Numerical model for microchannel condensers and gas coolers: Part II – Simulation studies and model comparison

For a microchannel heat exchanger (MCHX), given the working conditions, main geometric data of the fin and tubes, heat transfer and face areas, there are multiple choices for the refrigerant circuitry and aspect ratio. Numerical studies using the Fin1Dx3 model, presented in Part I, are undertaken in order to assess the impact on the heat transfer of these design parameters for a microchannel gas cooler. The effect of fin cuts in the gas cooler performance has also been studied numerically as function of the refrigerant circuitry, where it has been found that an optimum circuitry for the use of fin cuts exists. Finally, with the aim of presenting the Fin1Dx3 model as a suitable design tool for MCHX, the model has been compared against the authors’ previous model (Fin2D) and other representative models from the literature in terms of accuracy and computational cost. The Fin1Dx3 model has reduced the simulation time by one order of magnitude with regard to Fin2D, and in terms of accuracy deviates less than 0.3%.

► We present numerical studies about design parameters for a gas cooler.
► Parameters studied are: refrigerant layout, aspect ratio and influence of fin cuts.
► An optimum circuitry was found for maximizing improvement of fin cuts.
► Computational and accuracy capabilities were compared against others models.