Recent research developments in polymer heat exchangers: a review

Chen, Xianjie; Su, Yuehong; Reay, David; Riffat, Saffa

Abstract

Due to their low cost, light weight and corrosive resistant features, polymer heat exchangers have been intensively studied by researchers with the aim to replace metallic heat exchangers in a wide range of applications. This paper reviews the development of polymer heat exchangers in the last decade, including cutting edge materials characteristics, heat transfer enhancement methods of polymer materials and a wide range of polymer heat exchanger applications. Theoretical modelling and experimental testing results have been reviewed and compared with literature. A recent development, the polymer micro-hollow fibre heat exchanger, is introduced and described. It is shown that polymer materials do hold promise for use in the construction of heat exchangers in many applications, but that a considerable amount of research is still required into material properties, thermal performance and life-time behaviour.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 4, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Mar 22, 2016
• Publication Date: Jul 1, 2016
• Deposit Date: Jun 1, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 1, 2016
• Journal: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
• Print ISSN: 1364-0321
• Electronic ISSN: 1364-0321
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 60
• Pages: 1367-1386
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.03.024
• Keywords: Polymer heat exchanger; Review; Application; Heat transfer
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/791933
• Publisher URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032116002598