Heat Exchanger World Magazine March 2025 | Page 45

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Plate Heat Exchangers

ELT – Extremely Large Telescope , Chile . Photo courtesy of European Southern Observatory .

Astrophysics is on the brink of a major breakthrough with the

Extremely Large Telescope ( ELT ), the world ’ s largest optical / infrared telescope , located in Chile ’ s Atacama Desert . This groundbreaking project demands cutting-edge engineering , and Arsopi Thermal is proud to contribute by providing advanced Plate Heat Exchangers and technical support . Their expertise ensures the ELT operates efficiently , reinforcing their commitment to high-performance solutions for complex applications .

Text by Arsopi Thermal

Advanced cooling solutions for a critical component Processor rooms are the nerve center of the ELT , where high-resolution photographs from space are stored and analysed . These rooms generate immense amounts of heat , requiring sophisticated cooling solutions to maintain the stable and precise conditions necessary for optimal performance .

Arsopi Thermal ’ s plate heat exchangers ( PHEs ) achieve this by using a series of thin , corrugated plates arranged to create alternating channels for hot and cold fluids . As the hot fluid from the processor rooms flows through one set of channels , the cold fluid passes through adjacent channels . The corrugated design maximizes the surface area for heat transfer , allowing the heat to move efficiently from the hot fluid to the cold fluid without the two mixing . This precise thermal exchange effectively dissipates excess heat , maintaining a stable environment critical for the reliable operation of the sensitive equipment . By employing this advanced technology , the PHE ’ s ensure optimal cooling performance , energy efficiency , and reliability , enabling the ELT ’ s processor rooms to function flawlessly under demanding conditions . These plate heat exchangers use a corrugated plate design to maximise surface area for efficient heat transfer , allowing precise temperature control with minimal energy use , while their durability and reliability ensure uninterrupted performance .

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