As the planet’s population hits 8 billion people, the need for more efficient sources of energy becomes apparent. This rapid growth in the world population means that we have to find innovative ways to power our factories to generate food and other essentials. The need for clean and efficient energy is at the center of this drive. For this reason, the use of heat exchangers to generate energy is growing as technology becomes more refined. So what exactly are heat exchangers, and how can they contribute to more efficient energy generation?
How The Technology Works
Heat exchangers use a system where heat is transferred from a heat source to a working fluid, The process can be used both for cooling and heating purposes. In most cases, the two are separated by a wall that has a high thermal conductivity. This ensures that the two never come into direct contact but that energy is successfully transferred from one medium to another. The design of what exchangers varies widely. It ranges from the relatively simple double-pipe heat to more complex designs that are more efficient. However, the basic technology for heat exchangers is generally the same.
Uses
Heat exchangers have been in use since the dawn of the industrial revolution. The first patent for heat exchangers was issued in Germany in the late 17th century, although larger and more industrial designs were not widely used until the 19th century. Their use was in food-related industries. Today, they are used in many industrial and commercial applications. For example, the basic technology of heat exchange is used in almost automobiles where it helps to cool the engines. Heat transfer technology is also used in modern refrigeration systems and other commercial applications.
Heat exchange systems are also widely used in a variety of industrial applications. Oil refineries, manufacturing plants, and chemical processing all use different heat exchange systems for various purposes. Over the decades, the design and efficiency of heat exchangers have improved. For example, double-pipe heat exchangers were once widely used for their simplicity and ease of use. However, they are also far less efficient, and the infrastructure takes up too much precious space. Today, that design has largely given way to more efficient designs.
Benefits
There are several reasons why this technology is still widely used many years after it was first patented. The first is that while the basic technology is the same, heat exchangers come in many different designs, ensuring that these systems can be adapted for many different purposes. This adaptability is critical in the widespread use of heat exchangers as it means various industries can customize the systems to suit their unique needs. Another reason that explains the widespread use of these systems is the fact that they often have a small spatial footprint. Industries attach a high value to space and the fact that heat exchangers take up very little space is a bonus. Modern heat exchange systems are also great in that they can convert energy efficiently without much harm to the environment. The low carbon footprint ensures that companies can generate power without impacting the environment negatively.
