Abstract:

It is well known that learning science through investigation is promoted as a preferred pedagogical approach. Indeed, teachers are accustomed to using these tools to enhance the comprehension of theoretical concepts. The aim of investigation is to provide students opportunities to use concepts and cognitive processes and skills to solve problems. In Canada, before asking Engineers Canada Accreditation Board (BCAPG) for engineering program accreditation or remain accredited, Engineers Canada should determine if it falls into the categories that they accredit, and that it meets all the requirements. One of the twelve qualities which engineering student must acquire is experimental investigation. This means it must be able to study complex problems by methods involving conducting experiments, analyzing and interpreting data and synthesis of information to draw valid conclusions. As a response to feedback from student’s evaluations we have successfully designed and developed an educational heat exchanger bench. The goal of the proposed project is to enable students to understand some theoretical concepts.
A heat exchanger is a device used to transfer heat between a solid object and a fluid, or between two or more fluids. Shell-and-tube is the most used type of heat exchangers in chemical industries. It consists of a bundle of pipes or tubes enclosed within a cylindrical shell.

It is therefore proposed to design a test bench for the characterization of a shell-and-tube counter-current heat exchanger. Using this bench, the aim is to obtain the value of the efficiency of the exchanger for different experimental conditions of flows (flow rate of the hot and cold fluid, temperature of entry of the hot fluid). Design formulas for computing the mass flow rate, input/output power, volumetric and fan efficiencies are presented.

This paper provides details on the measures applicable for heat exchanger. Concerning students, it comes to measuring the operating characteristics of shell-and-tube counter-current heat exchanger and draw the characteristic curves according to standards. Students will develop an experimental method from the analysis of these standards. We also developed an assessment grid to validate the investigation quality. Students will be observed on site to validate performing experiments quality.

Keywords:

Test bench, pedagogical approach, experimental investigation, heat transfer, efficiency, heat exchanger, assessment grid.