Reviewing State-of-the-Art Exergy Analysis of Various Types of Heat Exchangers – Part 1: Principles, Double-Pipe and Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers

The heat exchanger, an integral component in diverse processes, finds extensive application across industrial and domestic sectors. Functioning as a mechanical apparatus, it is designed to transfer or exchange heat between different mediums, thereby enhancing energy efficiency by redirecting surplus heat from unnecessary systems to those in need. Heat exchangers have become essential equipment in various end-user applications due to their environmentally friendly nature and their ability to boost overall energy efficiency in systems. The global market for heat exchangers has undergone significant changes in recent years, with manufacturers increasingly emphasizing efficiency and performance improvements. The enhanced performance of heat exchangers, driven by technological advancements, contributes to heightened energy consumption efficiency in the systems where these devices are employed. Exergetic assessments play a crucial role in improving heat exchanger efficiency from a thermodynamic standpoint. This study provides a comprehensive review of scientific papers, examining the exergetic aspects of various heat exchanger types. The literature survey explores the impact of parameters such as entropy generation, cumulative exergy destruction, nanofluids, geometry, and two-phase fluids on heat exchanger exergetic performance. It also discusses the effectiveness of different optimization approaches on the second law’s efficiency. Primarily, the study comprehensively reviews four types of heat exchangers—double-pipe, plate, cross-flow, and shell & tube—and briefly explains new types of heat exchangers. Part 1 of this study, presented in this manuscript, focuses on the fundamentals of exergy analyses in heat exchangers, with an emphasis on double-pipe and shell & tube heat exchangers. Future research directions aim to explore advanced materials with superior properties, innovative geometries for optimal performance, integration with renewable energy sources, smart technologies for adaptive control, machine learning applications for predictive modeling, and the potential of miniaturization and microscale heat exchangers. These endeavors seek to propel the field towards greater efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability across various applications.