Source smarter with
Leverage AI to find the perfect product match in seconds
Matches from over 100 million products with precision
Handles queries 3 times as complex in half the time
Verifies and cross-validates product information
Get the app
Get the Alibaba.com app
Find products, communicate with suppliers, and manage and pay for your orders with the Alibaba.com app anytime, anywhere.
Learn more

Passive heat exchanger

(413 products available)

About passive heat exchanger

Types of passive heat exchangers

A passive heat exchanger is a device that transfers heat between two or more fluids without using external power. The passive heat exchanger is the core component of the passive heat exchanger. There are various types of passive heat exchangers, each suitable for a specific application. They include:

  • Plate heat exchanger: This exchanger consists of multiple thin plates arranged in a parallel pattern within a frame. The plates have large surface areas and small separation distances. This arrangement enhances heat transfer by creating a large surface area for fluid interaction. The plates also promote turbulence, which boosts heat exchange efficiency. Plate heat exchangers are used in various applications, including food processing, HVAC systems, and the chemical industry.
  • Shell and tube heat exchanger: Shell and tube exchangers consist of a cylindrical outer shell and multiple tubes. They pass through the shell in a parallel or U-shaped pattern. This design provides a large surface area for heat transfer and allows for efficient cooling or heating of fluids. Shell and tube heat exchangers are versatile and used in numerous applications.
  • Regenerative heat exchanger: This is a type of exchanger that has two or more fluid streams flowing in opposite directions in separate channels or passages. It allows for the transfer of heat between the fluids. The regenerative heat exchanger can have various configurations, such as a counterflow, cross-flow, and parallel flow. It is commonly used in regenerative thermal oxidizers, HVAC systems, and gas turbines.
  • Finned tube heat exchanger: Finned heat exchangers use tubes with external fins. The fins increase the surface area of the tubes, which enhances heat transfer to the surrounding fluid. Finned tube heat exchangers are commonly used in applications that require high-efficiency heat transfer and compact design, such as air conditioning, refrigeration, and oil coolers.
  • Adiabatic wheel heat exchanger: The adiabatic wheel heat exchanger consists of a rotating wheel with a porous material that absorbs heat. It passes through two separate air streams, creating a large surface area for heat transfer. The wheel rotates between the hot and cold air streams, allowing it to absorb heat and then release it into the cooler stream. The adiabatic wheel heat exchanger is often used for energy recovery and dehumidification in HVAC systems.

Specification and maintenance of passive heat exchangers

As businesses in various industries continue to adopt passive heat exchangers, it is essential to understand their specifications and maintenance requirements to ensure optimal performance.

  • Specification

Heat transfer capacity: This is the total amount of heat that the passive heat exchanger can transfer over a given period. It is a critical specification for users who need to know the maximum capacity the exchanger can handle to avoid overloading.

Material and compatibility: Passive heat exchangers can be manufactured from different materials, each designed to transfer heat from various sources. Users need to choose a material that is compatible with the heat source to ensure efficient heat transfer and optimal performance.

Heat transfer coefficient: This is the measure of how well the exchanger can transfer heat. It is the value that shows how effective the exchanger is at moving heat from one place to another. Users are interested in this value, as it determines the efficiency of the exchanger.

Flow rate: This is the rate at which liquids or gases move through the exchanger. It is a crucial specification for users who need to know how quickly the gas or liquid will move through the exchanger and how it will affect the heat transfer process.

Size and form factor: This includes the length, width, and height of the exchanger. It also includes the shape and the surface area of the exchanger. Users are interested in this specification, as it determines the exchanger's suitability for installation.

  • Maintenance

Regular inspection: Users should inspect the exchanger for signs of wear or damage to the tubing and fins. If there are any signs of damage, it should be checked and repaired promptly.

Cleaning: The exchanger should be cleaned at least twice a year using a non-corrosive cleaning solution. This is to remove any dirt, debris, or scale build-up that could reduce its efficiency.

Corrosion protection: In areas with high humidity or corrosive environments, users should apply a corrosion-resistant coating to the exchanger. This helps to protect the exchanger's surface from corrosion and extend its lifespan.

Fin straightening: The exchanger's fins should be straightened regularly to maintain the optimal heat transfer surface area. This helps to promote efficient heat transfer.

Fluid quality: Users should monitor the quality of fluid flowing through the exchanger to prevent scale build-up, corrosion, and biological growth. If any contaminants are found, they should be treated promptly to avoid damaging the exchanger.

Scenarios

A passive heat exchanger is essential in various industries and applications that require the transfer of heat from one medium to another. Here are some usage scenarios for passive heat exchangers in different industries.

  • Energy industry

In the energy industry, passive heat exchangers are used in power plants to recover and transfer heat. They are used in steam generators, condensers, and boilers to cool down high-temperature fluids and to increase the efficiency of power generation. Passive heat exchangers are also used in solar panels to transfer heat from solar collectors to heat storage tanks or to the atmosphere to increase the efficiency and lifespan of the solar panels.

  • Chemical industry

In the chemical industry, passive heat exchangers are used to cool down high-temperature chemical reactions. They are used in distillation columns, reactors, and fractional towers to transfer heat and maintain the desired temperature. Passive heat exchangers are also used in chemical plants to recover waste heat and increase energy efficiency.

  • Food industry

In the food industry, passive heat exchangers are used to cool down and preserve food products. They are used in pasteurization, sterilization, and aseptic processing to transfer heat and kill bacteria. Passive heat exchangers are also used in refrigeration and freezing systems to maintain the quality and safety of food products.

  • Automotive industry

In the automotive industry, passive heat exchangers are used to cool down the engine and transmission. They are used in radiators, intercoolers, and oil coolers to transfer heat and maintain the desired temperature in the engine and transmission. Passive heat exchangers are also used in air conditioning systems to cool down the passenger compartment and increase comfort.

  • Medical industry

In the medical industry, passive heat exchangers are used in medical devices and equipment. They are used in MRI machines, CT scanners, and X-ray machines to transfer heat and cool down the components. Passive heat exchangers are also used in laser systems and surgical instruments to maintain the desired temperature and increase the safety of the patients.

How to choose passive heat exchangers

When choosing a passive heat exchanger, it is important to consider several key factors to ensure the selection meets the needs of the application.

  • Heat transfer requirements: Consider the required heat transfer rate, temperature range, and thermal performance to select a passive heat exchanger that can meet the specific heat transfer needs of the application. This may be influenced by the material used for the heat exchanger, which is described in the previous section.
  • Environment and operating conditions: Consider the operating environment and conditions, such as ambient temperature, pressure, humidity, and any potential exposure to corrosive or hazardous substances. Select a passive heat exchanger that is compatible with the surroundings and can function reliably under the specified conditions.
  • Installation space and integration: Assess the available space for installing the heat exchanger and consider its size, shape, and mounting options. Ensure that the selected passive heat exchanger can be properly integrated into the system without causing spatial constraints or interference with other components.
  • Maintenance and reliability: Consider the maintenance requirements of the passive heat exchanger, such as cleaning, inspection, and periodic servicing. Choose a design that facilitates maintenance and ensures long-term reliability of heat transfer performance.
  • Cost and budget: Consider the initial cost, as well as any long-term operational expenses associated with energy consumption and maintenance. Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different passive heat exchanger options and select one that provides a good balance between performance, efficiency, and overall cost.

Passive heat exchanger FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between a passive heat exchanger and an active one?

A1: As their names suggest, passive heat exchangers do not rely on any mechanical devices, such as fans or pumps, to transfer heat, while active heat exchangers do. This makes passive heat exchangers less energy-intensive and more suitable for use in explosive environments.

Q2: What are the types of passive heat exchangers?

A2: Two common types of passive heat exchangers are the plate exchanger and the shell and tube exchanger. The plate exchanger commonly consists of multiple thin plates arranged in a way that allows for heat transfer. This can be used in a variety of industries, including gas and oil. The shell and tube exchanger is a more traditional design that consists of a series of tubes inside a cylindrical shell. This design has a large surface area that can be used to transfer heat efficiently.

Q3: What are the benefits of passive heat exchangers?

A3: Passive heat exchangers are much more energy-efficient than their active counterparts, which means that they have lower operating costs. They also produce less noise than active heat exchangers, which can be beneficial in some applications. Finally, they are less likely to experience mechanical failure.