A comparison of measured and computed energy exchanger performance

A laboratory-scale energy exchanger is developed and tested under steady flow conditions in order to study its sensitivity to several flow and configuration parameters, and the results are compared with a numerical modeling of the flow and performance of the energy exchanger. The energy exchanger utilizes a pressure ratio of approximately 2.5 and transfers approximately 100 kW of power between two impedance matched streams. Results of measurements demonstrated a maximum work efficiency of 74 percent, while the equivalent compressor and turbine efficiencies were found to be 75 percent and 97 percent, respectively. It is concluded that these test results largely verify a computer model of energy exchanger flow and provide a clear understanding of the dominant flow processes.