N-section architecture: each zone independently specified
Section count N is a free variable in the optimisation, not a fixed parameter. Each section carries its own tube geometry (Dₒ, Pₜ, tᴄ), material grade, and flow path. The NSGA-II solver selects N and all section parameters simultaneously to satisfy your ε, ΔP, mass, and envelope constraints.
HEAX Modular Shell & Tube: the physical product behind the architecture
Flow path analysis (top) and CFD thermal simulation 178–680 °C (bottom)
Validated by CFD: not just simulation
Every prototype is backed by our in-house CFD pipeline and NSGA-II optimization code, then physically tested on our dedicated bench.
- Parallel heat transfer performance analysis across all sections
- Pressure loss assessment per module: S0 through SN
- Coupled thermo-mechanical evaluation at 680 °C
- Alternating flow path optimization (bypass slots)
- Direct link: design software → CFD → physical prototype
- NSGA-II multi-objective Python code for thermal balancing
Right material, right zone, no compromises
Pay for Inconel only where it's needed. Each module section is independently specified for its local thermal and mechanical environment.
By the numbers: vs TEMA baseline
Same duty (158 kW, air-to-air). Half the backpressure. 37% less mass.
| Effectiveness ε | 85.1% |
| NTU (balanced counterflow) | 5.71 |
| Thermal duty | 157.9 kW · air/air |
| T h,in · P hot | 800 °C · 1.1 bar |
| T c,in · P cold | 134 °C · 8.1 bar |
| ΔP shell (hot) | 34.4 mbar (TEMA ~55) |
| ΔP tube (cold) | 30.9 mbar |
| Core mass | 50.4 kg (TEMA ~80) |
| Compactness β | ~245 m²/m³ |
| Envelope W×H×L | 499 × 178 × 689 mm |
| Tubes | 877 laser-welded · D_o 6 mm · t_w 0.15 mm |
From lab bench to industrial reality
Five distinct prototypes built and experimentally validated, each pushing the architecture further.
Laser welded prototype (50L) at the Versailles-Satory test facility
Built for the most constrained environments
The compact rectangular footprint is intended for duties where conventional shell-and-tube packaging or pressure drop is restrictive.
From prototype to global production, 2025–2030
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