New approach to improve performance by venting periodic reverse vapor flow in microchannel evaporator

Hanfei Tuo, Pega Hrnjak

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper presents a proposal for a venting reverse vapor in flash gas removal A/C system in order to improve refrigerant distribution and reduce pressure drop in microchannel evaporator and thus increase system efficiency. Introduction to the reverse vapor flow observed in parallel flow microchannel evaporator was presented in earlier IJR paper by the authors. An experimental comparison of the A/C system with new approach to an FGB system revealed that vapor venting provided a 5% increase of cooling capacity and 3% of COP when operated at identical test conditions, while the maximum COP improvement was approximately 10%-12% when capacity is matched by reduction of compressor speed. The improvement compared to direct expansion system was significantly higher.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2187-2195
Number of pages9
JournalInternational Journal of Refrigeration
Volume36
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2013

Keywords

  • Boiling
  • Evaporator
  • Fluctuation
  • Microchannel
  • Periodic reverse flow
  • Vapour
  • Venting

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Building and Construction
  • Mechanical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'New approach to improve performance by venting periodic reverse vapor flow in microchannel evaporator'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this