ECA ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CRITERIA LIST 2009 – COMPACT HEAT EXCHANGERS

Compact Heat Exchangers

Date added to ETL 2004.

1. Definition of Technology

The purpose of heat exchangers is to transfer heat from one fluid (either gas or liquid) to
another. Compact heat exchangers (CHEs) have a significantly greater surface area per unit
volume than more conventional types of heat exchanger. For the purposes of the ECA
Scheme, a CHE is defined as a heat exchanger with a surface to volume ratio of > 200
m2 /m3.

2. Technology Description

CHEs are characterized by a high surface area per unit volume, which can result in a higher
efficiency than conventional heat exchangers, in a significantly smaller volume (typically
CHEs can achieve efficiencies of over 95% cf. 80% for non-compact heat exchangers). Hence
CHEs transfer more energy in a cost-effective manner than other heat exchangers and save
more energy when compared to standard technology.

Three types of compact heat exchanger are covered by the ECA Scheme. These are:

1. Plate heat exchangers.

2. Plate-fin heat exchangers.
3. Compact heat exchangers with precision formed surfaces.

Investments in CHEs can only qualify for Enhanced Capital Allowances if the specific
product is named on the Energy Technology Product List. To be eligible for inclusion on the
Energy Technology Product List, products must meet the eligibility criteria as set out
below.

3. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, products must:

● Have a surface area to volume ratio greater than 200m2 / m3, based on the
dimensions of the heat transfer surface alone, and not including other components
of the heat exchanger (for example end plates used solely for structural purposes,
or flanges and headers).
● Have a minimum design efficiency of at least 85% at 100% capacity.
● Be described by a detailed technical specification or sales brochure, clearly showing
individual model numbers/exchanger name.
● Conform with the requirements of the EU Pressure Equipment Directive PED
97/23/EC.
● Be one of the following types:

1. Plate heat exchangers:

● Gasketed plate units.
● Brazed plate units.
● Partially welded plate units.
● Welded plate units (including laser-welded types).

2. Plate-fin heat exchangers:

● Brazed units.
ECA ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CRITERIA LIST 2009 – COMPACT HEAT EXCHANGERS

● Welded units.

3. Compact heat exchangers with precision formed surfaces:

● Brazed units.
● Welded units.
● Diffusion bonded units.
● Metal foam heat exchangers.

Performance criteria

Products must have a minimum design efficiency (E) of at least 85.0% for at least one fluid
stream when the CHE unit is operating at 100% capacity.

The design efficiency is defined as follows:

E = Quantity of heat extracted from or added to a stream

Theoretical maximum amount of heat that could be
extracted from or added to the stream

For the avoidance of doubt test data should be presented to 1 decimal place. As an
example a minimum design efficiency (E) of 84.9% would be deemed to be a fail.

Required test procedures

The method used to calculate the design efficiency must be validated by testing selected
products in accordance with BS EN 305:1997 and BS EN 306:1997.

4. Scope of Claim

Expenditure on the provision of plant and machinery can include not only the actual costs
of buying the equipment, but other direct costs such as the transport of the equipment to
site, and some of the direct costs of installation. Clarity on the eligibility of direct costs is
available from HMRC.

© Queens Printer and Controller of HMSO 2009

The material featured in this document is subject to Crown copyright protection. It may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium provided
it is reproduced accurately and not used in a misleading context. The Energy Technology List comprises the technologies and products which qualify for
the UK Government’s Energy-Saving Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme and their energy-saving eligibility criteria. This extract is taken from the
Energy Technology Criteria List (ETCL) as published in July 2009. For the most up to date copy of the ETCL and for further information about the ECA
scheme please refer to the ECA website www.eca.gov.uk . The ECA scheme is being developed by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)
and HM Revenue & Customs and promoted by the Carbon Trust. The Carbon Trust manages the Energy Technology List.