Thermal performance and pressure drop in a ceramic heat exchanger evaluated using CFD simulations

There is one potential demand for heat exchangers capable of supporting high temperatures, typically higher than 800 degrees C, for use in thermal power plants. These heat exchangers could be used in the implementation of EFGT (Externally Fired Gas Turbines) cycles. To support these working conditions, during long periods of time, the heat exchanger should be constructed with adequate materials. Ceramics has been considered by many previous works as a choice. This work presents the results obtained with CFD simulations of one plate-fin ceramic heat exchanger. Correlations for the Colburn and friction factors, for a range of Reynolds number between 500 and 1500, are evaluated from the numerical results obtained with CFD. These correlations may be used for the thermal design of ceramic heat exchangers. One validation procedure is conducted comparing the simulation results with experimental data for a compact heat exchanger of similar configuration. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.