This tool simulates the temperature distribution and heat transfer in a heat exchanger. Users can calculate the heat transfer rate, outlet temperatures, and analyze the effect of counter-current or co-current flow, phase change intensity, and fouling factor on the system. The tool allows parametric studies by adjusting inlet temperatures, heat capacities, heat transfer area, overall heat transfer coefficient, exchanger length, and discretization points.
The calculations are based on the following equations:
Heat transfer coefficient considering fouling:
\[ U_{\text{eff}} = \frac{U}{1 + U \cdot R_f} \]
Number of Transfer Units (NTU):
\[ \text{NTU} = \frac{U_{\text{eff}} \cdot A}{C_{\min}} \]
Heat capacity ratio:
\[ C_r = \frac{C_{\min}}{C_{\max}} \]
Effectiveness of the heat exchanger:
\[ \varepsilon = \frac{1 - \exp(-\text{NTU} \cdot (1 - C_r))}{1 - C_r \cdot \exp(-\text{NTU} \cdot (1 - C_r))} \]
Heat transfer rate including phase change effects:
\[ Q = \varepsilon \cdot C_{\min} \cdot (T_{h,\text{in}} - T_{c,\text{in}}) \cdot (1 + \text{Phase Change Intensity}) \]
Hot fluid outlet temperature:
\[ T_{h,\text{out}} = T_{h,\text{in}} - \frac{Q}{C_h} \]
Cold fluid outlet temperature:
\[ T_{c,\text{out}} = T_{c,\text{in}} + \frac{Q}{C_c} \]
Temperature profiles along the heat exchanger:
\[ T_h(x) = \text{linear interpolation from } T_{h,\text{in}} \text{ to } T_{h,\text{out}} \]
\[ T_c(x) = \text{linear interpolation from } T_{c,\text{in}} \text{ to } T_{c,\text{out}} \]
The tool also calculates the effect of fouling on the heat transfer rate \( Q \), and allows the user to interactively adjust phase change intensity and exchanger parameters to study the system behavior under different operating conditions.
