An alternate algorithm for the analysis of multistream plate fin heat exchangers

A new algorithm has been developed for the analysis of multistream heat exchangers. The numerical technique involves partitioning of the exchanger in both axial and normal directions. Conservation equations written for each segment are solved using an iterative procedure. In the axial direction, the exchanger is successively partitioned to 2k segments, the final value of k being determined by the point where further partitioning has only marginal effect. In the normal direction, the exchanger is divided into a stack of overlapping two-stream exchangers interacting through their common streams. The algorithm has been tested against published results and good agreement has been observed.