직교류 플라스틱 판형 현열교환기의 수치해석 기반 성능예측 및 실험 검증 연구

초록

This study aims to develop a simplified numerical model for predicting the thermal performance of a crossflow plastic plate-type sensible heat exchanger and to verify its validity through experimental testing. Plastic materials, such as PET, are increasingly adopted in air-to-air heat exchangers due to their advantages including light weight, corrosion resistance, and cost-efficiency. However, their relatively low thermal conductivity necessitates precise modeling and performance analysis. A performance prediction program was developed using the ε NTU method, incorporating key parameters such as overall heat transfer coefficient, fin and surface efficiency, and leakage effects. The program was implemented in Visual Studio and designed to provide fast and reliable predictions of temperature exchange efficiency, total heat transfer rate, pressure drop, and energy performance under various operating conditions. To validate the model, a prototype plastic heat exchanger was fabricated with a triangular flow channel structure and tested under four airflow rates (300, 350, 450, 500 m³/h). Experiments were conducted in accordance with KS B 6879 and AHRI Standard 1060:2013 using a climate-controlled test rig. The experimental data including inlet/outlet air temperatures, pressure loss, and power consumption were compared with the numerical predictions. Results showed that the average deviation between the predicted and measured heat transfer rates was within ±4%, confirming the accuracy and reliability of the developed model. This research presents a practical design tool that can be applied in the early development stage of plastic sensible heat exchangers, offering valuable insight for optimizing energy-saving ventilation systems in buildings and industrial applications.