Samavirtalämmönvaihtimet

Samavirtalämmönvaihtimet, known in English as parallel flow heat exchangers, are devices designed to transfer heat between two fluids. In a samavirtalämmitin, both fluids flow in the same direction through the exchanger. This arrangement allows for a relatively simple construction and can be effective in situations where a significant temperature difference exists between the two fluids.

The primary principle of operation involves one fluid flowing through a series of channels while the other fluid flows through adjacent channels. Heat is then transferred across the material separating these channels from the hotter fluid to the colder fluid. The efficiency of heat transfer in a samavirtalämmitin is influenced by factors such as the surface area available for heat transfer, the flow rates of the fluids, and the thermal conductivity of the separating material.

Compared to counter-flow heat exchangers, where fluids flow in opposite directions, samavirtalämmönvaihtimet generally exhibit lower thermal efficiency. This is because the temperature difference between the two fluids tends to decrease along the length of the exchanger, leading to a less effective rate of heat transfer. However, their simplicity in design and manufacturing can make them a cost-effective solution for certain applications. They are often used in systems where space is a constraint or where the primary goal is a basic level of heat transfer rather than maximizing efficiency. Applications can include some HVAC systems and various industrial processes.