Numerical computation of 3D heat transfer in complex parallel heat exchangers using generalized Graetz modes

We propose and develop a variational formulation dedicated to the simulation of parallel convective heat exchangers that handles possibly complex input/output conditions as well as connection between pipes. It is based on a spectral method that allows to re-cast three-dimensional heat exchangers int...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of computational physics 2014-07, Vol.268, p.84-105
Main Authors: Pierre, Charles, Bouyssier, Julien, de Gournay, Frédéric, Plouraboué, Franck
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adiabatic flow
Computational efficiency
Eigenvalues
Exchange
Functional minimization
Generalized Graetz mode
Handles
Heat exchangers
Heat transfer
Mathematical models
Optimal weak-variational formulation
Parallel heat exchangers
Three dimensional
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Summary:We propose and develop a variational formulation dedicated to the simulation of parallel convective heat exchangers that handles possibly complex input/output conditions as well as connection between pipes. It is based on a spectral method that allows to re-cast three-dimensional heat exchangers into a two-dimensional eigenvalue problem, named the generalized Graetz problem. Our formulation handles either convective, adiabatic, or prescribed temperature at the entrance or at the exit of the exchanger. This formulation is robust to mode truncation, offering a huge reduction in computational cost, and providing insights into the most contributing structure to exchanges and transfer. Several examples of heat exchangers are analyzed, their numerical convergence is tested and the numerical efficiency of the approach is illustrated in the case of Poiseuille flow in tubes.
ISSN:0021-9991
1090-2716
DOI:10.1016/j.jcp.2014.02.037