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Capacity and acoustic optimization on a fan/heat exchanger unit.

Author(s) : COLMEK S.

Summary

In this paper, an optimization was done on a fan/heat exchanger unit. The optimization software contains models for the heat transfer and pressure loss in the condenser and an acoustic model for the fan. The models were based on fan and heat exchanger dimensions (like length, height, width and number of fins). The authors are interested in this type of study in order to find the best combination of fan acoustic parameters and heat exchanger capacity. The heat exchanger is defined using a logarithmic measurement of temperature differential model. The heat transfer coefficient is based on the Nusselt number for the refrigerant and the Colburn factor for the air using the geometric characteristics of the heat exchanger. The fan acoustic model is related to the airflow rate defined using the velocity, diameter, flow rate and acoustic level of the existing fan. The optimization solver iterates on the parameters of the heat exchanger and fan in order to give the best combination. The optimized result showed a 5 dBA improvement over the base line configuration. The optimization showed that the most influential parameters for heat exchanger efficiency are height, width, length and number of fins. However, some of these parameters tend to increase the pressure loss, which decreases the airflow rate, and influences the acoustic level. Using the method described here, the authors were able to determine the geometric arrangement that optimizes the efficiency and acoustic objectives.

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Details

  • Original title: Capacity and acoustic optimization on a fan/heat exchanger unit.
  • Record ID : 2010-1789
  • Languages: English
  • Publication date: 2010/07/12
  • Source: Source: Proc. 2010 int. Refrig. Air Cond. Conf., Purdue Univ.
    n. 2152; 8 p.; fig.; photogr.; tabl.; 6 ref.

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