Abstract
The effect of inlet configuration (parallel, normal, vertical) on flow distribution in a parallel flow heat exchanger consisting of round headers and ten flat tubes is experimentally studied using air and water. The effects of tube protrusion depth as well as header mass flux, and quality are investigated for upward flow configuration. It is shown that best flow distribution is obtained for vertical inlet configuration, followed by normal inlet and parallel inlet configuration. For upward flow, significant portion of the water flows through the rear part of the header. As protrusion depth increases, more water is forced to the rear part of the header. The effect is most significant for parallel inlet, followed by normal and vertical inlet. The effect of mass flux or quality is opposite to that of the protrusion depth. Possible explanation is provided from flow visualization results.
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