Abstract

R1234ze(E) has emerged in the recent years as low Global Warming Potential substitute for R134a in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. As a drawback, R1234ze(E) is classified as a mildly flammable fluid (A2L class) and, in the search for non-flammable alternatives to R134a, hydrofluorocarbon/hydrofluoroolefin binary mixtures can be considered. In the present work, condensation tests are performed with R1234ze(E) and non-flammable binary mixtures R450A (R1234ze(E)/R134a at 58.0/42.0% by mass) and R515B (R1234ze(E)/R227ea at 91.1/8.9% by mass) inside two channels with inner diameter equal to 3.38 mm and 0.96 mm. R515B is an azeotropic mixture whereas R450A is a near-azeotropic blend (temperature glide 0.6 K at 40 °C). Heat transfer coefficients are measured at 40 °C saturation temperature and mass flux from 40 kg m−2 s−1 to 600 kg m−2 s−1. Flow pattern visualizations are recorded by a high-speed camera in the 3.38 mm inner diameter tube. Two-phase pressure gradients are measured in the 0.96 mm test section at mass flux equal to 200 and 400 kg m−2 s−1. The prediction accuracy of condensation heat transfer and two-phase pressure drop models is assessed against the experimental results. A comparative study between the tested fluids and R134a, accounting for both the heat transfer coefficients and the two-phase pressure drops, is performed.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call