Recent progress in ceramic heat exchangers

Abstract

Ceramic heat exchangers have emerged as a promising solution for thermal energy recovery in diverse applications, including chemical processing, power generation, and air conditioning systems. Traditional metallic materials, such as copper, stainless steel, and aluminum, often encounter significant limitations in high-temperature and corrosive environments, resulting in decreased efficiency and shorter operational lifespans. This has led to a growing interest in ceramics, which exhibit superior thermal and mechanical properties, making them particularly suitable for demanding conditions.

This review offers a comprehensive analysis of ceramic composite heat exchangers, emphasizing the thermal and mechanical characteristics of various ceramic materials that enable them to endure harsh operational environments. It examines recent advancements in ceramic heat exchanger technology, incorporating insights from experimental, theoretical, and numerical studies. The review highlights progress in advanced ceramic materials, particularly novel composites that enhance thermal conductivity and mechanical strength. It also explores the effects of channel geometry and fluid dynamics on heat transfer performance, alongside innovative manufacturing techniques like additive manufacturing and sintering, which can enhance production consistency and reduce costs.

The findings underscore that ceramics provide significant advantages over metals under extreme conditions, achieving heat transfer efficiencies that markedly exceed those of traditional metal exchangers. Insights from the literature present valuable guidelines for design optimization and efficiency enhancement in ceramic heat exchangers, supporting their wider adoption in industrial applications and contributing to energy savings and improved sustainability in thermal management systems.