Potentials and challenges for pillow-plate heat exchangers: State-of-the-art review. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mastani Joybari, Mahmood; Selvnes, Håkon; Sevault, Alexis; Hafner, Armin
• Is Part Of: Applied thermal engineering. Volume 214(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Pillow-plates -- Heat exchanger -- Heat transfer -- Thermohydraulic performance -- Literature review; CFD Computational fluid dynamics -- CHT Conjugate heat transfer -- CSF Continuum surface force -- CTES Cold thermal energy storage -- DES Detached eddy simulation -- FCE Forced circulation evaporation -- HTF Heat transfer fluid -- HVAC Heating, ventilation and air conditioning -- IC Inner channel -- LES Large eddy simulation -- MC Meandering core -- NCE Natural circulation evaporation -- OC Outer channel -- PCM Phase change material -- PEC Performance evaluation criterion -- PHX Plate heat exchanger -- PPHX Pillow-plate heat exchanger -- RANS Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes -- RSW Refrigerated seawater -- STHX Shell-and-tube heat exchanger -- VOF Volume of fluid -- WALE Wall adapting local eddy-viscosity -- WHR Width to height ratio -- WS Weld-spot; Heat engineering -- Periodicals; Heating -- Equipment and supplies -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 621.40205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2022.118739
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-4311

Abstract

Highlights: A framework for the definition of geometric design parameters was proposed. Effect of pitch pattern should not be overlooked in future studies. Thermohydraulic performance in the channels has not been reliably characterized. Friction factor and Nusselt correlations are needed, especially for two-phase flow. Material, cost, flow configuration and enhancing heat transfer need more research. Abstract: For a long time, shell-and-tube heat exchangers have been the most common choice in the industry. Despite some limitations, their main advantage is that they have been extensively investigated and reliable design tools are readily available. In other words, any alternative design should not only outperform shell-and-tube heat exchangers, but also be equipped with a comparably reliable and robust design platform for engineers. In recent years, a growing market share can be observed for plate heat exchangers, particularly for a special class known as pillow-plate heat exchangers. Recently, the research on pillow-plate heat exchangers has gained momentum primarily due to their relative low cost, compact design and structural integrity. However, a comprehensive literature review on the advancements so far and challenges ahead of their widespread application is missing. This study aims to fill this gap in the literature by systematically, critically and comprehensively surveying earlier studies on pillow-plate heat exchangers and providing an in-depth discussion regarding the achievements so far. The findings of this study are expected to help direct the forthcoming research on pillow-plate heat exchangers, especially towards more robust design tools. Overall, further investigation is needed on cost, plate material, flow configuration, heat transfer enhancement, correlation development, two-phase flow, etc.