Heat exchangers transfer heat between two fluids without mixing them. They are classified based on their transfer process, number of fluids, construction, and flow arrangement. Direct transfer heat exchangers allow simultaneous flow of hot and cold fluids separated by a wall, while storage heat exchangers alternately flow hot and cold fluids through a porous matrix that stores and transfers heat. Direct contact heat exchangers have no separation between fluids, instead bringing a gas and liquid directly in contact by bubbling or spraying.