Factors that influence the non-uniform gas-liquid distribution in refrigerant distributors in air conditioners were studied. Gas-liquid flows in two-pass and multi-pass distributors were numerically simulated with a particle/grid hybrid method; droplets and liquid films were mainly simulated using a particle method, and gas flows were simulated using a grid method. Complex behaviors of multi-scale gas-liquid interfaces in the multi-pass distributor were simulated because droplets that were smaller than the grid size could be simulated without numerical diffusion through the gas-liquid interfaces. The effect of the connecting angle of the bend pipe was studied in the two-pass distributor, whereas the effects of the tube’s position relative the distributor inflow and the effect of gravity were investigated in the multi-pass distributor. The model was validated against multiple experimental data taken from an at-scale physical model. We found that keeping the liquid at the inlets of the multi-pass tubes was important for ensuring a uniform distribution.
- Fluids Engineering Division
Study of Factors Influencing Non-Uniform Gas-Liquid Distribution in the Refrigerant Distributor in an Air Conditioner
Ishii, E, & Yoshimura, K. "Study of Factors Influencing Non-Uniform Gas-Liquid Distribution in the Refrigerant Distributor in an Air Conditioner." Proceedings of the ASME 2014 4th Joint US-European Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting collocated with the ASME 2014 12th International Conference on Nanochannels, Microchannels, and Minichannels. Volume 1C, Symposia: Fundamental Issues and Perspectives in Fluid Mechanics; Industrial and Environmental Applications of Fluid Mechanics; Issues and Perspectives in Automotive Flows; Gas-Solid Flows: Dedicated to the Memory of Professor Clayton T. Crowe; Numerical Methods for Multiphase Flow; Transport Phenomena in Energy Conversion From Clean and Sustainable Resources; Transport Phenomena in Materials Processing and Manufacturing Processes. Chicago, Illinois, USA. August 3–7, 2014. V01CT23A015. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/FEDSM2014-21932
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