Airflow in air-cooled heat exchangers
The problems encountered in the air-side performance of air-cooled heat exchangers are discussed with particular reference to airflow measurement. The variability of the airflow in and around the plenum and tube bundle of forced draft exchangers is described, as well as the difficulty in using static pressure determinations as an indication of fan and system efficiency. Measuring techniques and instrumentation are dealt with, and a recommendation is made for the best method and type of instrument currently available for determining airflow. The effects of air-side flow reduction and maldistribution on the thermal performance are also examined by reference to a typical forced draft exchanger in both condensing and cooling duty. In each case the condenser is more sensitive to flow variations than the cooler is. Generally, the effect of flow reduction is more serious than maldistribution unless crosswinds become dominant.
- Research Organization:
- Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow Service, Harwell Lab., Oxfordshire (GB)
- OSTI ID:
- 7147688
- Journal Information:
- Heat Transfer Eng.; (United States), Vol. 8:4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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