Optimized design of a heat exchanger for an air-to-water reversible heat pump working with propane (R290) as refrigerant: Modelling analysis and experimental observations

González, Jesús Castro; Urchueguı́a, Javier F.; Corberán, José M.; Gonzálvez, José

doi:10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2004.12.009

Cited by 28 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…In fact, in the past few decades, numerous interesting researches were published in literature such as the studies of [5][6][7][8][9]. Nevertheless, the following chapter does not attempt to review all the available literature but those most focused on the particular heat exchanger design only or the consideration on the heat transfer and pressure drop separately.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pressure drop and heat transfer during two-phase flow vaporization of propane in horizontal smooth minichannels

Choi¹,

Pamitran²,

Oh³

et al. 2009

International Journal of Refrigeration

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pressure drop and heat transfer during two-phase flow vaporization of propane in horizontal smooth minichannels

Choi¹,

Pamitran²,

Oh³

et al. 2009

International Journal of Refrigeration

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“…It is worth noting that the model did not account for pressure losses across pipes and evaporators, which could explain the slight overprediction observed. It is also important to mention that low relative error results in less than 5%, as achieved by [21], were not observed. Table 9 shows the percentage relative difference between the experimental and simulated COP results, indicating moderate correspondence at the overpredicted range of 4%-17% and under-predicted range of 3%-15%.…”

Section: Simulation Resultsmentioning

confidence: 89%

“…A parallel experiment was also conducted to compare the performance of R290 with the benchmark case of R134a as a refrigerant in heat pump water heaters. Part of the result is compared to the literature [21] where an experimental study of an air-to-water reversible heat pump unit was conducted using R290. The simulation studies used the same settings as the experimental setup and exergy analysis was performed to assess the exergy destruction in each core component of the heat pump water heater.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Comparative Study of R134a and Propane (R290) as Refrigerants in Heat Pump Water Heaters

Lee,

Cheng

2023

J Energ Power Technol

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In the context of decarbonization efforts, heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) offer an attractive solution over conventional electric resistance type hot water systems due to their 2-3 times higher efficiency. However, the high manufacturing costs and taxes associated with using hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant make HPWHs expensive. As a means to tackle this issue, this paper explores the use of propane (R290) as a refrigerant in HPWHs. The study involves an experimental comparison of R290 and R134a, with refrigerant charges optimized for the unit at different ambient temperatures. This current work demonstrates that R290 achieves a 10% improvement in coefficient of performance (COP) at ambient temperatures beyond 20°C. However, at 10°C ambient temperature, the study shows that R290 offers no advantage over R134a, and the COP is lower. These results indicate that the compressor is the largest source of inefficiency, and this aligns well with experimental results on system performance. Additionally, simulation tests using compressors designed for R290 did not predict better COP values than the test unit. Overall, the study suggests that R290 is a viable refrigerant option for HPWHs, but further research is necessary to optimize it’s use.

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“…The thermodynamic modeling of the HP of the considered HP was developed via IMST-Art v.4.0 software [58]. More specifically, the software allowed for 1-D modeling of heat exchangers, and other accessories, and the reliability of results was confirmed by ad hoc validation studies [59].…”

Section: Details On Simulation Performed and Assumptionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrated Thermodynamic and Control Modeling of an Air-to-Water Heat Pump for Estimating Energy-Saving Potential and Flexibility in the Building Sector

et al. 2023

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Reversible heat pumps are increasingly adopted for meeting the demand for space heating and cooling in buildings. These technologies will play a key role not only in the decarbonization of space air conditioning but also in the development of 100% renewable energy systems. However, to assess the achievable benefits through the adoption of these technologies in novel applications, reliable models are needed, capable of simulating both their steady-state operation and dynamic response at different conditions in terms of heating loads, outdoor temperatures, and so on. The operation of heat pumps is often investigated by highly simplified models, using performance data drawn from catalogs and paying scarce attention to the critical influence of controllers. In this respect, this paper proposed an integrated thermodynamic and control modeling for a reversible air-to-water heat pump. The study considered a heat pump alternatively equipped with variable-speed compressors and constant-speed compressors with sequential control. The developed modeling was then used to investigate the operation of an air-to-water heat pump serving an office building in Italy. Results show that the model provided insights into the transient operation of variable-speed heat pumps (e.g., the settling time). Regarding constant-speed heat pumps, the model provided hints of interest to the control engineer to prevent, in the examined case study, the risk of quick compressors cycling on low-load heating days or when low-temperature heating devices are supplied. Finally, using a control strategy based on a heating curve for the variable-speed heat pump, results show the potential for a sensible increase in the average coefficient of performance, from 17% up to 50%.

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Optimized design of a heat exchanger for an air-to-water reversible heat pump working with propane (R290) as refrigerant: Modelling analysis and experimental observations

Cited by 28 publications

References 9 publications

Pressure drop and heat transfer during two-phase flow vaporization of propane in horizontal smooth minichannels

Pressure drop and heat transfer during two-phase flow vaporization of propane in horizontal smooth minichannels

A Comparative Study of R134a and Propane (R290) as Refrigerants in Heat Pump Water Heaters

Integrated Thermodynamic and Control Modeling of an Air-to-Water Heat Pump for Estimating Energy-Saving Potential and Flexibility in the Building Sector

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