Soojusvahelnik

Soojusvahelnik, also known as a heat exchanger, is a device designed to efficiently transfer heat between two or more fluids, gases, or solid materials without mixing them. Heat exchangers are widely used in various industries, including HVAC systems, power generation, refrigeration, and chemical processing. They operate on the principle of heat transfer, which can occur through conduction, convection, or radiation.

There are several types of heat exchangers, each suited to different applications. Shell and tube heat exchangers are commonly used in industrial settings, featuring a series of tubes through which one fluid flows, surrounded by a shell through which another fluid flows. Plate heat exchangers consist of a stack of thin metal plates with alternating channels for the two fluids, allowing for efficient heat transfer. Adiabatic wheel heat exchangers use rotating wheels to transfer heat between two fluids, while regenerator heat exchangers store and release heat to improve efficiency.

Heat exchangers are classified based on their flow arrangement, which can be parallel, counter, or cross-flow. In parallel flow, both fluids enter and exit at the same ends of the exchanger. In counter flow, the fluids enter at opposite ends and flow in opposite directions. Cross-flow arrangements involve fluids flowing perpendicular to each other.

The performance of a heat exchanger is evaluated using parameters such as the overall heat transfer coefficient, the logarithmic mean temperature difference, and the effectiveness. These metrics help engineers design and optimize heat exchangers for specific applications, ensuring efficient heat transfer and minimal energy loss.