Application of transient analysis methodology to quantify thermal performance of heat exchangers
- Holtec International, Marlton, NJ (United States)
- Baltimore Gas and Electric Co., Lusby, MD (United States)
A transient testing technique is developed to evaluate the thermal performance of industrial-scale heat exchangers. A Galerkin-based numerical method with a choice of spectral basis elements to account for spatial temperature variations in heat exchangers is developed to solve the transient heat exchanger model equations. Testing a heat exchanger in the transient state may be the only viable alternative where conventional steady-state testing procedures are impossible or infeasible. For example, this methodology is particularly suited to the determination of apparent fouling levels in component cooling water system heat exchangers in nuclear power plants. The heat load on these so-called component coolers under steady-state conditions is too small to permit meaningful testing. An adequate heat load develops immediately after a reactor shutdown when the exchanger inlet temperatures are highly time-dependent. The application of the analysis methodology is illustrated with reference to an in-situ transient testing carried out at a nuclear power plant. The method, however, is applicable to any transient testing application.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 590107
- Journal Information:
- Heat Transfer Engineering, Vol. 18, Issue 4; Other Information: PBD: Oct-Dec 1997
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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