Numerical Improvement Using Flow and Heat Transfer Calculations of the Zigzag Geometry for Carbon Dioxide PCHEs

A printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) is an efficient and compact that can work under high temperature pressure. For Z-shaped channel PCHEs, the corner structure could enhance transfer at expense of increasing flow resistance. In order to optimize structural design control pressure loss caused by corner, a three-dimensional numerical simulation using ICEM Fluent conducted study characteristics carbon dioxide in PCHE inserting straight sections (offset distance 0.5–4 mm) or arc segments (radius curvature zigzag corners conventional channels. The overall performance PCHEs with different structures was compared based on comprehensive evaluation factor. results show be significantly reduced corners, mass rate varying from 100 400 kg/(m2 s). greater offset radius are, more significant effect is, but will weakened same time. best when segment inserted 4 mm.