Modeling Compact Exchangers for HVAC Applications

This paper presents equations for modeling the performance of compact air cooled heat exchangers when only limited supplier catalog performance information is available. Relations for the overall heat transfer coefficient under dry or wet surface operating conditions with water, steam, and refrigerants are presented. Equations for the air and water side pressure drop are also given. The coefficients in these equations may be determined using typical heat transfer vs. air face velocity data without the need for various surface and flow areas or air side convection coefficients. The model may then be used to predict performance at other conditions for which supplier data is not available.Copyright © 2003 by ASME