Assertion (A): A counter flow heat exchanger is thermodynamically more...
Counter Flow vs Parallel Flow Heat Exchangers
Assertion (A): A counter flow heat exchanger is thermodynamically more efficient than the parallel flow type.
Reason (R): A counter flow heat exchanger has a lower LMTD for the same temperature conditions.
Explanation:
Introduction:
Heat exchangers are devices used to transfer heat between two fluids at different temperatures. The efficiency of a heat exchanger is an important consideration in its design and operation.
Counter Flow Heat Exchanger:
In a counter flow heat exchanger, the hot and cold fluids flow in opposite directions. This configuration allows for the maximum temperature difference between the two fluids along the length of the heat exchanger. As a result, the heat transfer rate is higher, leading to a higher efficiency.
Parallel Flow Heat Exchanger:
In a parallel flow heat exchanger, the hot and cold fluids flow in the same direction. This configuration results in a smaller temperature difference along the length of the heat exchanger compared to the counter flow configuration. Consequently, the heat transfer rate is lower, leading to a lower efficiency.
Lower LMTD:
Logarithmic Mean Temperature Difference (LMTD) is a measure of the temperature difference between the hot and cold fluids in a heat exchanger. It is commonly used to calculate the heat transfer rate.
The LMTD is lower in a counter flow heat exchanger compared to a parallel flow heat exchanger. This is because the temperature difference between the hot and cold fluids is higher in the counter flow configuration due to the opposite direction of flow. The higher temperature difference results in a higher heat transfer rate and, therefore, a higher efficiency.
Conclusion:
Both the assertion and the reason are individually true. A counter flow heat exchanger is indeed thermodynamically more efficient than the parallel flow type. This is due to the lower LMTD in the counter flow configuration, which allows for a higher heat transfer rate. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.
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