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Intermediate
ThermalThermalFood SafeStainless SteelHeat Transfer
Heat Exchanger for Coffee Machine
BrewTech Systems
Prize $400
Due December 5, 2025
Design a compact heat exchanger to rapidly heat water for an espresso machine while maintaining temperature stability.
Problem Statement
Design a heat exchanger that can bring water from room temperature to 93°C quickly while maintaining ±1°C temperature stability during extraction. The system should minimize scale buildup and use food-safe materials.
Requirements
- Heat 250ml water from 20°C to 93°C in < 30 seconds
- Maintain ±1°C during 25-second extraction
- Minimize pressure drop (< 0.5 bar)
- Food-safe materials (NSF/ANSI 51)
- Cleanable/descalable design
Constraints
- Maximum envelope: 120mm × 80mm × 60mm
- Stainless steel (304 or 316) construction
- Power input: 1400W heating element
- Operating pressure: 9 bar
Deliverables
- CAD model with flow paths
- CFD/thermal analysis report
- Pressure drop calculations
- Manufacturing drawings
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