Desenvolvimento de software didático para dimensionamento de trocadores de calor do tipo casco e tubo

Abstract

Shell and tube heat exchangers are widely used in industrial applications and are the result of the application of several heat transfer concepts. This makes their complex design process an engaging task for engineering students. This study aimed to develop an educational computer software that performs this procedure in a semi-automated manner, allowing the user to input the necessary data and conduct the analysis of the results, while receiving information and recommendations that help him achieve better performance and understanding of the thermodynamic concepts involved. The program, developed using the Python programming language, implements the Bell Delaware methodology for designing this type of equipment, requesting information about the fluids used, the structural parts of the exchanger, the construction of the tubes and shell, and the configuration of the baffles and nozzles. The interface developed is quite simple and intuitive, enabling real-time analysis of the results, as well as a complete visualization of the step-by-step calculation procedure. The recommendations provided to the user, within the interface, in order to refine their project proved effective in generating improvements in the final results, making the program an excellent educational tool to be used in the classroom to teach thermodynamics and heat transfer concepts in a more practical way.