Design and Optimization of Compact Heat Exchangers in Refrigeration Cycle

Compact heat exchangers have a significant impact on energy transfer and therefore optimization of heat exchangers increases the efficiency of thermal energy transfer and gas cooling degrees. Such heat exchangers are also cost-effective. Condenser and evaporator of refrigeration vapor compression cycles supplied with R-134 are both compact heat exchangers which play a significant role. In this study, the compact heat exchangers were investigated in terms of thermal efficiency. Laminated evaporator and parallel flow condenser (as the most important types of compact heat exchangers), were designed for refrigeration cycle. The formulation was based on effectiveness method and a computer analysis was carried out for optimization. Also a model was presented for the whole refrigeration cycle. Finally results were compared to experimented data and revealed a very good agreement.