Visualization and Analysis of Periodic Reverse Flow in an Automobile Microchannel Evaporator

Huize Li, Predrag Hrnjak

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper presents the visualization of periodic reverse flow in tubes of an automobile microchannel evaporator. Two microchannel tubes in an off-the-shelf evaporator are modified so that the leading edges are transparent and the rest of the area remains unchanged, providing realistic air heating. Flow visualizations in air heated aluminum tubes and electric heating glass tube are compared and similar flow physics is identified. A mechanistic model of flow reversal is developed. The model is capable of simulating bubble generation, growth coalescence and reverse. The validation against experimental visualization is on the way.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalSAE Technical Papers
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
EventSAE 2016 World Congress and Exhibition - Detroit, United States
Duration: Apr 12 2016Apr 14 2016

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Automotive Engineering
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
  • Pollution
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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