Plate Heat Exchanger Literature Survey and New Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop Correlations for Refrigerant Evaporators

TLDR

Plate heat exchangers are widely used in HVAC and refrigeration systems. The study aims to systematically investigate heat transfer and flow characteristics of plate heat exchangers. The authors performed a literature search to compile data for developing new correlations. New evaporation heat transfer coefficient and friction factor correlations, derived from multi‑year field data, are presented for various pressures and plate chevron angles, providing practical design tools.

Abstract

Plate heat exchangers are used regularly in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry. There is an urgent need for detailed and systematic research regarding heat transfer and the fluid flow characteristics of these types of exchangers. As an initiative in this respect, a literature search is presented on plate heat exchangers. New correlations for evaporation heat transfer coefficient and friction factor are introduced, which are applicable to various system pressure conditions and plate chevron angles. The correlations are based on actual field data collected during several years of installation and operation of chillers, and they are intended to serve as design tools and perhaps as a starting point for future research.