VC-21-C045 — New Method to Simultaneously Measure Local Heat Transfer Coefficient and Visualize Flow Regimes during Evaporation in the Plate Heat Exchanger—Validation and Accuracy

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This paper presents a new method to measure the local heat transfer coefficient (HTC) in the plate heat exchanger and specific details of its measurement accuracy. A special heat flux meter was built and substituted one inner plate of the heat exchanger to measure the local heat flux and calculate the local HTC. The heat flux meter consists of two original stainless steel plates separated by infill material, with thermocouples soldered to their inner surfaces. Detailed descriptions and calibration methods of the heat flux meter are discussed in the paper, to result in uncertainty of ±7% of the HTC readings. The sample counterflow plate and frame heat exchanger has three channels: one in the middle for up-flow evaporating refrigerant, and two outers for water. The measurement method that measures HTC on one side of the refrigerant channel is assisted with transparent plates to provide simultaneous visualization. Transparent plates are used on the other side of the refrigerant channel. The preliminary results include the evaporation of saturated R245fa in a 60° chevron angle commercial plate and frame heat exchanger. The results show a uniform distribution of the flow and the measured HTC in the plate’s middle region. However, the inlet and the outlet region (distribution areas) exhibit a maldistribution of HTC and flow.

Citation: 2021 Virtual Conference Papers

Product Details

Published:
2021
Number of Pages:
10
Units of Measure:
Dual
File Size:
1 file , 2.7 MB
Product Code(s):
D-VC-21-C045