Predictor-corrector algorithm for solving quasi-separated-flow and transient distributed-parameter model for heat exchangers

The successive sub〈stitution (SS) method is a suitable approach to solving the transient distributed-parameter model for heat exchangers. However, this method must be enhanced because its convergence heavily depends on the iterative initial pressure. When the iterative initial pressure is improperly assigned, the calculated flow rates become negative values, causing the state parameters to exhibit negative values as well. Therefore, a predictor-corrector algorithm (PCA) is proposed to improve the convergence of the SS method. A predictor is developed to determine an appropriate iterative initial pressure. Total fluid mass is adopted as the convergence criterion of pressure iteration instead of outlet flow rate as is done in the SS method. Convergence analysis and case study of the PCA and SS method are conducted, which show that the PCA has better convergence than the SS method under the same working conditions.