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The effectiveness of heat exchanger is defined as the ratio of the actual heat transfer to the maximum possible heat transfer. It is a dimensionless parameter that measures the thermal performance of a heat exchanger.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula applies specifically to double pipe counter flow heat exchangers when the heat capacity rate ratio C equals 1.
Details: Calculating heat exchanger effectiveness is crucial for evaluating thermal performance, optimizing heat transfer efficiency, and designing effective heat exchange systems in various industrial applications.
Tips: Enter the Number of Transfer Units (NTU) value. The value must be valid (NTU > 0). The calculator will compute the effectiveness of the heat exchanger.
Q1: What does NTU represent in heat exchanger analysis?
A: NTU (Number of Transfer Units) represents the non-dimensional heat transfer size or thermal size of the exchanger, defined as the ratio of overall thermal conductance to the smaller heat capacity rate.
Q2: When does this specific formula apply?
A: This formula applies specifically to double pipe counter flow heat exchangers when the heat capacity rate ratio C equals 1.
Q3: What is the range of possible effectiveness values?
A: Effectiveness values range from 0 to 1, where 0 indicates no heat transfer and 1 indicates maximum possible heat transfer.
Q4: How does counter flow arrangement affect heat exchanger performance?
A: Counter flow arrangement typically provides higher effectiveness compared to parallel flow for the same NTU value, as it maintains a more constant temperature difference along the exchanger length.
Q5: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: Yes, this formula is specifically valid only for double pipe counter flow heat exchangers with heat capacity rate ratio C = 1. Different formulas apply for other configurations and C values.