Share

IIR document

Experimental study and thermal modelling of a R404A small channel air condenser.

Author(s) : LEDUCQ D., MACCHI-TEJEDA H., JABBOUR O., et al.

Summary

Extensive use of most refrigerants damage the environment because of their impact on the ozone layer and because of the greenhouse effect. Therefore, much research has been conducted in an attempt to reduce the refrigerant charge in refrigeration systems. The use of small channel heat exchangers that contain less refrigerant than classic ones is part of this research. A test facility that integrates an air-conditioning small channel condenser (1.34 mm hydraulic diameter) with crossflow technology was developed. The measurement device allows to establish accurate power balances and to visualize thermal condensation profiles thanks to an infra-red camera and a thermocouple net disposed on the condenser fins. A great heterogeneity was noticed in the refrigerant flow distribution through the small channels. Based on rapid bibliographical work of some of the most important recent studies, a numerical model was developed in order to simulate the small channel condenser performances, using various correlations developed for traditional large tubes as well as specific correlations for small channel tubes. The numerical results were compared with experimental data obtained for several flow regimes. The results showed that the thermal performances can be simulated in a very satisfactory way using the available correlations, although none of them was initially obtained for R404A condensation in small channels.

Available documents

Format PDF

Available

  • Public price

    20 €

  • Member price*

    Free

* Best rate depending on membership category (see the detailed benefits of individual and corporate memberships).

Details

  • Original title: Experimental study and thermal modelling of a R404A small channel air condenser.
  • Record ID : 2004-2119
  • Languages: English
  • Source: 21st IIR International Congress of Refrigeration: Serving the Needs of Mankind.
  • Publication date: 2003/08/17

Links


See other articles from the proceedings (398)
See the conference proceedings

Indexing