Experimental investigation of header configuration improvement in plate–fin heat exchanger

Flow characteristics in the header of a plate–fin heat exchanger have been investigated by means of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). A series of velocity vector and streamline graphs of different cross-sections are obtained in the experiment. The experimental results indicate that performance of fluid maldistribution in a conventional header is very serious, while the improved header configuration with a punched baffle can effectively enhance the uniformity of flow distribution. The flow maldistribution parameter and the ratio of the maximum velocity to the minimum in a plate–fin heat exchanger decreases by installing the punched baffle. Further heat exchange experiments indicate that the temperature is distributed more uniformly in the improved heat exchanger core and the heat exchanger effectiveness can be effectively enhanced. The conclusion of this paper is of great significance in the optimum design of plate–fin heat exchanger.