Math & Numbers

Heat Exchanger ε-NTU Calculator (Effectiveness-NTU Method)

Compute the effectiveness (ε) of a heat exchanger by the ε-NTU method. C*=C_min/C_max (0..1), NTU=U·A/C_min, q_max=C_min·(T_h,in-T_c,in), and ε=q_actual/q_max. Supports four arrangements: Parallel flow ε=[1-exp(-NTU(1+C*))]/(1+C*); Counter flow ε=[1-exp(-NTU(1-C*))]/[1-C*·exp(-NTU(1-C*))], or NTU/(1+NTU) when C*=1; Shell-and-tube 1-2 ε=2/[1+C*+√(1+C*²)·(1+exp(-NTU√(1+C*²)))/(1-exp(-NTU√(1+C*²)))]; Crossflow (both unmixed) ε=1-exp{(NTU^0.22/C*)·[exp(-C*·NTU^0.78)-1]}. When C*=0 (phase change on one side, boiler/condenser) every arrangement gives ε=1-exp(-NTU). Optionally supply T_h,in and T_c,in to recover the actual heat-transfer rate q=ε·q_max and both outlet temperatures. Temperatures are used only as differences: Δ°C=ΔK and Δ°F×5/9=ΔK.