Experimental investigation of the surface temperature and water retention effects on the frosting performance of a compact microchannel heat exchanger for heat pump systems

Frost formation on a louvered fin microchannel heat exchanger was experimentally investigated in this paper with the aim of determining the dominant factors affecting the time of frosting and frost growth rate. A novel methodology was developed to measure frost thickness and frost weight at intervals during the frosting period. Frost mass and thickness growth rates, corresponding coil heat transfer, capacity degradations and air pressure drop are measured and discussed. The experimental data showed that at a given air dry bulb temperature, the fin surface temperature and air humidity are the primary parameters that influence the frost growth rates. Water retention and air velocity had a secondary impact on the frosting performance. From digital images of the frost growth it was observed that frost does not nucleate from the water droplets retained in between fins but it developed from the leading edges of the fins.

► Frost formation on microchannel coil was experimentally investigated.
► A novel methodology was introduced to measure frost thickness and frost weight.
► Fin temperature and air humidity are the primary influential parameters.
► Water retention and air velocity had a secondary impact on the frosting performance.
► Frost doesn’t nucleate from the water droplets but from the leading edges of fins.