suoravirtalämmönsiirrin

A suoravirtalämmönsiirrin, also known as a direct-flow heat exchanger, is a type of heat exchanger where two fluids flow in the same direction. Unlike counter-current or cross-flow designs, the hot and cold fluids enter the exchanger at the same end and exit at the same end. This parallel flow arrangement leads to a temperature profile where the cold fluid's temperature progressively increases and the hot fluid's temperature progressively decreases along the length of the exchanger.

The primary advantage of a suoravirtalämmönsiirrin is its simplicity in construction and operation. However, a significant drawback is its lower thermal efficiency compared to counter-current designs. In a parallel flow system, the maximum possible temperature difference between the two fluids is limited by the inlet temperature of the hot fluid and the outlet temperature of the cold fluid. This means that the cold fluid can never reach a temperature higher than the outlet temperature of the hot fluid, and the hot fluid can never reach a temperature lower than the outlet temperature of the cold fluid, creating a less efficient heat transfer.

Despite its limitations, suoravirtalämmönsiirrin can be suitable for applications where a large temperature difference is not critical or where cost and simplicity are prioritized. They are often used in less demanding heating or cooling applications. The design principles are straightforward, involving a configuration where flow paths for the two fluids run parallel to each other, facilitating heat transfer through a separating wall.