On the selection of fin profiles for OTEC plate-fin evaporators

This paper considers the plate-fin heat exchanger for an OTEC power plant on account of its compactness. Ammonia is selected as the working fluid for a plant of 1 MW gross output. Choice of seawater side velocity is made on the basis of pressure drop and biofouling. Fourteen different fin profiles are considered in order to choose a suitable configuration. The selection of the plate-fin heat exchanger depends on minimum exchanger volume, minimum pumping power requirement and low ammonia side pressure drop. © 1983.