Parametric analysis of shell and tube heat exchanger for a simple cycle gas turbine power plant

Abstract

Optimising the performance of shell and tube heat exchangers in simple cycle gas turbine power plant can lead to improved efficiency and reduced operating costs. The aim of this study is to conduct a parametric analysis of a shell and tube heat exchanger for a simple cycle gas turbine power plant. The objectives are to evaluate the effects of various design parameters, such as shell diameter, baffle spacing, tube bundle diameter, and mass flow rate on the performance of the heat exchanger. The results of the analysis show that increasing the shell diameter, baffle spacing, and mass flow rate leads to an increase in the heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop. The overall heat transfer coefficient is found to be 16.00 W/m²K, while the pressure drops on the shell and tube sides are found to be 0.22 kPa and 5.34 kPa respectively. The results indicate the effectiveness of heat transfer between the hot and cold fluids, a moderate heat transfer performance and relatively low and moderate shell and tube sides pressure drop. The study provides valuable insights into the design and optimization of shell and tube heat exchangers for gas turbine power plants for increased power output production and general overall cycle performance.