DESCRIPTION

Technical Description

Using the trainer, the characteristic properties of heat transfer in pipe flows can be demonstrated. The heat transfer takes place in a coaxial tubular heat exchanger. The hot water is fed through the inner tube.

Using the trainer both parallel flow and counterflow operation with their different temperature profiles can be demonstrated. The non-linear temperature profile along a heat exchanger can be demonstrated by measuring temperatures at the inlet, outlet and halfway along the pipe. After the experiment the key parameters such as heat flux, heat transfer coefficient and heat loss are determined.

The closed hot water circuit includes a tank with electrical heater and a pump. The hot water temperature is kept constant using a thermostat. The cold water is drawn from the water mains and is fed to a drain after use.

The flow rate and relevant temperatures are recorded by sensors. A display panel for the measured values is located on the instrument panel next to the copper pipework. The measured values are indicated on digital displays and can also be transmitted directly to a PC via USB. The data acquisition software is included.

Learning Objectives / Experiments

- plotting temperature curves
  * in parallel flow operation
  * in counterflow operation
- determination of mean heat flux for parallel flow and counterflow operation
- determination of mean heat transfer coefficient