Condensation of the low GWP refrigerant HFC1234yf inside a brazed plate heat exchanger

This paper presents the heat transfer coefficients and the pressure drop measured during condensation of the new low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant HFO1234yf inside a brazed plate heat exchanger: the effects of saturation temperature, refrigerant mass flux and vapour super-heating are investigated. The heat transfer coefficients show weak sensitivity to saturation temperature and great sensitivity to refrigerant mass flux. At low refrigerant mass flux (<20 kg m−2 s−1) the heat transfer coefficients are not dependent on mass flux and condensation is controlled by gravity. For higher refrigerant mass flux (>20 kg m−2 s−1) the heat transfer coefficients depend on mass flux and forced convection condensation occurs. The condensation heat transfer coefficients of super-heated vapour are from 8 to 11% higher than those of saturated vapour. HFO1234yf exhibits heat transfer coefficients lower (10–12%) and frictional pressure drop lower (10–20%) than those of HFC134a under the same operating conditions.

► This paper investigates HFO1234yf condensation inside a BPHE. ► The heat transfer coefficients show great sensitivity to mass flux and vapour super-heating. ► A transition point between gravity controlled and forced convection condensation has been found. ► The frictional pressure drop shows a linear dependence on the kinetic energy. ► HFO1234yf shows heat transfer performance lower than HFC134a.