Transient response of the parallel flow heat exchanger with finite wall capacitance

Abstract

This paper shows how the transient response of the parallel heat exchanger with finite wall capacitance may be calculated by an analytical method. Making usual idealizations for the analysis of dynamic behavior of the heat exchanger, the model is based on three local energy balance equations which are solved by using the Laplace transform method for step change of the primary fluid inlet temperature. The solutions are found in the case of constant initial conditions and expressed in explicit analytical form in terms of the number of transfer units, heat capacity ratios, heat transfer resistance and flow capacitance ratios. The presented solutions are valid in cases where fluid velocities are different or equal and finite or infinite.