1. Project background and objectives

1.1 Optimizing heat exchanger design

Heat exchangers are mechanical elements that transfer energy between fluid circuits. Used in energy production facilities (nuclear power plants, oil refineries, etc.) or production facilities (chemicals, seawater desalination, etc.), heat exchangers are also found on board ships powered by nuclear reactors (submarines or aircraft carriers). Naval Group, a shipbuilder and designer of onboard heating systems, designs tube-calender heat exchangers (see 1 ).