Compact Tube and Plate-Finned Heat Exchangers

Abstract

A highly effective method for heat transfer enhancement in tube and plate-finned heat exchangers through artificial flow turbulization is proposed. Heat transfer surfaces of different design and their production are developed. A correlation for the increase in heat transfer is found as a function of increasing hydraulic resistance for channels of various cross sections. Results are compared with similar smooth channels with discrete wall flow turbulization. The use of the proposed surfaces allows a 1.5- to 2-fold decrease in the heat exchanger volume, a 3- to 8-fold increase in film boiling heat transfer, a 1.4-fold increase in surface boiling heat transfer, and a 2- to 3.4-fold increase in condensation heat transfer on the outer surfaces of annular grooved tubes as well as a decrease in the salt deposition on the outer and inner surfaces of tubes.