Simplified dynamical input-output modeling of plate heat exchangers - case study

In this paper, the simplified dynamical modeling of PHEs (plate heat exchangers) is suggested and validated based on realistic measurement data. The concept combines general distributed parameter model of double-pipe heat exchanger with its spatial discretization based on orthogonal collocation method. This approach preserves the distributed parameter nature and nonlinearities of the unit with relatively low numerical complexity and high modeling accuracy. For the suggested model, the tuning procedure is suggested and modeling accuracy is validated for realistic experimental measurement data. The stability of the model (both structural and numerical) is addressed and sensitivity analysis and comparison with finite difference approximation are presented. The results show that the suggested modeling and tuning method is useful for practical applications.