Computer Program for Performance and Sizing Analysis of Compact Counter-Flow Plate-Fin Heat Exchangers

摘要

This report presents a computer program for preliminary design analysis of counter-flow, compact, plate-fin heat exchangers. The program method is based on the effectiveness-NTU relationship analysis. The heat exchanger design begins with assumptions for counter-flow length, total frontal flow area and core matrix fin geometry. Using these constraints, the program proceeds to calculate the resulting effectiveness and pressure drop based on specified air-side and gas-side conditions. Input design requirements include selected air-side and gas-side fin types; the pressures, temperatures, and mass flows of the air and gas streams; fuel-air ratio; as well as, the maximum air-side inlet header velocity. Heat exchanger designs may be generated based on four different fin types (i.e., plain, louvered, strip/offset or wavy fins) over a varied number of core dimensions. Program output includes inlet and exit conditions on air and gas sides, effectiveness, fin characteristics, core length and volume, total frontal flow area, pressure drops, overall enclosure height, number of transfer units, overall weight, and air-side header diameters and velocities. This report presents the analysis method, description of input and output with sample cases, and a program listing. (Author)