An Analysis of Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop Characteristics for Optimum Design of Heat Exchanger for Incinerator Heat Recovery

In this paper, heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of heat exchanger for heat recovery were analyzed according to design parameters. The heat transfer rate and coolant outlet temperature required for recovery through the heat exchanger were 550 kW and 55 degrees C or greater, respectively. For internal and external pressure drop, appropriate minimum values were suggested when designing a heat exchanger. In the 1st analysis, the design parameters affecting the response value (that is, heat transfer rate, temperature of coolant outlet, and pressure drop of gas and coolant) were analyzed; subsequently, the coolant mass flow rate, and the vertical and horizontal spacing of the tubes were selected as main factors. In the 2nd analysis, an optimized design of the heat exchanger was performed. As a result, the heat transfer rate and coolant outlet temperature of the optimally designed heat exchanger were 550.1 kW and 55.9 degrees C, respectively. Additionally, the internal and external pressure drops were 7.4 kPa and 32.7 Pa, respectively. Therefore, the optimal shape of the heat exchanger that satisfied the target response value was presented.