Experimental analysis of local heat transfer distribution of low GWP refrigerant in a plate heat exchanger.

This study investigates the local heat transfer characteristics of the low-GWP refrigerant R1336mzz(E) within plate heat exchangers (PHEs), focusing on boiling and condensation processes. A specialized test setup with 160 measurement points was used to map the heat transfer coefficient under two mass flux conditions: 40 kg/m2s and 50 kg/m2s. The setup featured a three-channel configuration with refrigerant flowing in the central channel and water in the outer channels. Results showed a non-uniform heat transfer coefficient, with higher values at the plate's center than at the edges. An increase in mass flow rate led to higher horizontally averaged heat transfer coefficients. The study also compares R1336mzz(E) to other refrigerants like R1234yf and CF3I, evaluating its potential as an environmentally friendly alternative. The research aims to optimize PHE design for better performance with R1336mzz(E) and contributes to enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in heat exchanger technology.