Analysis of Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger Performance with Water, Propylene Glycol, and Glycerol Mixtures
This study presents a thermo-hydraulic and second-law analysis of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. The research specifically investigates the performance when using mixtures of water, propylene glycol, and glycerol. The analysis focuses on the laminar-to-transition flow regime, a critical range for heat transfer efficiency. The findings aim to provide insights into how these specific fluid mixtures affect the heat exchanger's operational characteristics. Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing the design and application of such heat exchangers in various industrial processes. The research contributes to the field of thermal engineering by detailing the thermodynamic performance under defined fluid conditions. This work is relevant for engineers and researchers involved in heat transfer equipment design and fluid dynamics.
This research applies thermodynamic principles to evaluate heat exchanger efficiency, focusing on fluid mixtures and flow regimes. The analysis aims to quantify performance beyond simple heat transfer, incorporating the second law of thermodynamics to assess irreversibilities and potential for energy loss. By examining specific fluid combinations in the laminar-to-transition regime, the study provides granular data for optimizing designs. Understanding these trade-offs between heat transfer effectiveness and thermodynamic efficiency is vital as industries seek to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact in their thermal processes. The findings could inform the development of more sustainable and energy-efficient heat exchange technologies over the next decade.
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