Design optimization ofmicrochannel heat exchangerswith variable geometry fornatural refrigerants

L. Huang, V. Aute, R. Radermacher

Research output: Chapter in Book or Report/Conference proceedingConference Proceedingpeer-review

Abstract

Air-to-refrigerant microchannel heat exchangers (MCHXs) are now extensively used instationary heat pumping applications. MCHXs with variable tubes, ports and fins have shown great material saving potential compared to the conventional uniform geometry designs. There is continued interest in natural working fluids such as carbon dioxide (CO2), due to various regulations on reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. In this paper, a validated variable geometry MCHX model is used to minimize the material cost and envelope volume ofa R290 automotive MCHX condenser and a CO2 gas cooler. The preliminary optimization results show potential for 35 percent material reduction and 43 percent reduction in heat exchanger envelope volume for the same heat capacity. The presented resultswill help researchers and engineers in optimizing MCHXs foruse with natural working fluids and other refrigerants.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication11th IIR Gustav Lorentzen Conference on Natural Refrigerants
Subtitle of host publicationNatural Refrigerants and Environmental Protection, GL 2014
EditorsWangyang Hu, Guojun Zhao
PublisherInternational Institute of Refrigeration
Pages638-644
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9782362150043
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes
Event11th IIR Gustav Lorentzen Conference on Natural Refrigerants, GL 2014 - Hangzhou, China
Duration: 31 Aug 20142 Sept 2014

Publication series

Name11th IIR Gustav Lorentzen Conference on Natural Refrigerants: Natural Refrigerants and Environmental Protection, GL 2014

Conference

Conference11th IIR Gustav Lorentzen Conference on Natural Refrigerants, GL 2014
Country/TerritoryChina
CityHangzhou
Period31/08/142/09/14

Keywords

  • CO<inf>2</inf>
  • Heat pump
  • Microchannel heat exchangers
  • Optimization
  • Simulation

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