Parallel flow heat exchanger

A parallel flow heat exchanger is a device where two fluids move in the same direction, one hot and one cold, through separate channels. As they flow together, heat transfers from the hotter fluid to the cooler one, gradually equalizing their temperatures. This design allows for efficient heat transfer at the beginning, but the temperature difference decreases as they move along, limiting the ultimate temperature change. It’s commonly used in applications where moderate heat exchange is needed, and simplicity of design is important. Essentially, it’s a system that efficiently transfers heat between two fluids traveling side by side in the same direction.