Periodic whole cross-section computation models of shutter baffle heat exchanger and twisty flow heat exchanger were established respectively. The heat transfer coefficient, flow resistance and thermal performance in the shell side are numerically studied. Compared with that of the shutter baffle heat exchanger, the results show that the heat transfer coefficient of twisty flow heat exchanger is improved by 7.3-10.2%, pressure drop decreased by 18.5-21%, and the thermal performance factor TEF enhanced by 14.9-19.2%. The correctness and accuracy of simulation method and results are confirmed by experiments. In addition, the influence of inclination angle of trapezoidal baffle, baffles width, baffles pitch and number of baffles on the heat transfer performance are studied. The results show that the inclination angle of trapezoidal baffles and baffles pitch have a significant effect on heat transfer performance, the effect of baffle width has a secondary effect, and the number of baffles has a less significant effect. The results of this paper provide a new scheme for the structural improvement of the shell and tube heat exchanger, and provide the references for further performance optimization of the twisty flow heat exchanger. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.