Thermal performance of perforated plate matrix heat exchangers with effects from outer wall and flow channel geometry

The performance of high effectiveness (high NTU) perforated plate matrix heat exchangers (MHEs) is dependent on the geometry of the flow channels, as well as the longitudinal heat conduction through the outer walls. The effect of the above factors on the performance of MHEs is investigated in this paper numerically. The results obtained with the present model are validated with our own experimental results as well as those in the literature. The results show a strong influence of longitudinal heat conduction through the outer wall on the performance of MHEs. A parametric study has been carried out to arrive at the optimum flow channel geometry under given operating conditions.