Performance prediction of an air dehumidifying non-metallic plate cross flow heat exchanger

The objective of this study was to develop a methodology to analyze the air-side performance of a plastic parallel plate-type heat exchanger. An experimental apparatus was designed and used to measure empirical data, and a numerical model was developed to analyze this data. The experimental data and the numerical model were then used to predict and analyze the thermal performance of the plastic parallel plate-type heat exchanger with mixed cross flow air and chilled water paths having both heat and mass transfer. The method used to analyze the data proved to be effective in predicting outlet fluid properties as well as heat transfer rates. The analysis method accounts for the low thermal conductivity of the PVC sheet used in the heat exchanger and the crossflow design of the heat exchanger surface.