Refrigeration Heat Exchanger Design (Evaporator and Condenser)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on estimating the total heat transfer area for the evaporator and condenser in a domestic refrigeration system based on a vapor compression refrigeration system. The user seeks realistic values for the heat transfer area (AL) and overall heat transfer coefficient (UL) to calculate the optimal heat transfer ratio, given a heat removal rate (QL) of 7.93 kW and specific temperature conditions. The user emphasizes the importance of estimating the area first to derive the heat transfer coefficient, highlighting the significant resistance on the air side of evaporators due to design features like fins.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vapor compression refrigeration systems
  • Knowledge of heat transfer principles and coefficients
  • Familiarity with thermodynamic temperature conversions
  • Experience with calculating heat transfer areas in heat exchangers
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for calculating heat transfer coefficients in evaporators
  • Explore design considerations for fins in heat exchangers
  • Study the impact of refrigerant properties on heat transfer performance
  • Investigate software tools for simulating heat exchanger performance
USEFUL FOR

Mechanical engineers, HVAC professionals, and students involved in refrigeration system design and optimization will benefit from this discussion.

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Hi There

Based on a Vapour compression refrigeration system:
Does anyone out there know a good estimate or any real values for the total heat transfer area for the hot and cold sides of a domestic refrigeration system? i.e. the sum of the areas of the evaporator and the condenser.

For the Evaporator:
QL=UL.AL.(TL-T1)

AL=heat transfer area of cold side (Low side)=?
UL=overal heat trans. coefficient of cold side.=?
QL=heat removed from cold side = 7.93 KW
TL=refrigerator temp. = 3degs C + 273.15=276.12 Kelvin
T1= Refrigerant evaporating temp. =0degs C + 273.15= 273.15 Kelvin

I am trying to estimate this area so I can calculate the overal heat transfer coefficient which I need for other calculations. So far the outcome of estimating the area and finding the heat transfer coefficient based on it has not been realistic.

If it helps:
The aim of my project is to find the optimal heat transfer ratio between hot and cold side, there is theory on this which I am following, I just need some realistic values for area and heat transfer coefficient. I think it is more logical to estimate the area and find the h.t. coefficient based on that rather than the other way around.
 
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Normally evaporators have some kind of fins (maybe just a plate that evaporator tubes are pressed into) as the resistance on the air side is much greater than that of the refrigerant to heat exchanger side.
 

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