A lab project to measure and compare the thermal performance of heat exchangers (double-pipe, plate, shell-and-tube) under parallel vs. counterflow and varying flow rates/inlet temperatures. Students will determine heat duty (q), LMTD, overall U, ε–NTU effectiveness, pressure drop, and build correlations vs. Reynolds number—perfect for thermodynamics/HT labs.

Parts Used:

1. Heat Exchangers:
2. Double-pipe (co-/counterflow switchable) – transparent outer jacket if possible
3. Plate heat exchanger (PHE) – 10–20 plates (water–water)
4. (Optional) 1–1 pass shell-and-tube with baffles
5. Fluid Loops (Hot & Cold): Insulated tanks (20–40 L), immersion heaters (1–2 kW) with thermostats/PID, circulation pumps, ball valves, bypass lines.
6. Instrumentation: K-type thermocouples or PT100 at all four ports (Th,in, Th,out, Tc,in, Tc,out), turbine/rotameter flow meters for both loops, differential pressure sensors across HX, wattmeter for heaters.
7. Control & DAQ: Arduino/ESP32 or PLC + SD/logging display; manual or PWM pump speed control.
8. Plumbing & Safety: CPVC/copper lines, quick couplers, non-return valves, strainers, relief valve, earthing, drip tray.