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Performance testing of a unitary split-system heat pump with an energy recovery expansion device.

Number: pap. 2549

Author(s) : CZAPLA N., INAMDAR H., SALTS N., et al.

Summary

Due to the rising demand of using energy resources more efficiently, the HVAC&R industry is constantly facing the challenge of meeting stricter energy consumption requirements. The goal of this research is to present a study that focuses on developing a device that can improve the efficiency of a residential split-system vapor compression heat pump using R410A as the refrigerant. Currently, the industry standard for the expansion process of a heat pump is to use either an electronic expansion valve (EXV) or thermostatic expansion valve (TXV). Both of these are passive expansion devices that do not recover the potential energy from the high pressure refrigerant. As a result, there is a meaningful potential for efficiency improvements by replacing the passive expansion valve with a work-generating device – the Viper Energy Recovery Expander. The Viper Expander has been designed by Regal Beloit Corporation in conjunction with Purdue University’s Ray W. Herrick Laboratories. The expander functions by using a nozzle to convert the pressure energy of the refrigerant at the condenser outlet into a high speed flow. The nozzle is designed to ensure refrigerant phase change and accelerate the flow into the impeller of a micro-turbine. The rotating turbine impeller is connected to an internal generator which generates electrical energy. This electrical energy is used in the system to augment the power into the air conditioner’s indoor fan motor. The expander enables the realization of decreased power consumption and increased evaporator cooling capacity. The expander has been implemented into a 5-ton split system heat pump and tested in both heating and cooling modes. Experimental testing has shown that the expander can generate up to 30% of the required fan motor power. Results have led to suggestions for optimizing the design of the device to achieve higher efficiencies.

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Pages: 10 p.

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Details

  • Original title: Performance testing of a unitary split-system heat pump with an energy recovery expansion device.
  • Record ID : 30018768
  • Languages: English
  • Source: 2016 Purdue Conferences. 16th International Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Conference at Purdue.
  • Publication date: 2016/07/11

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