CFD-based structure optimization of plate bundle in plate-fin heat exchanger considering flow and heat transfer performance

Abstract The plate-fin heat exchanger has been widely applied in the field of air separation and aerospace due to its high specific surface area of heat transfer. However, the low heat transfer efficiency of its plate bundles has also attracted more attention. It is of great significance to optimize the structure of plate-fin heat exchanger to improve its heat transfer efficiency. The plate bundle was studied by combining numerical simulation with experiment. Firstly, according to the heat and mass transfer theory, the plate bundle calculation model of plate-fin heat exchanger was established, and the accuracy of the UDF (User-Defined Functions) for describing the mass and heat transfer was verified. Then, the influences of fin structure parameters on the heat and mass transfer characteristics of channel were discussed, including the height, spacing, thickness and length of fins. Finally the influence of various factors on the flow field performance under different flow states was integrated to complete the optimal design of the plate bundle.