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A parametric analysis of flow maldistribution and consequences on the thermal performance of plate heat exchangers
Date Issued
01-06-2007
Author(s)
Abstract
In the present paper, the main parameters affecting the flow maldistribution have been identified and a detailed analysis has been carried out concerning how the parameters affect the flow maldistribution. Using the thermal model of Rao et al. (2002), the effect of flow maldistribution on the thermal performance of the plate heat exchanger was simulated. The present analysis shows that flow maldistribution needs to be taken into account when the number of channels per fluid is greater than 20 and more particularly for low corrugation angles (α = 30°). Flow maldistribution can be reduced by changing the corrugation angle and then the thermal performance of the large plate package of plate heat exchangers can be improved. © 2007 R.T. Edwards, Inc.
Volume
8