3D numerical simulation and structural optimization of the rod baffle heat exchanger

Because of the complexities of fluid dynamics equations and the structure of heat exchangers, few theoretical solutions have been acquired to specify the shell side characteristics of the rod baffle heat exchanger (RBHE). Based on the platform of PHEONICS version 3.5.1, a three-dimensionai numerical method for predicting the turbulent fluid flow behavior in the shell side of the rod baffle heat exchangers is developed in this paper. With this method, modeling of the tube bundle is carried out based on the porous media concept using volumetric porosities and applicable flow resistance correlations. Turbulence effects are modeled using a standard κ-ε model. It is shown that the simulation results and experimental results are in good agreement in the shell side. The maximum absolute deviation value of pressure drops is less than 5%, and that of the heat transfer coefficients is less than 8%. Furthermore, the numerical model is used to optimize the structure of the RBHE and improves its performance.