Abstract
This paper proposes a closed form analytical method for thermoeconomic optimization of heat exchangers used as condensers or evaporators. The method is based on interactions between entropy creation and economics for two phase heat exchangers in a manner which reflects a wise use of our energy resources for heat transfer applications. The concept of 'internal economy' is used as a means of estimating the economic value of entropy created (due to temperature differences and pressure drops), thus permitting the engineer to trade entropy generation in the heat exchanger against its capital expenditure. Results are presented in terms of the optimum heat exchanger area as a function of the temperature ratio of the coolant, unit cost of energy dissipated and the optimum overall heat transfer coefficient. The total heat transfer resistance represented by (1/U equals C1 plus C2 Re** minus **n ) in the present analysis has been patterned after Wilson (1915) which is quite widely used in the refigeration industry. This convenient form accommodates complexities associated with determination of the two-phase heat transfer coefficient and build-up of surface scaling resistances. Two general classes of two phase heat exchanger results are presented based on this universal design optimization procedure: air-cooled and water-cooled types. Numerical examples for each of the two cases are presented.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 71-81 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Heat Transfer Division, (Publication) HTD |
| Volume | 44 |
| State | Published - 1985 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Mechanical Engineering
- Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes