small hydraulic diameters, typically being less than 5 mm. Other advantages of plate heat exchangers are the extremely compact design and the efficient use of the construction material. In spite of their long use, the calculation methods for predicting heat transfer and pressure drop are not widely known. It is the purpose of this article to present such calculation methods for single-phase flow and for flow boiling and to discuss some of the specifics of this type of heat exchangers.     

Evaluation of heat exchanger surface coatings

Compact heat exchangers are very popular due to their effectiveness, small footprint and low cost. In order to protect heat exchangers in dirty applications, coatings can be applied to the heat transfer surfaces to extend effectiveness and minimize fouling. Coating selection is extremely important since the wrong coating can decrease unit effectiveness, cause more fouling, and/or erode the surface.An experimental investigation of coating effectiveness in compact plate heat exchangers is presented. New, cleaned and coated plate heat exchangers are considered in this study. Heat exchangers have been exposed to untreated lake water for various time periods. Transient effectiveness results compare the rate of fouling for coated and uncoated heat exchangers. Additional results compare deposit weight gain at the end of the test period and transient observations of heat transfer surface appearance. All heat exchanger combinations showed some deposit accumulation for the period considered.Results indicate that the thermal performance of the unit decreases with time, resulting in an undersized heat exchanger. For the conditions considered here, uncoated plates accumulate deposits up to 50% faster than coated plates and show a decrease in performance of up to 40%. Surface coating, exposure time, fluid velocity and concentration of particles can affect fouling.     

Internally Enhanced Carbon Steel Tubes for Ammonia Chillers

Plate heat exchangers are used regularly in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry. There is an urgent need for detailed and systematic research regarding heat transfer and the fluid flow characteristics of these types of exchangers. As an initiative in this respect, a literature search is presented on plate heat exchangers. New correlations for evaporation heat transfer coefficient and friction factor are introduced, which are applicable to various system pressure conditions and plate chevron angles. The correlations are based on actual field data collected during several years of installation and operation of chillers, and they are intended to serve as design tools and perhaps as a starting point for future research.     

Thermofluid characteristics of frosted finned-tube heat exchangers

The performance of frosted finned-tube heat exchangers of different fin types is investigated by experiments in this paper. The effects of the air flow rate, the air relative humidity, the refrigerant temperature, and the fin type on the thermofluid characteristics of the heat exchangers are discussed. The time variations of the heat transfer rate, the overall heat transfer coefficient, and the pressure drop of the heat exchangers are presented. The heat transfer rate, the overall heat transfer coefficient, and the pressure drop for heat exchangers with re-direction louver fins are higher than those with flat plate fins and one-sided louver fins are. The amount of frost formation is the highest for heat exchangers with re-direction louver fins.     

Thermal Design of Multistream Plate Fin Heat Exchangers—A State-of-the-Art Review

Multistream plate fin heat exchangers have replaced two-stream heat exchangers in diverse applications due to their compactness, capacity of handling multiple fluid streams in a single unit, and possibilities of having intermediate entry and exit of the streams. Unique features of such heat exchangers like direct/indirect crossover in temperatures due to several thermal communications among the fluid streams and the dependence of the thermal performance on “stacking pattern” have no equivalent in two-stream modules. As a consequence, an extension of the commonly used design/simulation techniques like ?-NTU or the LMTD method, applicable for two-stream exchangers, fails miserably in the case of multistream units. Though several techniques have been suggested over the years, in reality, no universally accepted methodology exists for the “thermal design” of multistream plate fin heat exchangers to date. In this communication, a state-of-the-art review of the thermal design of multistream plate fin heat exchanger is provided. Reported techniques based on heuristics, extension of the analysis applicable for two-stream heat exchangers, differential analysis, network analysis, and rigorous numerical solutions are briefly reviewed. Advantages and limitations of such techniques are also critically judged. The method of “area splitting” and “successive partitioning” proposed by the present research group is also elaborated. Apart from the basic design methodology, the techniques adopted for accounting for variable fluid properties, axial heat conduction in the solid matrix, and thermal communication with the environment have been discussed. Further, the suggested methodologies for optimizing the thermal design are reviewed. Finally, comments have been made indicating the future need of research in this topic.     

A comparative analysis of different heat exchangers containing phase change materials

针对日益严重的环境问题,“煤改电”已经成为实现北方清洁供暖的有效手段。此外,我国每年在余热利用,尤其是在中低温品质热能利用上还相当不充分。在此大背景下,以相变储热供热技术为切入点,着重对目前相变储热换热器进行了比较,定性分析了板式、管壳式、热管式及其他异形（储热砖/球）换热器的优缺点。并通过数值模拟的方式,定量比较了相同换热面积及边界条件下,管壳式和板式相变换热的二维相变材料熔化模型,管壳式换热器需6 h完全熔化,板式换热器需8.5 h完全熔化,主要原因在于二者在换热管/板在排布上差异导致。但考虑到相较于管壳式换热器,板式换热器结构紧凑、加工工艺简单、拆卸方便,未来可形成通过制成储热砖的方式实现模块化运行,为后期维护提供了很大便利,因此具有巨大发展潜力。     

Study of carbon dioxide condensation in chevron plate exchangers; pressure drop analysis

Condensation pressure drop of carbon dioxide in brazed plate heat exchangers was investigated, and is presented in this paper. Carbon dioxide is known as an environmental friendly refrigerant with an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) equal to zero and Global Warming Potential (GWP) equal to unity, and has favorable thermodynamic and transport properties though it requires higher operating pressures (～15–30 bar). Brazed-type plate heat exchangers that can withstand high pressure are a good choice for such applications. This paper presents the procedure, data collection, and results for three brazed plate heat exchangers with different inner geometries. The test exchangers showed good performance at high system pressures with reasonable pressure drops (less than 8%). The collected experimental data that covered real world operating conditions are valuable for the design of cascade condensers with carbon dioxide as the low-side refrigerant.     

The Simulation of Multicomponent Mixtures Condensation in Plate Condensers

The application of plate heat exchangers for the condensation of multicomponent mixtures requires reliable, well-grounded methods of calculation. A numerical simulation using semi-empirical equations of heat and mass transfer performance along the surface of plate condensers was carried out for different multicomponent mixtures with noncondensable components. The plates with cross-corrugated patterns for plate condensers were used. The simulation was done for four different types of corrugated plates of industrially manufactured plate heat exchangers.

The results of the simulation are in a good accordance with experimental data obtained during long-time experiments for a pilot plant at the pharmaceutical factory in Kharkiv.

It is shown that the enhancement of heat and mass transfer in a plate condenser for the case of a four-component mixture gives the possibility of decreasing by 1.8–2 times the necessary heat transfer surface area comparatively with shell-and-tube unit for the same process parameters.     

顺排与叉排套片式换热器的热力性能对比研究

套片式换热器的管束排列形式一般都是叉排,顺排非常少见。由于顺排形式的套片式换热器通常比叉排的流动阻力更小,因而对一些流动阻力有限制的场合,可以考虑使用顺排形式的套片式换热器。为论证这一点,对某种结构形式的顺排套片式换热器和叉排套片式换热器的热力性能进行了对比研究。为便于对比、分析,两个换热器试件的纵向管间距及管排数设计成相等。结果显示:两个试件的热力性能非常接近。分析表明,在某些应用场合,套片式换热器排列成顺排是更合适的选择。图7参6     

Thermal design of multi-stream heat exchangers

The thermal design of multi-stream heat exchangers of the plate and fin type is presented. Although originally used in low temperature processes, their application is extrapolated to above temperature processes and it is shown that, conceptually, multi-stream exchangers could replace whole heat recovery networks. The approach is based on the use of temperature vs. enthalpy diagrams or composite curves, which show how a multi-stream exchanger can be subdivided into block sections that correspond to enthalpy intervals and indicate the entry and exit points of the streams. A design methodology for plate and fin exchangers in countercurrent arrangement, characterized by the maximization of allowable pressure as a design objective is extended to the design of multi-fluid exchangers. The methodology uses a thermo-hydraulic model which relates pressure drop, heat transfer coefficient and exchanger volume. The potential applicability of the methodology is demonstrated on a case study.