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Author
Domanski, P. A.
Title
Simulation of an Evaporator With Nonuniform One-Dimensional Air Distribution.
Coporate
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
Journal
ASHRAE Transactions, Vol. 97, No. 1, [pages unknown], 1991
Sponsor
Department of Energy, Washington, DC
Report
NY-91-13-1,
Keywords
simulation | evaporator | heat exchanger | air conditioning | refrigerants | equations
Abstract
This paper presents a simulation model of a plate-fin, air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger used as an evaporator in residential air conditioning. The model can account for nonuniform air distribution between coil tubes and simulates refrigerant distribution for coil circuits and individual tubes. The model is based on a tube-by-tube approach. Performance of each tube is analyzed separately by considering the cross-flow heat transfer with the external air-stream and the appropriate heat and mass transfer relationships. Each tube is associated with individual refrigerant parameters and mass flow rate, and air mass flow rate, inlet temperature, and humidity. A comparison of the model's predictions and laboratory test data is provided. Simulation results indicate that air maldistribution may induce maldistribution of a refrigerant, which contributes to the performance degradation of the evaporator.