Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation
5-2016
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.
Department
Mechanical Engineering
Degree Program
Mechanical Engineering, MS
Committee Chair
Brehob, Ellen
Committee Co-Chair (if applicable)
Park, Sam
Committee Member
Kelecy, Andrea
Committee Member
Willing, Gerold
Author's Keywords
Microchannel; Maldistribution
Abstract
This is a study of the effects on heat transfer capacity predictions of microchannel condensers when airflow is maldistributed due to the shape of the condenser. The three shapes investigated in this study are flat, U-shape and roll. Each coil was tested in a water calorimeter and those results were compared to the model prediction. The model prediction was calculated using CoilDesigner™ modeling software with standard correlations. Using the uniform airflow assumption, the model over predicted the heat capacity measured in the calorimeter by 5-11% depending on the coil and inlet conditions. The local airflow velocity was measured using a vane anemometer, particle image velocimetry and a hotwire anemometer depending on the method that suited a particular geometry. The measured airflow profile was applied to the model and the heat capacity prediction error was reduced by 0.5-1.5%.
Recommended Citation
Chapin, Zachary, "Effect of non-uniform air-side velocity distribution on heat transfer model predictions for microchannel condenser." (2016). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 2438.
https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/2438
