Measurements of heat exchangers for a district heating network

In spring 2011 the Institute for Hydraulic Fluidmachinery was asked to measure heat exchangers used for district heating networks.

The main focus lay on the pressure losses mainly caused by the plate arrangement inside the heat exchanger.

Measurements of the heat exchanger s were realised with water at ambient temperature and a pressure of almost 5 bar in the Institute‘s laboratory, although the operating parameters in real operation are hot water with a temperature of 150°C and nearly 25 bar. By means of similarity rules conclusions could be drawn in the actual pressure losses.  

The accurate measurements in cooperation with the customer allowed for the development of an improved model. Subsequent examination provided evidence that pressure losses could be reduced by nearly 50%.