4. Conclusions
Based on maximizing the heat exchange amount and minimizing the irreversible loss, a new controlled variable of counter flow heat exchanger, i.e. heat exchanger comprehensive effectiveness , is constructed by using T-Q diagram inducing entropy angle and thermal capacity angle. The T-Q diagram can more clearly reflect the relation between heat exchanger effectiveness , heat transfer irreversibility , and remanent irreversibility .
Selecting the outlet temperature of one side stream as controlled variable has its limitations. It is incapable of perceiving all changes of thermal capacity flow rates.
The heat exchanger effectiveness doesn’t show a completely consistent change trend with heat transfer irreversibility , and couldn’t reflect the influence of remanent irreversibility .
The terminal temperature differences imposed by heat transfer irreversibility at both ends are the same. The remanent irreversibility results in that the terminal temperature difference of one end deviates from the other.
The new controlled variable is easy to be measured and can reflect the effect of heat exchanger effectiveness, remanent irreversibility, and heat transfer irreversibility simultaneously.