Review on the Performance Evaluation of Thermal Exchangers using Different Baffle Designs

Abstract

The thermal performance of a heat exchanger depends upon various parameters like inlet temperature of hot fluid, type of hot fluid, type of cold fluid, the shape of baffles, the material of baffles, baffles angle, and property of ribs. Basically fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics largely depend upon the Reynolds number (Re). Reynolds number is basically the ratio of inertia force to viscous force. Re is only the factor by which we can decide whether the fluid is laminar or turbulent in shell and tube type of heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is an adiabatic device in which heat is transferred from one fluid to another fluid across a plate surface. In this paper, we have introduced some special types of triangular baffles with rectangular channels. The purpose of this apparatus is to enhance the performance of the heat exchanger. Heat exchangers, nowadays, are one of the most important heat & mass transfer apparatuses in industries like oil refining; heat treatment plants, electric power generation, etc. are long service life.