Investigation of flow non-uniformities in the cross-flow heat exchanger with elliptical tubes

¹ Cracow University of Technology, Institute of Thermal Power Engineering, Cracow, Poland
² PGE Energia Ciepła, Cracow, Poland

^* Corresponding author: lopata@mech.pk.edu.pl, poclon@mech.pk.edu.pl

Abstract

In heat exchangers, especially those with the cross-flow arrangement, it is nearly impossible to achieve the uniform distribution of the working fluid in the tubular space with the currently used inlet and outlet chambers (in some constructions as well). The improper inflow conditions to individual tubes, including those with an elliptical cross-section - often used because of their favorable features compared to round tubes, is the cause of improper heat transfer. In this respect, transitional flow is of particular importance. This flow regime is complex and challenging to model. Therefore, it is necessary to perform experimental verification. For this purpose, an appropriate stand was built, allowing to investigate the flow of the working fluid (water) to the elliptical tubes in the cross-current heat exchanger. The paper presents the results of measurements for manifold geometry, which are currently used in practice (for heat exchanger constructions). The analysis of the measurement data confirms the nonuniform flow distribution to individual tubes of the heat exchanger.