Thermal Performance Evaluation of Multi-Stream Plate Fin HXs using Finite Difference Technique

A new methodology tor thermal performance analysis of mulli-slream plate fin (MSPF) heat exchanger (HX) based on finite difference technique Is proposed In the present paper. The heat exchanger is partitioned into a number of smaller element along the flow direction. In addition to this, fins in every channel are discretised also along the direction perpendicular to flow direction. Governing steady state heat transfer and energy balance equations for separating plates, fins and fluid are solved simultaneously to find the temperature profile inside the HX core and predict its thermal performance. An algorithm is developed to solve all the equations simultaneously with given boundary conditions. A thermo physical property software is coupled with the developed program to capture real fluid properties at each node while best fit curve is used for thermal conductivity of metal.