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Parametric study of a Ranque-Hilsch or vortex tube.

Author(s) : ROCHA M. S., POLISEL R. A., SIMÕES-MOREIRA J. R.

Summary

This paper presents a parametric study of a Ranque-Hilsch or a vortex tube. A Ranque-Hilsch tube is a quite simple moving parts free device that can produce cold air from a compressed air source when it operates as a cooling system. At the same time, the tube can also produce hot air to work as a heat pump. In actual operation the incoming compressed air stream is split into two streams one of which is cold and the other is a hot one and they exit the device at the opposite tube ends. The theory that fully explains the correct physical phenomenon that takes place inside the tube is yet to be developed. As a consequence, laboratory tests were carried out in order to learn the main controlling parameters. The tests included the following parameters variation: feeding air pressure, tube lengths and cold and hot air exits cross sections. Experimental results of the tests are presented in this paper. It was found that tube operation has conditions that maximize flow parameters such as cold air mass flow rate and exiting temperature. The first experimental results indicated that by correctly adjusting the parameters, temperature difference between the hot and cold exits of 36°C was obtained for 3.5 bars abs. inlet pressure. Several experimental data was acquired and optimum performance measures were obtained for this first prototype. To reinforce and expand the gathered knowledge, new tests are under course, including new higher feeding pressure.

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Pages: ICR07-B2-1259

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Details

  • Original title: Parametric study of a Ranque-Hilsch or vortex tube.
  • Record ID : 2007-2617
  • Languages: English
  • Source: ICR 2007. Refrigeration Creates the Future. Proceedings of the 22nd IIR International Congress of Refrigeration.
  • Publication date: 2007/08/21

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