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Investigation of two-phase refrigerant behavior upon cycle startup for compressor protection in microgravity applications.

Number: 210080

Author(s) : BECK P. E., BRENDEL L. P. M., ORE J. P., BRAUN J. E., GROLL E. A.

Summary

Vapor compression cycles (VCCs) are a promising technology for refrigeration needs on future space craft due to their generally high cooling COP. However, due to microgravity there lies a risk of liquid flooding the compressor during start-up. Thus, to better prepare VCCs for microgravity applications, it is significant to understand the dependence of two-phase refrigerant on gravity during start-up. In this work, liquid flooding is evaluated at the start-up of a VCC and a possibility for passive compressor protection is considered. The experimental setup has two configurations. In the first, two-phase phenomena can be observed in a transparent tube and different tube insertions can be tested for their effectiveness as a liquid flooding obstruction. In the second configuration, liquid flooding from a commercial evaporator can be evaluated for different charge levels. The results show a clear effect of tube insertions on liquid flooding in a straight tube and find the felt tube insertion to be most effective at impeding flow. The evaporator test results also present a strong correlation of liquid flooding parameters with the charge level and show only a small dependence on the orientation of the evaporator.

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Pages: 10

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Details

  • Original title: Investigation of two-phase refrigerant behavior upon cycle startup for compressor protection in microgravity applications.
  • Record ID : 30028626
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: 2021 Purdue Conferences. 18th International Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Conference at Purdue.
  • Publication date: 2021/05
  • Document available for consultation in the library of the IIR headquarters only.

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