What is the primary purpose of a heat exchanger?

The primary purpose of a heat exchanger is to transfer heat between two or more fluid streams without mixing them. This process allows one fluid to gain heat while the other loses heat, which is essential in various industrial applications where temperature control is crucial. Heat exchangers are designed to maximize surface area for heat transfer and often incorporate materials that enhance heat transfer efficiency.

In applications such as power plants, chemical processing, and refrigeration, effective heat exchange is vital for maintaining operational efficiency and safety. This method allows industries to reuse energy by recycling waste heat and improving overall energy efficiency, further underscoring the significance of heat exchangers in various thermal management systems.