Undefined log-mean temperature in heat exchanger design

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the design of a cross-flow heat exchanger for cooling electronic components in a UAV, utilizing an ethylene glycol-water solution. Key parameters include a heat load of 910 W, cold side mass flow rate of 0.023 kg/s with a specific heat of 1.005 kJ/kg.K, and hot side mass flow rate of 0.1 kg/s with a specific heat of 3.626 kJ/kg.K. The challenge arises in calculating the log-mean temperature difference (T_lm) due to negative values in the logarithmic function, indicating potential errors in the hot side temperature assumptions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of heat exchanger design principles
  • Familiarity with thermodynamic properties of fluids
  • Knowledge of log-mean temperature difference (LMTD) calculations
  • Experience with mass and energy balance equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of log-mean temperature difference (LMTD) in heat exchangers
  • Investigate the thermodynamic properties of ethylene glycol-water mixtures
  • Learn about cross-flow heat exchanger design and performance analysis
  • Explore methods for accurately estimating inlet and outlet temperatures in heat exchangers
USEFUL FOR

Engineers and designers involved in thermal management systems, specifically those working on UAV cooling solutions, as well as students studying heat exchanger design and thermodynamics.

mastermechanic
Messages
107
Reaction score
15
For a course project, I need to design a heat exchanger to cool electronic components in an UAV. The heat exchanger will be cross-flow air to liquid. The cold side (air side) properties are evaluated at an altitude of 7620 m and -34.5 °C. For the hot side ethylene glycol - water solution with a 60:40 ratio will be used.

Known Parameters

Heat Load
: 910 W

Cold Side Hot Side

Mass Flow Rate:
0.023 kg/s Mass Flow Rate: 0.1 kg/s
Specific Heat: 1.005 kJ/kg.K Specific Heat: 3.626 kJ/kg.K
Inlet Temp: - 34.5 °C Inlet Temp: -17.5 °C (from Q = m.c.dt)
Outlet Temp: 4.87 °C (from Q = m.c.dt) Outlet Temp: -20 °CThe problem arises when I try to calculate log-mean temperature,

T_lm = [ (T_h_1 - T_c_2) - (T_h_2 - T_c_1) ] / ln[ (T_h_1 - T_c_2) / (T_h_2 - T_c_1)]

But since (T_h_1 - T_c_2) = ( -17.5 - 4.87) = -22.37 °C and (T_h_2 - T_c_1) = (-20 - (-34.5)) = 14.5 °C

The fraction inside the ln function becomes negative. Where is the problem? I am sure about the temperatures of the air side, therefore, the problem is probably due the temperatures of the hot side.

Although, the air outside is - 34.5°C the cabin of the UAV must be warmer. Considering the radiation from electronics and engine we assumed the cabin temperature as - 20°C and calculated inlet temp. from Q= m.c.dt. I need your help at this point.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
mastermechanic said:
Inlet Temp: - 34.5 °C Inlet Temp: -17.5 °C (from Q = m.c.dt)
Outlet Temp: 4.87 °C (from Q = m.c.dt) Outlet Temp: -20 °C
4.87 C
 
256bits said:
4.87 C

Sorry, I didn't understand what you meant. What's wrong with 4.87?
 
mastermechanic said:
Sorry, I didn't understand what you meant. What's wrong with 4.87?
Outside air temperature = -34.5 C inlet Cold Air
Cabin temperature = -17.5 C Inlet Hot Fluid

Does it not seem odd that the outlet air temperature will heat up to 4.87 C?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Lnewqban

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
14K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K