Exergy efficiency and heat transfer from the condenser in heat pump systems

Abstract

In cooling systems, the thermal energy transfer capability of the condensers used for the condensation of the refrigerant is very important for the efficient operation of the systems. A heat pump assembly was installed and R134a was used as the fluid. During operation, the temperature of the refrigerant compressed in the condenser increases and reaches the superheated vapor phase. Heat is transferred from the surface of the condenser, whose temperature is increasing, to the environment with the help of a fan. The exergy efficiency of the condenser was determined based on the inlet and outlet temperature of the refrigerant to the condenser, the temperature of the air flow to and from the condenser surface, its masses and thermodynamic properties. It was observed that the exergy efficiency (ψ) increased and the irreversibility (İ) decreased with the increase of the air temperature difference (ΔT) passing over the condenser surface. In addition, it was determined that the exergy efficiency (ψ) and surface temperature of the condenser decreased with the increase in the amount of air passing through (ma) the condenser surface.