Detailed Thermal Evaluation of Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger Using Infrared Thermography

Infrared thermography of brazed plate heat exchangers for evaporators and condensers recently was used to quantify maldistribution. With the knowledge secondary fluids transfer coefficient a given distribution, local primary fluid (refrigerant) its distribution channels can be calculated. A sensitivity analysis shows ± 10 % difference surface temperature wall center at expected ratios coefficients. The method is presented in this paper using an exemplary infrared picture.