Improvements to the hybrid method applied to the design of plate-finned tube evaporators

Abstract

The advantage of designing plate-finned tube evaporators applying the hybrid method is to combine low computational costs with the accurate results guaranteed by the use of predictive functions based on results of either numerical, or analytical, or experimental analysis. The high flexibility of the method makes it suitable for use as an effective design tool for evaporators in a wide range of operating conditions. This paper tells about improvements and refinements to the hybrid method algorithm performed to make it even more flexible and consistent with real heat exchangers performance prediction, depending on configuration changes. Part of the algorithm code has been changed in order to extend the application range of the model and several tests have been performed by varying the operating conditions such as the temperature difference between refrigerant and air at the inlet as well as the air relative humidity. The results show how the model is sensitive to the working conditions variations.

Fin and Tube HVAC Evaporators Design by the Hybrid Method

“…Moreover, Starace et al [14] achieved progress in the development of the hybrid technique by applying it on evaporators with complex circuit layouts to assess the impact of circuitry configuration on the overall performance in terms of heat transfer rate and refrigerant pressure decreases. Afterward, the hybrid approach algorithm underwent additional modifications to make it even more adaptable and compatible with real heat exchangers [15]. Part of the algorithm code was altered in order to broaden the model's application range, and new tests were conducted by changing the operating conditions.…”