Plate Fin Heat Exchanger Model with Axial Conduction and Variable Properties
Abstract
Future superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities, as part of Project X at Fermilab, will be cooled to superfluid helium temperatures by a cryogenic distribution system supplying cold supercritical helium. To reduce vapor fraction during the final Joule-Thomson (J-T) expansion into the superfluid helium cooling bath, counter-flow, plate-fin heat exchangers will be utilized. Due to their compact size and ease of fabrication, plate-fin heat exchangers are an effective option. However, the design of compact and high-effectiveness cryogenic heat exchangers operating at liquid helium temperatures requires consideration of axial heat conduction along the direction of flow, in addition to variable fluid properties. Here we present a numerical model that includes the effects of axial conduction and variable properties for a plate fin heat exchanger. The model is used to guide design decisions on heat exchanger material choice and geometry. In addition, the J-T expansion process is modeled with the heat exchanger to analyze the effect of heat load and cryogenic supply parameters.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1209.1338,
title = {Plate Fin Heat Exchanger Model with Axial Conduction and Variable Properties},
author = {B. J. Hansen and M. J. White and A. Klebaner},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1209.1338},
year = {2012}
}
Comments
8 pp. Cryogenic Engineering Conference and International Cryogenic Materials Conference CEC-ICMC, 13-17 June 2011, Spokane, Washington