How Does Effectiveness Influence Heat Exchanger Capacity Selection?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of thermal efficiency in heat exchangers, specifically focusing on how effectiveness influences the selection of heat exchanger capacity. Participants explore calculations related to heat transfer rates and the implications of effectiveness on design choices.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding how to incorporate thermal efficiency into the selection of heat exchanger capacity, questioning whether to double the initial heat transfer rate based on the calculated effectiveness.
  • Another participant suggests consulting an air conditioning handbook for additional information on heat exchangers, implying that practical resources may provide clarity.
  • A different participant notes that domestic HVAC systems have rated capacities that may not be achieved under actual operating conditions, indicating that local factors can influence the effective capacity of heat exchangers.
  • One participant provides a formula for calculating effectiveness, stating that it is the ratio of actual heat transfer to maximum possible heat transfer, with specific reference to the temperatures of the hot and cold fluids.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on how to apply effectiveness in capacity selection, with differing views on the role of practical resources and the impact of local conditions on heat exchanger performance.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made in calculations, the definitions of effectiveness, and the specific conditions under which heat exchangers operate. These factors remain unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for engineers and students involved in the design and analysis of heat exchangers, particularly those interested in the practical implications of thermal efficiency and effectiveness in system performance.

cabellos2
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
heat exchanger efiiciency??

I have done some design work calculations for a double pipe heat exchanger. I have the inlet and outlet temperatures and mass flow rates etc. I have calculated Q the heat transfer rate.

However I am confused with the idea of the thermal efficiency of the heat exchanger. In order to select the required capacity of heat exchanger i need to factor in an efficiency somehow.

Do I work out the effectiveness and then when i get this value I choose my capacity of heat exchanger (e.g if the effectiveness is 0.5 then I double the initial Q value to select the heat exchanger capacity)??
 
Engineering news on Phys.org


hallo...

for your problem, may you can get heat exchangher information on air conditioning hand book

you can download in at scribd.com

irian
blog : http://irianpoo.blogspot.com
 


Most domestic hvac systems have a rated capacity before they are installed. The technician then comes along, installs the system, charges it with refrigerant, runs a test & then leaves. Whether the system ever reaches the rated capacity would have to tested or simulated.

The operating capacity of each exchanger in the system will certainly be affected by the prevailing local conditions eg. room volume/temp, or outside temperature.

Webb & Kim, Principles of Enhanced Heat Transfer

http://www.mne.psu.edu/webb/"

http://www.airresourcellc.com"
 
Last edited by a moderator:


You can calculate the effectiveness. e = q/qmax

q max = Cmin (Thi - Tci)

Thi is temperature of the hot fluid at the entrance
Tci is " " of cold " "
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K