The calculation of heat exchanger performance

The general principles of the numerical approach to computation of heat exchanger performance are outlined. Attention is given to several specific topics: (1) how partial elimination can accelerate convergence; (2) a solving scheme for linear equations; (3) the ways in which the velocity components for interpenetrating continua can be defined; and (4) how resistances to flow, such as baffles and tube support plates, are allowed for. The advantages of the method are that transient phenomena can be predicted as well as the steady state; temperature dependent and otherwise nonuniform transfer coefficient data can be handled; unusual flow patterns can, if known, be allowed for; unknown flow patterns, and their influence on the heat transfer performance, can be computed; reciprocal interactions of the temperature and velocity fields, such as those resulting from buoyancy effects, can be correctly taken into account; and two and three dimensional variations of temperature and other flow variables can be allowed for.