1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Types of heat exchangers

COMPACT

The compact heat exchangers are designed to achieve a large heat transfer surface area per unit volume.

In compact heat exchangers, the two fluids normally move in directions orthogonal to each other. This flow configuration is called cross-flow. The cross flow is classified as mixed (one of two fluids flowing in the direction orthogonal to the delivery without other restrictions) and no mixed (put plates to guide the flow of fluids).

Examples of heat exchangers are compact car radiators, heat exchangers glass ceramic gas turbine, the regenerator of the Stirling engine and the human lung.

Below is an image of a compact heat exchanger with countercurrent flows in and you can see how it works (click button 1 of the image to see it in motion):