PC-based software for the thermal and hydraulic design of plate heat exchangers

• Main Author: Yeo, Kai An
• Other Authors: Leong Kai Choong
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/78501
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Plate heat exchangers or also commonly known as PHE’s are one of many types of the heat exchangers which use corrugated metal plates to exchange thermal energy between two moving fluids. Designs of the corrugated plates can produce turbulence over the entire heat transfer area which result in desirable heat transfer coefficient while allowing closer temperatures. As the methods of designing a Plate Heat Exchanger remains proprietary, a unique software has been designed in this project to perform thermal and hydraulic computations. Python v3.7 “Tkinter” was selected based on its simplicity and the increasing trend of python usage in the engineering world recently which will make it user-friendly. Based on several literature methods and correlations, the author has constructed a reliable and efficient software for users to gauge the types and specifications of PHE they are looking for. This software consists of three main components: Tutorials, Rating, and Sizing. The software can perform the sizing and rating calculations where the users must input their operating conditions to be able to churn out outlet temperature or surface area, etc. Additionally, if any of the parameters are beyond the allowable limits, the software will prompt the user to revise the mismatched values. This software will allow users to understand parts of the design procedures and to enhance accuracy while designing a suitable PHE.