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Extraction as a way to improve the performance of microchannel condensers using R134a.

Number: 2230

Author(s) : LI J., HRNJAK P.

Summary

The present study introduces the concept of extracting liquid refrigerant in microchannel condensers and its potential to enhance condenser performance. The benefit comes at no cost – the condenser geometry is the same except for one or a few well-sized drainage holes in the header baffle. A 1-D finite-volume model is built for the condenser and is validated with R134a experimental data. The capacities agree within ± 5% and the pressure drops agree within ± 35%. Using this model, the performances of a conventional condenser tested in experiments and its extraction counterpart are compared. When the inlet mass flow rate is the same, the extraction condenser lowers the refrigerant outlet temperature by 2.2 K (equivalent to increasing the capacity by 1.6%). When the outlet temperature is the same, the extraction condenser increases the mass flow rate by 2.3%. The reason for the improvement is analyzed thoroughly in terms of the local heat transfer coefficient, refrigerant pressure, refrigerant temperature, and heat transfer rate. The main reason for the higher capacity is attributed to the reduced pressure drop by extraction and thus the higher refrigerant temperature.

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Details

  • Original title: Extraction as a way to improve the performance of microchannel condensers using R134a.
  • Record ID : 30030616
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: 2022 Purdue Conferences. 19th International Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Conference at Purdue.
  • Publication date: 2022

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