COMPACT HEAT-EXCHANGER STUDY

Heat-exchanger-performance data found in the literature are reduced to a form that allows compactness of core surfaces on the basis of geometrical configuration alone, by correcting for the influence of fluid properties and performance requirement parameters. Hydraulic radius of the core surface is shown to be the most important parameter affecting compactness. A compactness parameter is derived with which the required weight and volume of a heat exchanger for a given application may be estimated. Data and examples are given. The results of discussions with several heat-exchanger manufacturers to obtain state-of-the-art information on limitations in producing more compact surfaces are presented. Design studies are conducted to show the influence of hydraulic radius on the size and shape of a recuperator and precooler for a mobile, closed-cycle gasturbine power plant and to illustrate the usefulness and accuracy of the compactness parameter. Recommendations for goals in a compactheat-exchanger development program are presented.