[EN] In the first part of the current thesis, two fundamental numerical models (Fin2D-W and Fin1D-MB) for analyzing the air-side performance of minichannel evaporators were developed and verified. The Fin2D-W model applies a comprehensive two-dimensional scheme to discretize the evaporator. On the other hand, the Fin1D-MB model is based on the one-dimensional fin theory in conjunction with the moving boundaries technique along the fin height. The first objective of the two presented models is to identify and quantify the most influential phenomena encountered in the process of cooling and dehumidification. The second objective is to study the impact of the classical modeling assumptions on the air-side performance of minichannel evaporators. Different comparative studies between the traditional Effectiveness-NTU approach and the proposed numerical models were implemented to achieve the mentioned goals. The results revealed that the modeling assumptions which have the most significant impacts on the heat and mass transfer rates are: the uniform air properties along the fin height, adiabatic-fin-tip at half the height, and negligence of partial dehumidification scenarios. These widely used assumptions resulted in substantial deviations in total heat transfer rate, up to 52%, between the Effectiveness-NTU approach and Fin2D-W model. In the second part of the thesis, the Fin1D-MB model was integrated into the IMST-ART® simulation tool to evaluate the global performance of minichannel evaporators (air- and refrigerant-side). The Fin1D-MB model was selected because of its simplicity, calculation speed, and reasonable solution accuracy relative to the Fin2D-W model. The validation of the complete Fin1D-MB model was conducted against many experimental data and numerical models available in the literature. The validation process was achieved for different heat exchanger geometries, refrigerants, and operating conditions. The results showed that for the R134a minichannel evaporators studied, the Fin1D-MB model successfully predicted the Inlet refrigerant and outlet air temperatures, cooling capacity, and refrigerant-side pressure drop within error bands of ±0.5 ºC, ±5%, and ±20%, respectively. For the CO2 (R744) minichannel evaporator studied, the presented model estimated the cooling capacity and outlet air temperature within error bands of ±10% and ±1.0 ºC, respectively. Regarding the CO2 pressure drop, the Fin1D-MB model generally underpredicted the pressure drop values compared to the experimental data, with a maximum deviation of 11 kPa. / [ES] En la primera parte de la tesis actual, dos modelos numéricos fundamentales (Fin2D-W y Fin1D-MB) para analizar el lado del aire de los evaporadores de minicanales se han desarrollado y verificado. El modelo Fin2D-W aplica un esquema detallado de dos dimensiones para discretizar el evaporador mientras que el modelo Fin1D-MB se basa en la teoría de la aleta unidimensional junto con la técnica de fronteras móviles para el lado del aire. El primer objetivo de los dos modelos presentados es identificar y cuantificar los fenómenos más influyentes encontrados en el proceso de enfriamiento y deshumidificación. El segundo objetivo es estudiar el impacto de las hipótesis comúnmente usadas en el modelado de la transmisión de calor del aire de los evaporadores de minicanales. Se implementaron diferentes estudios comparativos entre el enfoque tradicional Effectiveness-NTU y los modelos numéricos propuestos para alcanzar los objetivos mencionados. Los resultados muestran que las hipótesis que provocan una mayor desviación con respecto a la solución detallada en la transferencia de calor y masa son: propiedades de aire uniforme a lo largo de la altura de la aleta, extremo adiabático de aleta a mitad de su longitud, y no contemplar el supuesto de deshumidificación parcial en la aleta. Estas hipótesis ampliamente utilizadas han resultado en errores importantes en la transferencia de calor total, hasta un 52%, entre el enfoque Effectiveness-NTU y el modelo Fin2D-W. En la segunda parte de la tesis, el modelo Fin1D-MB se integró en la herramienta de simulación IMST-ART® para evaluar el rendimiento global de los evaporadores de minicanales (en el lado del aire y del refrigerante). El modelo Fin1D-MB se seleccionó gracias a su simplicidad, velocidad de cálculo, y solución de una precisión razonable relativa al modelo Fin2D-W. Se realizó una validación del modelo completo Fin1D-MB con la ayuda de datos experimentales y modelos numéricos ya disponibles en la literatura. El modelo se ha validado para diferentes geometrías de intercambiadores de calor, refrigerantes y condiciones de funcionamiento. Los resultados han mostrado que para los evaporadores de minicanales funcionando con el refrigerante R134a, el modelo Fin1D-MB predice de manera correcta las temperaturas de entrada del refrigerante y de salida del aire, la capacidad de enfriamiento, y la caída de presión del lado de refrigerante dentro de las bandas de error de ±0.5 ºC, ±5%, y ±20%, respectivamente. Para el evaporador de minicanales con CO2 (R744) estudiado, el modelo estima la capacidad de refrigeración y la temperatura de salida del aire dentro de las bandas de error de ±10% y ±1.0 ºC, respectivamente. En cuanto a la caída de presión de CO2, el modelo Fin1D-MB generalmente predice a la baja los valores de la caída de presión en comparación con los datos experimentales, con una desviación máxima de 11 kPa. / [CA] A la primera part de la tesi actual, dos models numèrics fonamentals (Fin2D-W i Fin1D-MB) per analitzar el costat de l'aire dels evaporadors de minicanals s'han desenvolupat i verificat. Al model Fin2D-W s'aplica un esquema detallat de dues dimensions per discretitzar l'evaporador mentre que al model Fin1D-MB es basa en la teoria d'aleta unidimensional juntament amb la tècnica de frontera mòbil per al costat de l'aire. El primer objectiu dels dos models presentats és identificar i quantificar els fenòmens més influents trobats en el procés de refredament i deshumidificació. El segon objectiu és estudiar l'impacte de les hipòtesis comunament utilitzades en el modelatge de la transmissió de calor de l'aire dels evaporadors de minicanals. Es van implementar diferents estudis comparatius entre l'enfocament tradicional Effectiveness-NTU i els models numèrics proposats per assolir els objectius esmentats. Els resultats mostren que les hipòtesis que provoquen una major desviació respecte a la solució detallada a la transferència de calor i massa són: propietats d'aire uniforme al llarg de l'altura de l'aleta, extrem adiabàtic d'aleta a la meitat de la seua longitud, i no contemplar el supòsit de deshumidificació parcial en l'aleta. Aquestes hipòtesis àmpliament utilitzades donen errors importants en la transferència de calor total, fins a un 52%, entre l'enfocament Effectiveness-NTU i el model Fin2D-W. A la segona part de la tesi, el model Fin1D-MB es va integrar en l'eina de simulació IMST-ART® per avaluar el rendiment global dels evaporadors de minicanals (al costat de l'aire i del refrigerant). El model Fin1D-MB es va seleccionar gràcies a la seva simplicitat, velocitat de càlcul, i solució d'una precisió raonable relativa al model Fin2D-W. Es va realitzar una validació del model complet Fin1D-MB amb l'ajuda de dades experimentals i models numèrics ja disponibles a la literatura. El model s'ha validat per a diferents geometries d'intercanviadors de calor, refrigerants i condicions de funcionament. Els resultats mostren que per als evaporadors de minicanals funcionant amb el refrigerant R134a, el model Fin1D-MB prediu de manera correcta les temperatures d'entrada del refrigerant i de sortida de l'aire, la capacitat de refreda-ment, i la caiguda de pressió del costat de refrigerant dins de les bandes d'error de ±0.5 ºC, ±5%, i ±20%, respectivament. Per a l'evaporador de minicanals amb CO2 (R744) estudiat, el model estima la capacitat de refrigeració i la temperatura de sortida de l'aire dins de les bandes d'error de ±10% i ±1.0 ºC, respectivament. Pel que fa a la caiguda de pressió de CO2, el model Fin1D-MB generalment prediu a la baixa els valors de la caiguda de pressió en comparació amb les dades experimentals, amb una desviació màxima d'11 kPa. / Hassan, AHA. (2016). Development and Validation of a Minichannel Evaporator Model under Dehumidification [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/71357

The aim of this Diploma thesis is a description of gas heat pump (GHP) technology and the possibility of their usage in real life. Also units from the major manufactures of GHP units in the Czech Republic and abroad are evaluated from technical and economical point of view. The thesis as well includes a part where is decided if it is better to further develop GHP units with higher or lower performance. In the last part of thesis are cooling circuits designed for both lower and higher performance, than performance of existing GHP unit Polo 100. As a result, the units with higher performance are more perspective. Therefore heat plate exchangers, which serve as a condenser and an evaporator, are designed for unit with higher performance.

Diploma thesis deals with direct cooling systems in food processing plants. The work focuses on the description of the components of the refrigerant cycle, with emphasis on the choice of refrigerant. The result is a design of direct cooling system in the food factory in the variants with refrigerant R404A and R717. The work describes the advantages and disadvantages of various options. The work includes an experimental section which deals with the measure-ment and processing of the actual values of the refrigerant cycle and the comparison of two cold sources.

V súčasnosti sa kladie veľký dôraz na znižovanie produkcie emisií, čistotu a kvalitu životného prostredia. Tieto trendy sa týkajú všetkých odvetví, tak isto aj stavebného priemyslu a vykurovania budov. Doposiaľ bolo najrozšírenejším typom vykurovania spaľovanie fosílnych palív. Do popredia sa však dostávajú tepelné čerpadlá a začínajú zaberať výrazný podiel trhu. Kvôli dopytu po tepelných čerpadlách vzrastá počet výrobcov a konkurencia. Cieľom výrobcov je zvyšovanie účinnosti tepelných čerpadiel a zároveň znižovanie výrobných nákladov na dosiahnutie lepšej pozície na trhu. Predložená práca sa zaoberá procesmi prebiehajúcimi v chladivovom okruhu tepelného čerpadla. Skúma správanie chladiva počas kondenzácie a možnosti zvýšenia účinnosti tepelného čerpadla. Zvýšenie účinnosti je dosiahnuté podchladením chladiva počas kondenzácie na zvýšenie tepelných ziskov. To je dosiahnuté zaradením druhého elektronického expanzného ventilu za kondenzátorom. Táto technológia je však finančne náročná. Práca sa zaoberá výpočtom kapiláry na základe praktických meraní, ktorá bude zadržiavať chladivo v kondenzátore a bude plniť podobnú úlohu ako expanzný ventil. Následne sú porovnané výsledky jednotlivých meraní. Výsledky sú porovnané voči jednoduchému systému, kde nedochádza k podchladeniu chladiva. V závere práce je analýza výsledkov jednotlivých systémov.

Apresenta um estudo teórico-experimental da ebulição convectiva do fluido refrigerante R-134a no interior de tubos lisos. Os parâmetros físicos disponíveis para medida foram: pressão, temperatura, vazão de refrigerante e potência de aquecimento, os quais, juntamente com o registro fotográfico, foram utilizados para caracterizar os padrões de escoamento e as transições, investigando-se os efeitos do diâmetro do tubo, da velocidade mássica e do fluxo de calor sobre a perda de pressão e a transferência de calor. Os principais padrões de escoamento visualizados foram: o intermitente, o anular e o estratificado, nos quais constatou-se que, as transições são governadas, principalmente, pelos efeitos da velocidade mássica e do diâmetro do tubo. Dentre estes padrões de escoamento, o anular e o estratificado foram modelados analiticamente. O modelo para o escoamento anular foi utilizado na obtenção de correlações para o fator de atrito interfacial e para espessura do filme de líquido. O modelo para o escoamento estratificado foi dividido em duas partes, uma destinada a obter a configuração da interface, a qual se mostrou côncava e a outra destinada à determinação dos fatores de atrito líquido-parede e interfacial os quais foram correlacionados / The research reports a theoretical and experimental study of convective boiling of refrigerant R-134a in smooth tubes. Tests have been carried out to measure the following physical parameters at the test section: mass flow rate, pressure and pressure drop, refrigerant and surface temperatures and the electrical power. In addition to these parameters, a photographic study has been carried out from pictures taken at the test section exit in order to determine the flow regimes that intervene under the imposed operating conditions. Effects over the pressure drop and heat transfer of the mass flow rate, heat flux, quality, and tube diameter have been investigated. Three flow regimes have been found: the intermitent, the stratified and the annular. Flow regime transitions are apparently governed by the mass velocity and tube diameter. The annular and the stratified flow regimes have been semi-empirically modeled using a mechanistic approach. The annular flow model has been applied to develop correlations for two important physical parameters: the interfacial friction factor and the film thickness. Through the stratified model, the shape of the interface has been evaluated along with correlations for the liquid to wall and interface friction factors

Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a tecnologia do ciclo refrigerante misto para obtenção de gás natural liquefeito (GNL). Nessa tecnologia, o GNL é obtido por meio do seu resfriamento através de um ciclo de refrigeração, cujo fluido refrigerante é formado por uma mistura de diversos componentes. O ciclo de refrigeração é usado para resfriar a corrente de gás natural até as condições criogênicas por meio de um trocador de calor. A determinação da composição ótima dessa mistura de refrigerantes é de suma importância para a correta e eficiente operação da planta. O modelo termodinâmico para o cálculo de equilíbrio de fases dos componentes da mistura refrigerante é o baseado na Lei de Raoult, válido para misturas e soluções ideais. Inicialmente, revisam-se os conceitos de refrigerantes mistos, curvas compostas e o ponto de pinça (pinch point), utilizados na implementação da solução computacional. A aplicação dos modelos de gás e solução ideal influencia nos resultados, mas, não obstante, produz bons resultados como os obtidos no presente trabalho. A operação eficiente do ciclo depende, sobretudo, de três parâmetros principais, quais sejam: vazão da mistura refrigerante, razão de pressões alta e baixa do ciclo de refrigeração e composição da mistura refrigerante. Da análise dos resultados obtidos conclui-se que a alteração nas proporções da composição do refrigerante muda significativamente a forma das curvas composta quente e composta fria, quando comparados à alteração dos níveis de pressão e da vazão do ciclo refrigerante. Entretanto, a operacionalização do ciclo somente ocorre se um dado conjunto de valores daqueles parâmetros satisfaça uma determinada diferença mínima de temperatura, ou ponto de pinça, entre as curvas composta quente e composta fria dentro do trocador de calor. Assim, a operação eficiente do ciclo de refrigeração requer a otimização daqueles três parâmetros operacionais. / This work has the objective of analyzing the technology of mixed refrigerant cycle for obtaining liquefied natural gas (LNG). In that technology, the liquefied natural gas is obtained by means of cooling through a refrigeration cycle, whose fluid refrigerant is formed by a mixture of various components. The refrigeration cycle is used to cool the natural gas stream to cryogenic condition with the use of a heat exchanger. The determination of the optimal composition of this refrigerant mixture is very important for the correct and efficient operation of the plant. The thermodynamic model for the equilibrium phase calculation of the refrigerant mixture is based on the Law of Raoult, which is valid for ideal mixtures and solutions. Initially, the concepts of refrigerant mixture, composite curves and pinch point used in the implementation of the numerical solution were reviewed. The application of ideal-gas and ideal-solution models has influence on the results. Nevertheless, it produces good results as those obtained in the present work. The efficient operation of the cycle depends essentially of three key parameters, which are: refrigerant flow rate, the ratio of high to low pressures of the refrigerant cycle and the mixed refrigerant composition. The results indicated that the composition variation of the refrigerant changes significantly the shape of hot and cold composite curves in comparison to the modification in the pressure levels and the refrigerant flow rate of the refrigerant cycle. However, the process will operate only if a given set of values of those parameters satisfies a minimum temperature difference, or pinch point, between the hot and cold composite curves within the heat exchanger. Thus, the efficient operation of the refrigerant cycle requires the optimization of those three operational parameters.

This thesis investigates the refrigerant (R-134a) flow in three minichannels having different geometries experimentally. During the last 40 years heat transfer in small scales has been a very attractive research area. Improvements in heat transfer in the refrigeration applications by means of usage of micro/minichannels provide significant developments in this area. Also it is known that experimental studies are very important to constitute a database which is beneficial for new developments and research. During the two-phase flow experiments conducted in the minichannels, low mass flow rates and constant wall temperature approach, which are the conditions in the evaporators of the refrigerator applications were applied because one of the purposes of this study is to determine the most ideal minichannel among the tested minichannels for usage in the evaporator section of the refrigerators. Two-phase flow experiments were made with refrigerant R134a in the three minichannels having hydraulic diameters of 1.69, 3.85 and 1.69 mm respectively. As distinct from the others, the third minichannel has a rough inner surface. Comparison of the experimental results of the three minichannels was made in terms of forced convection heat transfer coefficients and pressure drop at constant quality and mass flux values. As a result of the experiments, the most ideal minichannel among the tested minichannels was determined for the evaporator applications in the refrigerators.

Baigiamajame magistro darbe nagrinėjama tiesioginė šilumos atgavimo funkcija iš šilumos siurblio darbo ciklo ir jos pritaikomumas Lietuvos klimatinėmis sąlygomis. Apžvelgiami naudojamų šalčio mašinų tipai, technologiniai tiesioginio šilumos atgavimo inžineriniai sprendmiai. Taip pat detaliai paaiškinamas šilumos siurblio darbo ciklas ir tiesioginio šilumos atgavimo funkcijos veikimo principas. Taip pat šilumos atgavimo founkcija nagrinėjama konkrečiame jau egzistuojančiame administracinės paskirties pastate, kuriame sumontuota vandeninė šalčio mašina. Nustatomas šalčio mašinos darbo režimų grafikas skaičiuojamąjį Liepos mėnesį. Dviejomis nepriklausomomis kompiuterinėmis programomis sumodeliuojami šalčio mašinos freono konturų darbo ciklai. Pagal gautus rezultatus parenkami ir sumodeliuojami šilumos atgavimo šilumokaičiai ir randamos įmanomos atgauti šilumos galios ir šilumos kiekiai, kurie palyginami su pastato karšto vandens poreikiais ir atliekamas ekonominis šilumos atgavimo funkcijos vertinimas. Gauti rezultatai patvirtina, kad tokio tipo šilumos atgavimas didina pastato energijos vartojimo efektyvumą ir padeda taupyti pinigus. Taip pat nustatyta, kad Lietuvos klimatinėmis sąlygomis šilumos atgavimas įmanomas tik šiltuoju metų sezonu, kai pastate yra vėsos poreikis, tačiau nepaisant to, metiniai sutaupymai yra pakankamai dideli, todėl tiesioginis šilumos atgavimas yra efektyvi mikroklimato sistemų optimizavimo priemonė. / In this Master thesis a direct heat recovery option on the air cooled chiller and its availability in Lithuanian climate has been investigated. Also the review of chiller range, direct heat recovery technological issues and direct refrigerant vapor compression cycle has been explained in detail. Also the heat recovery option has been investigated in the specific administrative building with the chiller already installed. Chiller cooling chart has been calculated for the selected time period – a month of July. Chiller refrigerant circuits were modeled by using two independent computer applications. In accordance with the calcultated results, plate heat exchangers were designed. Possible amount of recovered heat was found and compared with building‘s heat demand for hot domectic water supply. The economical evaluation of heat recovery option was carried out. The results confirmed that the heat recovery option discussed in the thesis can increase energy consumption efficiency. Despite the fact that heat recovery in Lithuanina climate is only possible during the warm season, annual savings on energy consumption are sufficiently high to make the heat recovery measure an attractive option.

Cette étude consiste en l’expérimentation de mélanges de fluides frigorigènes à base de CO2 dans les applications de pompes à chaleur domestiques. L’objectif est l’obtention de performances supérieures à une pompe à chaleur au CO2 double-service (eau chaude sanitaire et chauffage). L’ajout d’autres composés au CO2 déplace le point critique et de façon plus générale modifie les lignes d’équilibre de phases. On peut alors s’attendre à la réduction des pressions de fonctionnement et à une augmentation du rendement énergétique du cycle thermodynamique. Une pompe à chaleur mono-étagée au CO2 est utilisée comme référence, et les conditions de température externes à la boucle thermodynamique sont invariantes. Deux scénarii sont considérés : La production d’eau chaude sanitaire (ECS), où l’eau est chauffée de 10 °C à 65 °C ; la production d’eau de chauffage (CH) où l’au est chauffée de 30 °C à 35 °C. Dans les deux cas, l’eau glycolée en l’entrée de l’évaporateur est régulée à 7 °C. Afin de pouvoir analyser le comportement des cycles thermodynamiques avec mélanges, il est essentiel de connaitre la composition du fluide frigorigène en circulation. Pour ce faire, nous avons mis au point une technique de mesure statistique et non-intrusive de la composition: Des cellules optiques installées sur les tubes de la boucle permettent de recueillir les spectres d’absorption du fluide en circulation, grâce à un spectromètre proche infrarouge à transformée de Fourier. Un étalonnage méticuleux est effectué via l’acquisition de nombreux spectres d’échantillons ayant des compositions connues. Un modèle statistique est alors créé pour lier les concentrations aux données spectrales. Les compositions peuvent ensuite être estimées à partir de nouveau spectres, dont l’acquisition rapide permet l’analyse de la composition du fluide même en fonctionnement dynamique de la pompe à chaleur. Des mélanges de CO2 & propane, et CO2 & R-1234yf ont été testés, montrant des potentiels d’amélioration des performances de la pompe à chaleur pour les applications de chauffage des locaux. / The aim of this work is to experiment CO2 based mixtures as working fluids for heat pump applications in buildings, in order to enhance their performances compared to pure CO2 dual services heat pumps. Since adding other chemicals to CO2 moves the critical point and generally equilibrium lines, it is expected that lower operating pressures as well as higher global efficiencies can be reached. A simple stage pure CO2 cycle is used as reference, with fixed external conditions. Two scenarios are considered: water is heated from 10 °C to 65 °C for Domestic Hot Water (DHW) scenario and from 30 °C to 35 °C for Central Heating (CH) scenario. In both cases, water at the evaporator inlet is set at 7 °C to account for such outdoor temperature conditions. In order to understand the dynamic behaviour of thermodynamic cycles with mixtures, it is essential to measure the fluid circulating composition. To this end, we have developed a non intrusive method. Online optical flow cells allow the recording of infrared spectra by means of a Fourier Transform Infra Red spectrometer. A careful calibration is performed by measuring a statistically significant number of spectra for samples of known composition. Then, a statistical model is constructed to relate spectra to compositions. After calibration, compositions are obtained by recording the spectrum in few seconds, thus allowing for a dynamic analysis. Mixtures of CO2 & propane and CO2 & R-1234yf have been tested and showed great potential on enhancing performances of the heat pump for central heating applications.

I Kraftringens geotermianläggning cirkulerar köldmediet R134a som är en fluorerande växthusgas med relativt hög GWP (Global Warming Potential). När den nya F-gasförordningen trädde i kraft 2015 resulterade det i att priserna ökade markant på de köldmedierna med hög GWP. Kraftringen vill därför undersöka vilka konverteringsalternativ det finns till R134a, dels för att minska på kostnaderna men också för att minimera verksamhetens klimatpåverkan.   Olika köldmedier har jämförts med avseende på hur de påverkar anläggningens prestanda. Det har också undersökts vilka köldmedier som ligger inom rätt tryck med hänsyn till vad kompressorn och anläggningens rör är konstruerade för. Undersökningen har gjorts genom teoretiska beräkningar som är grundade på uppmätta värden från när värmepumparna går på maximal belastning. Vid urvalet av köldmedier har det utgåtts från samma förångningstemperatur och kondenseringstemperatur som vid mätningen.   I undersökningen fann vi två köldmedier, R152a och R450A, som skulle fungera som konverteringsalternativ i avseende att de ligger inom rätt tryck och temperatur. Båda alternativen har lägre GWP och en högre värmefaktor än nuvarande köldmediet R134a. Dock är R152a brandfarligt och har högre säkerhetsklass än de två andra medierna. / In the geothermal plant of 'Kraftringen' the refrigerant R134a, which is a fluorescent greenhouse gas with relatively high GWP (Global Warming Potential), circulates. When the new F-Gas regulation was introduced in 2015, it resulted in a significant price increase for high-pressure GWP refrigerants. 'Kraftringen' therefore wants to investigate which conversion options there are for R134a, partly to reduce costs, but also to minimize the climate impact of the business.   Different refrigerants have been compared with regard as to how they affect the plants performance. Moreover, it has been investigated which refrigerants are in the correct pressure range with regard to what the plants compressor and pipes are designed for. The survey has been done by performing theoretical calculations based on measured values from when the heat pumps operate at maximum load. In the refrigerant selection process, the same evaporation and condensation temperature as during the measuring was used.   In the study we found two refrigerants, R152a and R450A, which would serve as conversion options in terms of them being in the correct pressure and temperature range. Both options have lower GWP and a higher heat factor than the current refrigerant R134a. However, R152a is flammable and has a higher degree of safety than the other two refrigerants.