What is the primary function of a heat exchanger?

The primary function of a heat exchanger is to transfer heat between two fluids without allowing them to mix. This process is crucial in a variety of applications, including heating, cooling, and energy recovery systems. By facilitating the exchange of thermal energy, heat exchangers optimize efficiency and improve the performance of heating and cooling systems.

In many scenarios, one fluid is hot, and the other is cold; the hot fluid transfers heat to the cold fluid, raising the temperature of the latter while lowering the temperature of the former. This makes heat exchangers essential in industrial processes, HVAC systems, and even in automotive applications. Their design can vary widely, but the fundamental principle of exchanging heat while maintaining fluid separation remains constant, making option B the most accurate description of a heat exchanger's primary function.