Thermal performance comparison of vertical and diagonal flow configurations in corrugated plate heat exchanger

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to compare the thermal performance of two flow configurations in corrugated plate heat exchanger (CPHE): vertical flow configuration (CPHEvert.) and diagonal flow configuration (CPHEdiag.). The study aims to determine the differences between these configurations and evaluate their respective thermal performance based on metrics such as heat transfer rates, pressure drop values and flow distribution. Design/methodology/approach – The study compares the thermal performance of two flow arrangements of CPHE using identical geometrical dimensions and test conditions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is employed, and a validated numerical model is used for the investigation. The comparison is based on analyzing the rate of heat transfer and pressure drop data between the two flow arrangements. Findings – The findings indicate that the diagonal flow configuration in CPHEs offers improved flow distribution, enhanced heat transfer performance and lower pressure drop compared to the vertical flow configuration. However, the differences in general in the thermal performance of CPHEvert. and CPHEdiag. are found to be minimal. Originality/value – To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to investigate the impact of vertical and diagonal flow configurations on the thermal performance of the CPHE.

Keywords

• Plate heat exchanger
• Vertical flow
• Diagonal flow
• Heat transfer
• Pressure drop
• Thermal performance