Inventors:
Norris S. Hirota - Milpitas CA
Assignee:
Electric Power Research Institute - Palo Alto CA
International Classification:
G21C 1700
Abstract:
Using the method of this invention, the performance of a heat exchanger is determined by measuring the heat transfer capabilities of an individual tube. A relatively small reservoir of service fluid is connected to the inlet and outlet ports of a tube. The reservoir is provided with a heater or chiller and the service fluid is circulated through the tube. When a steady state is reached, the heat transfer characteristics of the tube are measured using known mathematical relationships.