Modeling and Analysis of Cross-Flow Heat Exchanger Based on the Distributed Parameter Method

Abstract

The cross-flow heat exchanger model based on distributed parameter method which could be applied further in a complex system simulation is established in this paper. Then both steady and transient simulations of a triangle plate-fin cross-flow heat exchanger are achieved. The conclusion indicates that there is a critical point, when the number of distributed elements continues to increase, errors can be neglected. In dry air condition, steady results are proved identical to the ones of the well-known effectiveness-NTU method. Transient simulations are also participated under both dry air and moist air conditions in the interest of discussing the dynamic performance of the heat exchanger, and latent heat shows a great influence on the outlet temperature in moist air condition. Moreover, the effect of fouling is studied as a modification. All the simulations are performed on the commercial software Flowmaster.