Thermoeconomic considerations in the design and rating of two-phase heat exchangers

We discuss a closed-form model for thermoeconomic design and analysis of two-phase heat exchangers used as condensers and evaporators. The results are presented in terms of the optimum number of heat-transfer units (NTUs) as a function of the dimensionless unit-cost ratio and the exit-to-inlet absolute temperature ratio of the single-phase fluid. The sensitivities of various unit-cost parameters (UCPs) are presented. It is demonstrated that the selection of UCPs play a significant role in sizing heat exchangers.