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Coupled system and heat exchanger optimizations for low-GWP refrigerant blends.

Number: 2595

Author(s) : HU W., HUBY J., LIU H., OH J., GROLL E. A., BARTA R., BRAUN J. E., ZIVIANI D.

Summary

This paper introduces a multi-objective optimization framework for optimizing both structural and circuitry parameters of fin-and-tube heat exchangers (FTHX) to maximize overall system performance for air-source heat pumps. The framework aims to enhance heat pump system energy efficiency, minimizing FTHX material usage while maintaining specified system capacity. To address computational complexity and improve cycle simulation robustness, surrogate meta-models are developed using artificial neural network to replace the computationally intensive discretized heat exchanger models. Cross-validation demonstrates the meta-models can accurately predict the key performance of the heat exchangers. The computational time can be reduced up to 99% using meta-models, effectively facilitating the integration of heat exchanger optimization coupled with heat pump cycle modeling for a large design space. A case study using the optimization framework was conducted to optimize FTHXs that were previously tested in a residential heat pump in air conditioning mode utilizing a low-GWP zeotropic mixture R454C as the working fluid. Both structural and circuitry parameters of the indoor and outdoor units were optimized to maximize heat pump system COP and minimize heat exchanger total tube length, with 3 RT cooling capacity requirements. Results demonstrate significant potential in improving system efficiency and reducing total tube length for optimized FTHX designs compared to benchmark systems. FTHX total tube length is reduced by approximately 60%, maintaining an equivalent cooling COP to the baseline R410A system. Optimal heat exchanger designs were identified using TOPSIS, and associated parametric studies indicate significant improvements in capacity and COP under various conditions. This framework provides a practical tool for efficiently exploring a large FTHX design space, offering optimal solutions that balance heat pump efficiency, FTHX material usage, and system capacity requirements.

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Pages: 11 p.

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Details

  • Original title: Coupled system and heat exchanger optimizations for low-GWP refrigerant blends.
  • Record ID : 30033012
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: 2024 Purdue Conferences. 20th International Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Conference at Purdue.
  • Publication date: 2024/07/17

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