Heat exchanger (definition)

Heat exchanger — is a device designed to transfer heat between two environments without mixing them. The main function of the design is to effectively transfer thermal energy from one medium to another. Heat exchangers are widely used in various technical systems such as heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, industrial processes and heat supply. The efficiency of a heat exchange circuit depends on the heat exchange area.

Main components and operating principle:

1. Exchange surfaces - these are the surfaces on which heat exchange occurs between two media. Exchange surfaces can be made in the form of plates, tubular elements, radiators or other structures that provide maximum contact area between media.
2. Media flows — the heat exchanger has at least two flows of media: a coolant (a medium that gives off heat) and a heated medium (a medium that receives heat). These media can be liquids, gases or a combination of both.
3. Heat transfer surface - the place where physical contact and heat transfer occurs between two media. Heat exchange can occur through direct contact with the surface, by means of conduction (conduction) or convection (heat transfer through the movement of a medium).

Functions:

• Heat transfer — the main function of a heat exchanger is to transfer heat from one medium to another without mixing them.
• Thermal regulation — allows you to maintain specified temperature conditions in heating, cooling systems or industrial processes.
• Energy Saving — efficient heat transfer helps reduce energy costs and increase the energy efficiency of technical systems.

Application of heat exchangers:

Heat exchange circuits are widely used in various industries and households. They are used in central heating systems to transfer heat from boilers to radiators or heated floors, in air conditioning systems to cool or heat air, in refrigeration units to cool liquids and gases, and in industrial processes to cool or heat media.

The choice of the type of heat exchange device is made depending on the technical conditions. For example, in pellet boilers FOCUS In addition to the tubular heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger is used, which also serves as an ash filter.