What factor can reduce the effectiveness of heat exchangers?

The effectiveness of heat exchangers can be significantly impacted by the flow configuration of the fluids within the exchanger. If the flow configuration is improper, it may lead to poor heat transfer rates, which can arise from various factors such as insufficient mixing of fluids or inadequate contact time between the fluids.

When the flow paths for the hot and cold fluids are not optimized, it can result in a situation where one fluid does not effectively absorb or release heat, defeating the purpose of the heat exchanger. This configuration can create areas of low flow (dead zones) or uneven temperatures in the heat exchanger, reducing its overall thermal effectiveness.

In contrast, an increased temperature difference is generally beneficial, as it enhances the driving force for heat transfer. Consistent fluid properties, such as viscosity and thermal conductivity, support stable heat transfer conditions. Additionally, while higher mechanical work input can enhance performance in certain contexts, it doesn't inherently compromise the heat exchange effectiveness, provided the exchanger design can accommodate such conditions efficiently.