Application of a Periodic Model in the Numerical Simulation of Shell-and-tube Heat Exchangers

In the light of the structural characteristics of shell and tube heat exchangers,a periodic whole-section calculation model was presented for use in the numerical simulation of the exchanger flow and temperature fields.A comparison of the calculation results obtained by using the model under discussion with those of an integral model for a shell side shows that the error is less than 10%,indicating that the model in question is rational and its simulation results are correct.As a result,it provides a new approach for performing the numerical simulation of shell-and-tube heat exchangers with a sophisticated shell-side structure.On the basis of the calculation results obtained by using the periodic whole-section model,the modified algorithm of a periodic unit flow-passage model was presented for baffle-rod type heat exchangers,thus improving and perfecting the practicability and applicability of the above periodic model.