🔀 Heat Exchanger — ε-NTU Method
Determine fluid outlet temperatures, heat transfer rates, and overall effectiveness for four flow configurations using the Effectiveness-NTU analysis.
📝 Configuration
ε-NTU Method:
Q = ε × Q_max
Q_max = C_min × (T_hi - T_ci)
NTU = U × A / C_min
C_r = C_min / C_max
Parallel Flow:
ε = [1 - exp(-NTU(1+Cr))] / (1+Cr)
Counter Flow:
ε = [1 - exp(-NTU(1-Cr))] / [1 - Cr exp(-NTU(1-Cr))]
Q = ε × Q_max
Q_max = C_min × (T_hi - T_ci)
NTU = U × A / C_min
C_r = C_min / C_max
Parallel Flow:
ε = [1 - exp(-NTU(1+Cr))] / (1+Cr)
Counter Flow:
ε = [1 - exp(-NTU(1-Cr))] / [1 - Cr exp(-NTU(1-Cr))]
📊 Results & Visualization
Configure the inputs and click "Rate Heat Exchanger" to see results.
ℹ️ About the Effectiveness-NTU (ε-NTU) Method
The ε-NTU method is a powerful thermal rating approach when fluid inlet temperatures and mass flow rates are specified, but outlet temperatures are unknown.
Supported Configurations:
• Parallel Flow: Both fluid streams flow in the same direction.
• Counter Flow: Fluid streams flow in opposite directions. The most thermally effective layout.
• Shell-and-Tube (1-2 Pass): One shell pass with two tube passes inside. Highly common in industrial processes.
• Cross-Flow (Unmixed): Fluids flow perpendicular to each other with no mixing along the flow paths.
The ε-NTU method is a powerful thermal rating approach when fluid inlet temperatures and mass flow rates are specified, but outlet temperatures are unknown.
Supported Configurations:
• Parallel Flow: Both fluid streams flow in the same direction.
• Counter Flow: Fluid streams flow in opposite directions. The most thermally effective layout.
• Shell-and-Tube (1-2 Pass): One shell pass with two tube passes inside. Highly common in industrial processes.
• Cross-Flow (Unmixed): Fluids flow perpendicular to each other with no mixing along the flow paths.