Mathematical Modeling of Cross-Flow Tube Heat Exchangers With a Complex Flow Arrangement

Abstract

The general principles of mathematical modeling of heat transfer in cross-flow tube heat exchangers with complex flow arrangements that allow the simulation of multipass heat exchangers with many tube rows are presented. The finite-volume method is used to solve the system of differential equations for temperature of the both fluids and the tube wall with appropriate boundary conditions. A numerical model of a multipass steam superheater with 12 passes is presented. The convection and radiation heat transfer on the flue gas side are accounted for. In addition, the deposit layer is assumed to cover the outer surface of the tubes. Comparing the computed and measured steam temperature increase over the entire superheater allows for determining the thermal resistance of the deposits layer on the outer surface of the superheater. The developed modeling technique can especially be used for modeling tube heat exchangers when detailed information on the tube wall temperature distribution is needed.