A novel multiphysics-based analysis for performance enhancement of a heat exchanger in a Resomation device

Resomation, or water reduction, is an energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable method for decomposing human and animal remains. It offers a hygienic and eco-friendly alternative that aligns with modern sustainability standards. Despite its advantages, the design of Resomation machines has primarily relied on trial-and-error approaches rather than structured research. This study aims to improve the efficiency of the Resomation cooling process by optimizing the heat exchanger design and analyzing the impact of coolant fluid temperature variations using a CFD tool. Several geometrical modifications of the heat exchanger and recirculation piping, along with different coolant fluid temperatures, were investigated to enhance system efficiency and reduce cooling time. Key performance indicators included the heat transfer coefficient, temperature differences across the heat exchanger, and overall cooling rate. Results show that optimizing the coil and recirculation pipe geometry reduced cooling time by 23 % (from 53 to 41 minutes) compared to the original design. The maximum temperature difference across the heat exchanger increased by 28 % (from 55 to 73 °C), while power consumption and CO2 emissions decreased by 20 %. Additionally, increasing the coolant fluid temperature by 5 °C extended the cooling duration by approximately three minutes. The findings demonstrate that geometrical modifications to the heat exchanger can significantly improve cooling efficiency in Resomation devices. In contrast, moderate changes in coolant temperature have a relatively small effect on overall performance. This study provides a structured foundation for further technological improvements that could reduce both energy use and environmental impact in water cremation systems.