Methods for Evaluating the Performances of Compact Heat Transfer Surfaces

Abstract

Methods are presented for evaluating the performances of compact surfaces based on their simultaneous heat transfer rates and pumping power expenditures. Calculations of approximate total costs and volume requirements for a heat exchanger are simplified with the aid of performance curves based on a unit of heat transfer surface area and a unit of exchanger volume. In certain cases, the minimum cost surface can be determined from a single plot and requires no specific cost information. Basic design data are presented for three plate-fin surfaces, each one having a different degree of heat transfer promotion. The attractiveness of each type of surface is shown to depend on the particular design specifications.