Selecting a Heat Exchanger

Refer to the thermal performance graphs for heat exchangers selected (See performance graphs for copper heat exchangers - 6000 series and OEM Coils, stainless steel heat exchangers - Aspen Series and 4000 Series and aluminum heat exchangers - ES Series). Any heat exchanger that exceeds 56 W/°C at 7.5 LPM (2 gpm) (using a standard fan) would be acceptable. As shown in the following graph, Heat Exchanger 6210 meets the required performance by reaching 56 W/°C at the intersection of the 60 Hz Marin fan line.

From the data given, we know our pump needs to supply water at 2 gpm (7.5 LPM). Using the liquid side pressure drop chart for the 6210 curve, the point where a vertical line at the 2 gpm (7.5 LPM) point on the x-axis intersects with the 6210 curve reveals that the liquid pressure drop through 6210 is 8 psi (0.55 bars). The pump selected must overcome this pressure drop to ensure a 2 gpm (7.5 LPM) flow.

The vertical line on the thermal performance chart indicates the air flow rate (190 CFM for the Marin fan) as provided by our standard fans at 60 Hz. The intersection point of this air flow rate and the 6210 graph on the air side pressure drop reveals that the air side pressure drop through 6210 is 0.24 inches of water (55 pascals).

Refer to the thermal performance graphs for heat exchangers selected (See performance graphs for copper heat exchangers - 6000 series and OEM Coils, stainless steel heat exchangers - Aspen Series and 4000 Series and aluminum heat exchangers - ES Series). Any heat exchanger that exceeds 68.6 W/°C at 2 gpm (7.6 lpm) (using a standard fan) would be acceptable. Using water as the coolant, a copper heat exchanger is recommended. As shown in the following graph, 6310 exceeds the required performance, offering a Q/ITD of approx. 76 W/°C using our Ostro fan.

Liquid and air pressure drop can be determined the same way as in the previous example.

Now, to calculate the temperature of cool air entering the cabinet, use the temperature change graph for air. With a heat load of 2,400 W, and a flow rate of 250 CFM (the flow rate of the standard Ostro fan recommended for use with the 6310) we can see that the temperature change is 17°C. This means that the cool air entering the cabinet will be: 55°C – 17°C = 38°C

Please Note: These graphs offer a simple graphical way of estimating fluid temperature change if you know your heat load and flow, without having to do calculations. The graphs for water, air, 50/50 ethylene glycol/water and oil allow you to calculate temperature changes for air and liquid for all types of heat exchangers.

To determine the outgoing temperature of water we use the ‘Water Flow’ chart to find that the change in temperature is approximately 5°C. Therefore, outgoing water temperature is 20°C + 5°C = 25°C.

The general heat transfer equation can be used to calculate the heat load and fluid temperature change given fluid flow rate and specific heat.

ṁ can be calculated for water and air using the following equations:

The temperature change graphs found in our thermal reference guide in the technical library plot the above equation for common heat transfer media (air, water, oil, and a 50% EGW mixture) providing a simple way to look up ΔT if you know your heat load and fluid flow rate.

View our Heat Exchanger Section to view and compare our options and their performance capacities.