Heat Transport System Design

Part of the AORA and LightWorks collaboration in utilizing exhaust heat for the AORA Tulip is the purpose to design a heat transport system that meets system requirements. The investigation included research in potential fluids, equipment, costs, and conducting an analysis to determine favorably fluids. The operating range of the system is 100℃ to 200℃ from the 270℃ exhaust heat 30 meters high. The best, affordable heat transfer fluids (HTF) for this operating temperature range are: XCELTHERM CA, XCELTHERM 600, XCELTHERM 315, Therminol 55, Paratherm NF, Water, Dynalene PG-XT, and Dynalene HC-20. These fluids consist of synthetic oils, mineral oils, propylene glycol, potassium formate/water-based, and water. The ideal operating temperature and HTF depends on the location, accessibility to these fluids, and load application for the heat transport system design. Furthermore, the cost of electricity in the area is a factor for whether the system should use a variable speed drive on the pump. Water is the ideal heat transfer fluid if the operating temperature doesn’t exceed 170℃ and can be readily maintained to avoid corrosion. It has the lowest initial cost and most favorable heat transfer characteristics. The potassium formate/water-based Dynalene HC is the next best choice if the operating temperature doesn’t exceed 210℃. It has similar heat transfer characteristics, but costs more. Lastly, if the operating temperature range exceeds 210℃, then XCELTHERM 600 (white oil) is likely the best HTF to use. It has an operating range up to 315℃, has favorable characteristics, the most affordable oil price, is food contact rated, and has one of the longest life of any fluid of its type.