Abstract:
Heat exchangers are most common and useful components in industrial machinery
and processes. Different lab scale test apparatuses are used in order to
fundamentally investigate the characteristics and performance of different types of
heat exchangers. Although computer integrated heat exchanger test apparatus
setups are available, they are not affordable for many of the institutions due to
excessive cost. In this background, a low-cost computer integrated heat exchanger
test apparatus was developed in this project consisting of a double-pipe heat
exchanger. Hot water is sent through the inside pipe of the heat exchanger and the
cold water is sent through the annulus cross section of the heat exchanger. By
measuring the flow rates and temperature differences, the overall heat transfer
coefficient and other dynamic characteristics of the heat exchanger can be measured
through the computer, in real time basis. The project consisted of two main phases:
software development and mechatronic circuitry to have the interaction between
the computer and the sensing and actuating system of the physical heat exchanger.
Accordingly, an interactive software was developed using the LabVIEW software
package, which can control pump speeds and record temperature values from
sensors fixed at both the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger. Also, the software
interface has the option to plot graphs based on the temperature measurements and
performance calculations. This software and the controlling system can be further
be developed to cater different types of heat exchangers and flow conditions to be
directly applicable for lab scale experimental setups.
