Analysis of plate heat exchanger operating parameters by Taguchi Method

Abstract

In this study, the heat recovery performance of a plate heat exchanger, which provides air to air heat transfer was investigated. For the experimental set-up, a waste heat recovery device was designed and a heat exchanger was placed in it. Three different operating parameters were selected as fresh and exhaust air inlet temperatures and airflow rates. Three levels for each parameter were determined. The effects of changing parameters on the thermal effectiveness were analyzed by the Taguchi method. L9(33) orthogonal array was used in performing experiments. Results indicate that higher effectiveness can be obtained at low fresh air inlet temperature, low airflow rate, and high exhaust air inlet temperature. In this way, the optimum process parameter combination was revealed. Then, ANOVA was applied in order to detect the significance order of each parameter. The results show that the most important parameter among the others is the airflow rate. Moreover, the confirmation test was performed in order to obtain the optimum parameter combination. The experimental and predicted values are compatible with each other. This experimental study approves that the Taguchi method can be used in improving the exchanger performance.