Performance Analysis of Woven Wire Screen Matrix Heat Exchanger Units

Abstract

The performance of a compact cryogenic heat exchanger with metal woven wire screen matrix units was studied. Using different structural parameters, the heat transfer and hydrodynamic characteristics of the units were analyzed. Comparative analysis was also performed on the impact of different unit geometries and on the operational parameters affecting heat transfer performance and resistance characteristics. Data were interpreted to derive relevant performance characteristics such as mass flow, heat load, temperature difference in heat transfer, Reynolds number, heat transfer coefficient, inlet and outlet temperature, and resistance losses, among others. This study also introduced the structural parameters of optimal hot and cold section proportions and the operational range of thermal parameters. The cryogenic heat exchanger of interest had a hot and cold cross-sectional area ratio of 0.44; when optimized, the unit can work within the temperature range of 80—295K with a mass flow between 0 and 1 g/s and a heat load from 35 to 400 W. This condition produced maximum heat exchanger efficiency at 94% with both hot and cold fluid flow resistances less than 3.0 kPa. The units can constitute a low-weight ratio with a larger specific surface area. Based on the principles of characteristic evaluation, the assessment results were presented based on an integrated feature of heat transfer units, which includes their thermal properties, resistance characteristics, and structural parameters, among others. The criterion for the improvement and performance optimization of the space applications of cryogenic woven wire screen matrix heat exchanger units was also proposed.