A new plate heat exchanger for water-refrigerant systems such as chillers has been developed. Plates embossed with pyramid-like structures were stacked up to form the heat exchanger. The measured heat transfer coefficients of the plates (convective vaporization) were about one and a half to two times higher than those of commercial herringbone-type plate heat exchangers. The measured heat transfer coefficient for water convection was comparable to the values for conventional plate heat exchangers. We also found that the plate surface with pyramid patterns made the plate heat exchanger more compact or reduced the pressure drop on the water side.
Enhanced Heat Transfer
Volume 9, 2002 - Issue 5-6