Analysis and Design of Heat Exchangers

Heat exchangers play a critical role in the design and operation of all thermal energy systems. In this chapter, heat-exchanger types and classifications; geometrical details and standards; and analysis and design algorithms are presented. Heat exchangers are classified into four major categories based on the flow arrangements and amount of surface area for heat transfer. These are double-pipe or concentric tube heat exchangers, shell-and-tube heat exchangers, cross flow, and compact heat exchangers. Heat-exchanger design analysis method relates to size of the heat exchanger to the required heat-transfer ratings. There are two basic approaches for the analysis and design of heat exchangers. These are log mean temperature difference and effectiveness-NTU method. Shell-and-tube heat exchanger includes a shell and a bundle of tubes. Basically, a compact heat exchanger uses high-performance heat-transfer surface that has high heat flux relative to friction pressure drop or friction power usage.