scholarly journals Review of Design and Modeling of Regenerative Heat Exchangers

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 759
Author(s):  
Bohuslav Kilkovský

Heat regenerators are simple devices for heat transfer, but their proper design is rather difficult. Their design is based on differential equations that need to be solved. This is one of the reasons why these devices are not widely used. There are several methods for solving them that were developed. However, due to the time demands of calculation, these models did not spread too much. With the development of computer technology, the situation changed, and these methods are now relatively easy to apply, as the calculation does not take a lot of time. Another problem arises when selecting a suitable method for calculating the heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop. Their choice depends on the type of packed bed material, and not all available computational equations also provide adequate accuracy. This paper describes the so-called open Willmott methods and provides a basic overview of equations for calculating the regenerative heat exchanger with a fixed bed. Based on the mentioned computational equations, it is possible to create a tailor-made calculation procedure of regenerative heat exchangers. Since no software was found on the market to design regenerative heat exchangers, it had to be created. An example of software implementation is described at the end of the article. The impulse to create this article was also to broaden the awareness of regenerative heat exchangers, to provide designers with an overview of suitable calculation methods and, thus, to extend the interest and use of this type of heat exchanger.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chase Ellsworth Christen

Solid particles are being considered in several high temperature thermal energy storage systems and as heat transfer media in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. The downside of such an approach is the low overall heat transfer coefficients in shell-and-plate moving packed bed heat exchangers caused by the inherently low packed bed thermal conductivity values of the low-cost solid media. Choosing the right particle size distribution of currently available solid media can make a substantial difference in packed bed thermal conductivity, and thus, a substantial difference in the overall heat transfer coefficient of shell-and-plate moving packed bed heat exchangers. Current research exclusively focuses on continuous unimodal distributions of alumina particles. The drawback of this approach is that larger particle sizes require wider particle channels to meet flowability requirements. As a result, only small particle sizes with low packed bed thermal conductivities have been considered for the use in the falling-particle Gen3 CSP concepts. Here, binary particle mixtures, which are defined in this thesis as a mixture of two continuous unimodal particle distributions leading to a continuous bimodal particle distribution, are considered to increase packed bed thermal conductivity, decrease packed bed porosity, and improve moving packed bed heat exchanger performance. This is the first study related to CSP solid particle heat transfer that has considered the packed bed thermal conductivity and moving packed bed heat exchanger performance of bimodal particle size distributions at room and elevated temperatures. Considering binary particle mixtures that meet particle sifting segregation criteria, the overall heat transfer coefficient of shell-and-plate moving packed bed heat exchangers can be increased by 23% when compared to a monodisperse particle system. This work demonstrates that binary particle mixtures should be seriously considered to improve shell-and-plate moving packed bed heat exchangers.


Author(s):  
Yaroslav Dvoinos ◽  
Pavlo Yevziutin

Regenerative heat exchangers have disadvantages such as low heat transfer coefficient from the nozzle to the gas and high hydraulic resistance due to the design of the nozzles. Wire-mesh nozzles can eliminate these shortcomings of regenerators. Wire-mesh nozzles have low hydraulic resistance and large heat transfer surface. The process of heat and mass transfer in a regenerative heat exchanger is considered. A series of numerical simulation experiments was performed. Theoretically, the optimal configuration of the nozzle was calculated: a plain weave mesh with a wire diameter of 0.4 mm, a weaving step of 2 mm, and a step of placing nets of 1 mm. The operational modes for the regenerator are considered, taking into account the period for drying the nozzle from moisture and the maximum mass of water that can hold the nozzle without the formation of drops. Given the condensation of moisture on the nozzle, the following assumptions are made: There is no temperature and concentration inhomogeneity in the cross section of the regenerator channel; The effect of thermal conductivity in the axial direction in contact between the nozzle elements on the temperature profile of the nozzle is insignificant; The time over which the regenerator is operated between the nozzle drying periods is quite short, and the thickness of the condensate layer does not affect the hydrodynamic mode of the heat regeneration process and the value of the heat transfer coefficient. The duration of the cooling and drying period depends on the humidity of the inlet air and the area of the nozzle. This is due to the need to prevent the accumulation of moisture in the device, which can lead to the reproduction of harmful bacteria and contamination of the nozzle. In the SolidWorks Flow Simulation application, simulation experiments were performed for a regenerator model accounting for the influence of compressed air motion resulting from grouped location of the nozzle elements, and the results are shown in the figures. Comparison of the results from analytical calculations and simulation experiments showed the efficiency of the mathematical model and the possibility of its use in the design calculation of regenerators. Correlation dependences have been established to determine the heat transfer coefficient and hydraulic resistance depending on the hydrodynamic conditions. The mathematical and physical model taking into account the condensation of moisture on the nozzle has been specified. Calculations have been performed for the optimal nozzle made in the form of a plain weave mesh with a wire diameter of 0.4 mm, a weaving step of 2 mm, and a step of placing nets of 1 mm.


2020 ◽  
Vol 216 ◽  
pp. 01124
Author(s):  
Shavkat Agzamov ◽  
Sevinar Nematova

The article discusses the features of the creation and use of efficient heat exchanger. Designs of pipes with a developed heat exchange is presented. The procedure for determining the degree of development of the heat exchanging surface, the heat transfer coefficient, and the calculation of the heat transfer equation are given. As a result of creating efficient heat exchangers, three main parameters are used: the pipe outside diameter; the estimated flow rate; the Prandtl number.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 451-461
Author(s):  
Artur Rubcov ◽  
Sabina Paulauskaitė ◽  
Violeta Misevičiūtė

The paper provides the results of experimental and theoretical test of a wavy fin and tube heat exchanger used to cool air in a ventilation system when the wavy fin of the heat exchanger is dry and wet. The experimental tests, performed in the range of 1000<Re<4500 of the Reynolds number applying LMTD-LMED methodology, determined the dependency of the heat transfer coefficient on the supplied air flow rate with the varying geometry of the heat exchanger (the number of tube rows, the distance between fins, the thickness of the fin and the diameter of the tube). The experimental tests were performed on 9 heat exchangers in heating and 6 heat exchangers in cooling mode. After processing the results of the experimental tests, empirical equation defining the characteristics of the heat transfer coefficient of all heat exchangers were derived. The maximum heat transfer coefficient deviation is 11.6 percent. The correction factor of the wet fin (Lewis number) depending on the number of Reynolds, which ranges from 0.75 to 1.1 also is determined. Maximum capacity deviation equals 3.7 percent. The obtained equations can only be applied to a certain group of heat exchangers (with the same shape of fins or the distance between the tubes). The results of the experimental test and simulation with ANSYS program are compared and the heat transfer coefficients vary from 6.5 to 11.4 percent.


Author(s):  
Djamalutdin Chalaev ◽  
◽  
Nina Silnyagina ◽  

The use of advanced heat transfer surfaces (corrugated tubes of various modifications) is an effective way to intensify the heat transfer and improve the hydraulic characteristics of tubular heat exchangers. The methods for evaluating the use of such surfaces as working elements in tubular heat exchangers have not been developed so far. The thermal and hydrodynamic processes occurring in the tubes with the developed surfaces were studied to evaluate the efficiency of heat exchange therein. Thin-walled corrugated flexible stainless steel tubes of various modifications were used in experimental studies. The researches were carried out on a laboratory stand, which was designed as a heat exchanger type "tube in tube" with a corrugated inner tube. The stand was equipped with sensors to measure the thermal hydraulic flow conditions. The comparative analysis of operation modes of the heat exchanger with a corrugated inner tube of various modifications and the heat exchanger with a smooth inner tube was performed according to the obtained data. Materials and methods. A convective component of the heat transfer coefficient of corrugated tube increased significantly at identical flow conditions comparing with a smooth tube. Increasing the heat transfer coefficient was in the range of 2.0 to 2.6, and increased with increasing Reynolds number. The increase in heat transfer of specified range outstripped the gain of hydraulic resistance caused by increase of the flow. Results and discussion. CFD model in the software ANSYS CFX 14.5 was adapted to estimate the effect of the tube geometry on the intensity of the heat transfer process. A two-dimensional axially symmetric computer model was used for the calculation. The model is based on Reynolds equation (Navier-Stokes equations for turbulent flow), the continuity equation and the energy equation supplemented by the conditions of uniqueness. SST-turbulence model was used for the solution of the equations. The problem was solved in the conjugate formulation, which allowed assessing the efficiency of heat exchange, depending on various parameters (coolant temperature, coolant velocity, pressure). The criteria dependences were obtained Nu = f (Re, Pr). Conclusions. The use a corrugated tube as a working element in tubular heat exchangers can improve the heat transfer coefficient of 2.0 - 2.6 times, with an increase in hydraulic resistance in the heat exchanger of 2 times (compared with the use of smooth tubes). The criteria dependences obtained on the basis of experimental studies and mathematical modeling allow developing a methodology for engineering calculations for the design of new efficient heat exchangers with corrugated tubes.


Author(s):  
Dahai Guo ◽  
Danesh K. Tafti

The effect of inlet flow angles on flat tube multilouvered fin heat exchangers is studied. Five inlet flow angles, α= ±25, ±45 and 0 degrees are employed with respect to the face of the heat exchanger. One louver angle θ = 25 degrees, and three fin pitches, Fp = 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 are considered. There is a strong correlation between the response of the flow efficiency and heat transfer coefficient to inlet flow angle. Positive flow angles, which are in the same direction as the louver angle, have to undergo a smaller rotation to be aligned with louver directed flow in the bank, and exhibit better performance characteristics than negative inlet flow angles. The first-order effect of inlet flow angles is to reduce the effective mass flow rate and Reynolds number through the heat exchanger. For positive flow angles and small fin pitches, the heat transfer coefficient correlates well with the effective Reynolds number {Reeff = Re(cosα)}. However, this is not the case when flow angles are negative and the fin pitch increases. Under these conditions, the Nusselt number deviates considerably from the effective Reynolds number analogy, with a subsequent loss in heat transfer capability. For large negative inlet flow angles (α = −45), the heat transfer coefficient drops as much as 50% for a fin pitch Fp = 2.


2019 ◽  
Vol 111 ◽  
pp. 01012
Author(s):  
Alper Mete GENC ◽  
Ziya Haktan KARADENIZ ◽  
Orhan EKREN ◽  
Macit TOKSOY

Decentralized heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems are assumed as simple solutions to obtain a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. A wall or window mounted compact version of decentralized HRV systems (mono unit) are used for small scale, mostly residential applications. A fan and a heat exchanger are the critical components of this compact system. The flow capacity of these units are down to 10 m3/h, where efficiencies over 90% are commonly declared by the manufacturers. On the other hand, spherical packed beds (SPD) are widely used in the heat transfer applications such as; chemical reactors, grain driers, nuclear reactors, thermal storage in buildings and in solar thermal power plants, due to operational convenience. These systems are operated under steady flow conditions, unlike decentralized HRV systems which are designed for cyclic operation. In this study, heat recovery performance of a spherical packed bed heat exchanger for a decentralized HRV system is investigated. A one dimensional mathematical model for a SPD is obtained and an in-house computer code is developed to solve the transient heat transfer inside the packed bed under cyclic operation conditions. Well known convenient correlations were used for pressure drop calculations. A number of bed and sphere diameters were studied in a wide range. Various flow time and number of cycles were studied for the hot and cold flow to understand the SPD performance for HRV applications. This novel application also has the potential for regenerative heat recovery systems.


Author(s):  
Chien-Yuh Yang ◽  
Wei-Chi Liu

Attributed to its high heat transfer coefficient, evaporating cooling involving the use of micro heat exchangers is considered a possible thermal management solution for cooling of high heat flux electronic devices. The desire to develop high-performance micro heat exchangers operating in the evaporation regime provides a major motivation for the present work. Methanol evaporated in two micro heat exchangers with chevron flow passages and straight flow passages respectively were tested in the present study. The test results show that the heat transfer coefficient increased with increasing flow rate in both chevron and straight flow passages micro heat exchangers. However, the effect of vapor quality on the heat transfer coefficient in the straight passages heat exchanger is in adverse to that in the chevron passages heat exchanger. The heat transfer coefficient increased with increasing vapor quality in the chevron passages heat exchanger but decreased in the straight passages heat exchanger. The flow visualization through transparent cover heat exchangers showed that the liquid film inside channel is partially dry out in the straight passages heat exchanger. The dryout portion area increased with increasing heating rate and exit vapor quality. This degraded the average heat transfer performance for evaporation in the straight passages heat exchanger. Because of the surface tension effect, the liquid film was dragged at the intersection corner of the upper and lower plate chevron passages. There is no significant dryout portion in the chevron passages heat exchanger. The relation of vapor quality with heat transfer performance in chevron passages heat exchanger is therefore similar to the boiling in a single channel prior to critical heat flux condition.


2018 ◽  
Vol 240 ◽  
pp. 02004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomasz Bury ◽  
Małgorzata Hanuszkiewicz Drapała

The work is a part of a thermodynamic analysis of a finned cross-flow heat exchanger of the liquid-gas type. The heat transfer coefficients on the liquid and the gas side and the area of the heat transfer are the main parameters describing such a device. The basic problem in computations of such heat exchangers is determination of the coefficient of the heat transfer from the finned surfaces to the gas. The differences in the heat transfer coefficient local values resulting from the non-uniform flow of mediums through the exchanger complicates the analysis additionally. Six Nusselt number relationships are selected as suitable for the considered heat exchanger, and they are used to calculate the heat transfer coefficient for the air temperature ranging from 10°C to 30°C and for the velocity values ranging from 2 m/s to 20 m/s. In the next step, the gas-side heat transfer coefficient is determined by means of numerical simulations using a numerical model of a repetitive fragment of the heat exchanger under consideration. Finally, the Wilson plot method is also used. The work focuses on an analysis of the in-house HEWES code sensitivity to the method of the heat transfer coefficient determination. The authors believe that the analysis may also be useful for the evaluation of different methods of the heat transfer coefficient computation.


Author(s):  
Artur Rubcov ◽  
Sabina Paulauskaitė ◽  
Violeta Misevičiūtė

The paper provides the results of experimental tests of a wavy fin and tube heat exchanger used to heat (cool) air in a ventilation system when the wavy fin of the heat exchanger is dry and wet. The experimental tests, performed in the range of 1000<Re<4500 of the Reynolds number, determined the dependency of the heat transfer coefficient on the amount of supplied air with the varying geometry of the heat exchanger (the number of tube rows, the distance between fins, the thickness of the fin and the diameter of the tube). The experimental tests were performed on 9 heat exchangers in heating mode (dry fin) and 6 heat exchangers in cooling mode (wet fin). The ratio of heat transfer coefficient values when the fin is dry and wet varies from 0.79 to 1.12. After processing the results of the experimental tests, equations defining the dependency of the heat transfer coefficient on the amount of air and varying geometric parameters of the heat exchanger were derived, based on which 86% to 88% of the results do not exceed the 10% tolerance margin and the standard deviation varies from 3.5% to 4.3%.


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