PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF INTERNAL HEAT EXCHANGER IN THE WINDOW

AIR-CONDITIONING UNIT

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Rationale of the Study

Air-conditioning is essential to cool homes, business, hospitals, data centers, laboratories,

and other buildings. It is vital to economy and daily lives so it is considered as a necessity and
luxury in many parts of the world. Its main purpose is to provide thermal comfort and an
acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ) for occupants. People spend 80% to 90% of their time
indoors and as the improvement of standard living; occupants need more comfortable and
healthful indoor environment for positive effects on human health and work efficiency. Air-
conditioning system also helps in maintaining the quality of furniture, preventing the electronic
devices from overheating, fewer sweat stains, easier to sleep, improved work efficiency and it is
literally a life saver. And the factors affecting the indoor environment are mainly temperature,
humidity, air exchange rate, air movement, ventilation, particle pollutants, biological pollutants,
and gaseous pollutants. (Graudenz et al.,).

There are a lot advantages and disadvantages of using an air-conditioning system. One of
this is that it uses a lot of electricity during operation time. This creates financial disadvantages
for the people who have to pay for the energy consumption. And due to large percentage of
electricity is created by coaling – burning power plants, air-conditioning contributes indirectly to
the release of greenhouse effect gases and other pollutants. Growing electricity demand for air-
conditioning is the primary issues facing at this generation as well as the cooling capacity of the
AC unit. Most of the time AC system has a low cooling capacity so people tends to buy a bigger
and higher Air-Conditioner unit. The bigger the unit it is the higher energy consumption obtains,
instead of saving the energy it will not happen. Considering to some innovations of the air-
conditioning system the price also increase that result people cannot attempt to buy and in terms
of energy consumption it has a big impact in human life. Energy consumption is one of the major
disadvantages of air conditioning, but through some constant reviews and formulation of ideas it
can be lessen

Introducing Heat Exchanger is one of the solutions. Heat Exchanger is a device use to
transfer heat from one medium to another. And to achieve higher performance, Internal Heat
Exchanger (IHX) is introduced in to some refrigeration system. Several tests were conducted
with using different refrigerant and results that are obtained vary greatly.

This purpose is achieved by exchanging energy between the cool gaseous refrigerant
leaving the evaporator and warm liquid refrigerant exiting the condenser. These devices can have
positive or negative influences on the plant overall energy efficiency, depending on the working
fluid and the operating conditions. In this paper the experimental results obtained from a window
type air conditioning unit with and without presence of an internal heat exchanger using R22 as
working fluids, are presented and analyzed including the impact on the Coefficient of
Performance (COP) of the system as well as the Internal Heat Exchanger efficiency.
Theoretical Background

The increasing demand of living together with the overdependence of fossil fuels, have
dragged the attention of researchers and engineers to highlight the energy use in buildings.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays an essential role in providing
human comfort. In fact, improvement to these traditional HVAC systems could give a lot of
excitement for significant devaluation in energy exhaustions. The improvement of energy active
HVAC system that does not depend on fossil fuel plays a vital role in diminishing energy
consumptions. Lessening the energy consumption of heating, ventilation and air conditioning
(HVAC) system has been becoming a need due to rising costs of fossil fuels and environmental
trouble. Therefore, searching for different ways to minimize energy consumption in buildings
without bargaining indoor and comfort air quality is continuing research defiance. One justified
approach in attaining energy efficiency in HVAC system is to compose a system that benefits
different combination of existing fundamental.

Althouse et al. [1] stated that refrigeration and air conditioning work on the following
thermal laws:

1. Fluid absorbs heat while changing from a liquid state to a vapor state and give up heat in
changing from vapor state to a liquid state;

2. The temperature at which a change of state occurs remains constant during the process
provided that pressure remains constant;

3. Heat flows only from a body at a higher temperature to a body at lower temperature;

4. Metallic parts of the evaporating and condensing units are made of high heat conductivity such
as aluminum, copper, brass, and;

5. Heat energy and other forms of energy such as electrical energy maybe converted into heat
energy and heat energy maybe converted into mechanical energy and mechanical energy maybe
converted into heat energy.
Heat Exchanger

A heat exchanger was then introduced into the study and is going to be done by further
experimentation to test whether there is a reduction of energy consumption. It is a device that
transfers thermal energy from one medium to another. Heat exchangers not only boost in the
cooling and heating of homes and buildings, but also help machine and engines work more
efficiently and effectively. An air conditioner abolishes heat from indoors to outdoors and one of
the chemicals that it uses is a refrigerant. Heat travels from a warmer body to a cooler body. In
order to assimilate the thermodynamics captivated in HVAC system, it experiences heat transfer
which is conduction, convection and radiation. The coefficient of performance (COP) of an air
conditioning unit can be measured by the ratio of the output from the system to the input needed
to make the output. The product in this case is the cooling effect, which can be determined from
the enthalpy difference of the refrigerant beyond the evaporator. From the pressure and
temperature data obtained during an experiment the refrigerant’s enthalpy is computed.

Superheating and subcooling procedures are applied for the purpose of improving the
efficiency of the system. If the simple refrigeration system is compared to sub cooled and
superheated refrigeration system, as shown in Figure 1, then the refrigerating effect per unit mass
is greater by an amount equal to the amount of superheat [2].

a) b)
 Figure 1. P–h diagrams: (a) without IHX; and (b) with IHX

Compared with the standard vapor-compression cycle, the system, using heat exchanger
may seem to have obvious advantages because of the increased refrigerating effect. Both the
capacity and coefficient of performance seem to be improved. This is not necessarily true,
however. Even though the refrigerating effect is increased the compression is pushed farther out
into the superheat region, where the work of compression is greater than it is close to the
saturated line [2].

a)
 b)

Figure 2. Schematic Diagram (a) with IHX and (b) without IHX

COLD FLUID IN

HOT FLUID OUT

HOT FLUID IN

COLD FLUID OUT

Figure 3. Tubular Internal Heat Exchanger

Subcooling

A basic saturated cycle is compared with one in which the liquid is subcooled on the P-h
diagram in Figure 3. When the liquid is subcooled the refrigerating effect per unit mass is
increased before it reaches the expansion valve in the system. Because of the increased in
refrigerating effect the mass flow rate of refrigerant per unit capacity is less for the subcooled
cycle than for the saturated cycle. It should be distinguished that for both cycles the refrigerant
vapor entering the suction inlet of the compressor is the same. Because of this, the specific
volume of the vapor entering the compressor will be the same for both the saturated and
subcooled, considering the mass flow rate per unit capacity is less for the subcooled cycle than
the saturated cycle, thus the volume vapor that the compressor must handle per unit capacity will
also be less for the subcooled cycle. The compressor displacement required for the subcooled
cycle is smaller than the required for the saturated cycle because the volume of vapor
compressed per unit capacity is less for the subcooled cycle.

It should also be noted that the heat of compression per unit mass is the same for both
the saturated and subcooled cycles. This means that the increase in refrigerating effect per unit
mass resulting from the subcooling is accomplished without increasing the energy input to the
compressor. Any change in the refrigerating cycle that increases the quantity of heat absorbed in
the refrigerated space without causing an increase in the energy input to the compressor will
increase the COP of the cycle and reduce the power required per unit capacity. Subcooling of the
liquid refrigerant can and does occur in several places and in several ways. Very often the liquid
refrigerant becomes subcooled while stored in the liquid receiver tank or while passing through
the liquid line by giving off heat to the surrounding air. The gain in system capacity and
efficiency resulting from the liquid subcooling is very often more than sufficient to offset the
additional cost of the subcooler, particularly for low temperature applications [2].
 Figure 3. P-h diagram of simple vapor compression refrigeration system subcooled.

For the saturated cycle (1-2-3-4-1)

h3=h4=hf at condensing temperature

For the subcooled cycle (1-2-3’-4’-1)

h3=h4=hf at condensing temperature

(a) Refrigerating effect

For the saturated cycle, the refrigerating effect

h1=h4

For the subcooled cycle, the refrigerating effect

 h1=h4’

(b) Effect on mass flow rate per ton

For saturated cycle, the mass flow rate

211
𝑚= = kg/ (min) (ton)
ℎ1−ℎ4

For the subcooled cycle, mass flow rate

211
𝑚′ = = kg/ (min) (ton)
ℎ1−ℎ4

(c) Effect on the compressor, the mass flow rate

For the saturated cycle, the volume flow rate

V1 = (m) (v1) = m3/ (min) (ton)

For the subcooled cycle, the volume flow rate

V1 = (m’) (v1) = m3/ (min) (ton)

(d) Effect on COP

For saturated cycle, COP:

ℎ1−ℎ4
ℎ2−ℎ1

For subcooled cycle, COP:

ℎ1−ℎ4
ℎ2−ℎ1
Effects of Subcooling:

Both the mass flow rate and volume flow rate decreases, while the compressor work
remains constant and the refrigerating effect and coefficient of performance (COP) also
increases.

Superheating

In most cases, superheating and sub cooling procedures are applied for improving the
system efficiency. If the simple refrigeration system is compared to sub cooled and superheated
refrigeration system, as shown in Figure 4, then the refrigerating effect per unit mass is greater
by an amount equal to the amount of superheat [2].

Since the refrigerating effect per unit mass is greater for the superheated cycle than for
the saturated cycle, the mass flow rate of refrigerant per unit capacity is less for the superheated
cycle than for the saturated cycle.

Even though the specific volume of the suction vapour and the heat of compression per
unit mass are both greater for the superheated cycle than for the saturated cycle, the volume of
vapour compressed per unit capacity and the power required per unit capacity are both lower for
the superheated cycle than for the saturated cycle. This is because of the reduction in the mass
flow rate.

For the superheated cycle, both the refrigerating effect per unit mass of refrigerant and
the heat of compression per unit mass of refrigerant are greater than for the saturated cycle.
However, since the increase in the refrigerating effect is proportionally greater than the increase
in the heat of compression, the COP for the superheated cycle is higher than that of the saturated
cycle.
 The superheating of the suction vapor in an actual cycle usually occurs in such a way
that part of the heat taken by the vapor in becoming superheated is absorbed from the
refrigerated space and produces useful cooling. The portion of the superheat that produces useful
cooling will depend on the individual application, and the effect of the superheating on the cycle
will vary approximately in proportion to the useful cooling accomplished.

Figure 4. P-h diagram of simple vapor compression refrigeration system superheated.

For saturated cycle (1-2-3-4-1)

v1= vg at evaporating temperature (m3/kg)

h1= hg at evaporating temperature (m3/kg)

h2=h at P2 (kJ/kg)
s2=s1 (kJ/kg)

For superheated cycle (1’-2’-3-4-1’)

v1= v at P1 (m3/kg)

h1’ = h at P1 (kJ/kg)

h2’= h at P2 (kJ/kg)

s2’= s1’ (kJ/kg)

For refrigerating effect

For the saturated cycle:

RE = h1-h4 (kJ/kg)

For superheated cycle

(1) When superheating of suction vapor occurs inside the refrigerated space, useful cooling
results and the refrigerating effect is

RE = h1’-h4 (kJ/kg)

(2) When superheating of suction vapor occurs in the suction line, no useful cooling results
and the refrigerating effect is

RE = h1-h4 (kJ/kg)

Effect on mass flow rate per ton

For the saturated cycle,

211
m= ℎ (kg/ (min) (ton))
1 −ℎ4

For superheated cycle

(1) With useful cooling

211
m’= ℎ (kg/ (min) (ton))
1′ −ℎ4
(2) Without useful cooling
211
m”= ℎ (kg/ (min) (ton))
1 −ℎ4

Effects on compressor volume capacity

For the saturated cycle

V1’= (m) (v1) (m3/ (min)(ton))

For the superheated cycle

(1) With useful cooling,

V1= (m’) (v1) (m3/(min)(ton))
(2) Without useful cooling,
V1=(m) (v’1) (m3/(min)(ton))

Effect on COP

For saturated cycle,

ℎ −ℎ
COP=ℎ1 −ℎ4
2 1

For the superheated cycle

(1) With useful cooling,

ℎ −ℎ
COP= ℎ 1′−ℎ 4
2′ 1′
(2) Without useful cooling,
ℎ −ℎ
COP= ℎ 1 −ℎ4
2′ 1′

Effects of Superheating:

Both the mass flow rate and volume flow rate decreases while, the compressor work,
refrigerating effect and the coefficient of performance (COP) increases.
Coefficient of Performance

Ratio of work or useful output to the amount of work of energy input used generally as a
measure of the energy-efficiency of air conditioners, space heaters and other cooling and heating
devices. Coefficient of Performance (COP) equals heat delivered (output) in British thermal units
(Btu) per hour divided by the heat equivalent of the electric energy input (one watt = 3.413
Btu/hour) or, alternatively, energy efficiency ratio divided by 3.13. If coefficient of performance
is high, then the efficiency of the system is also high.

a) COP = RE / Wcompressor

COP = h1 – h4 / h2 – h1

R.E.

b) COP = RE / WCompressor

COP = h1 – h5 / h2 – h1
 Where:

RE = Refrigerating Effect

𝑊𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑟 = Work of the compressor

Figure 5. P-h diagram of COP: (a) without IHX (b) with IHX

Theoretical Framework of the Study

Air Conditioner
with IHX

Sub cooling Superheating

Evaporator Air Aircon Power Condensing Air Humidity Ratio

Temperature Consumption Temperature

Figure 3. Theoretical Framework of the Study

 THE PROBLEM

Statement of the Problem

The study imposes of a window air-conditioning system installed with an internal heat
exchanger device at the Cebu Technological University – Main Campus, Cebu City for
Academic Year 2019-2020 as the base for technology package.

Specifically this study aims to answer the following questions:

1. What is the level of effectiveness of the aircon unit with IHX device and without the IHX
device in terms of?

1.1 Cold air discharge temperature;

1.2 Aircon power consumption;

1.3 Coefficient of Performance

1.4 Condenser discharge air temperature

2. Is there a significant difference between the two in terms of?

1.1 Cold air discharge temperature;

1.2 Aircon power consumption;

1.3 Coefficient of Performance

1.4 Condenser discharge air temperature

3. With the use of IHX, what environmental impact on temperature does it have?

4. What appropriate design can be proposed based on the findings?

Objectives of the study

General Objective

The main objective of this study is to compare the efficiency and effectiveness of an air-
conditioning system with and without the Internal Heat Exchange (IHX).

Specific Objective

 To design a sub cooling and superheating heat exchanger.

 To boost the cooling effect of air conditioner using the heat exchanger.
 To determine the COP performance of the AC unit.
Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will redound to the following:

Faculty – The faculty handling subjects like Refrigeration and Air conditioning will be able to
enhance the curriculum by endorsing new ways and ideas in teaching mechanical engineering
professional subjects in both lecture and laboratory.

Students – The result of this study will help the students add to their understanding in
Refrigeration and Air conditioning especially brand new ideas such as innovating a heat
exchanger device in improving the system’s performance. And because of this, the student will
acknowledge the importance of the heat exchanger device, the behavior of the substance flowing
in it, its impact to the environment and operation.

Industry – The result and data gained from this study would be useful to the industry especially
in the innovation of a Heat Exchanger in Refrigeration and Air conditioning as well as in Power
and Industrial Plant operation and design.

Future Researchers – Research related to heat exchangers in Refrigeration and Air conditioning
can use the material data gathered from this study for the future researchers. These data may
somehow adjure with the theories and ideas of some authors which provide the missing link in
their researches. Furthermore, some researchers may conduct replicate studies to authenticate the
relevant findings of this study whose noble purpose is to certify the data obtained from the past
researches.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study will use the locally available materials in obtaining the data for the comparison
of an air conditioning system with and without an Internal Heat Exchanger (IHX). In the
comparative analysis the same refrigerant and components will be used except the use of the
internal heat exchanger (IHX). The performance of the Internal Heat Exchanger will be based
from the pressure and temperature parameters.
 THE RESEARCH DESIGN METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The method to be used in the evaluation of Internal Heat Exchanger (IHX) device is
through experimentation and with the use of Experiment Data Sheet.

Table 1. Experiment Data Sheet

Data Sheet no.

Date: Weather:

Time: Ambient Temperature:

Location:

Type of Equipment: Cooling Power Input:

Cooling Capacity: Air-Flow Rate:

Type of Refrigerant:

Table 2. Setting: Low Cool

Trials Air Grill Condensing Inlet Outlet Inlet Outlet

Temperature Temperature Capillary Capillary Suction Suction
𝒕𝟏 (C°) 𝒕𝟐 (C°) Temperature Temperature Temperature Temperature
𝒕𝟑 (°C) 𝒕𝟒 (°C) 𝒕𝟓 (°C) 𝒕𝟔 (°C)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Trials Relative
Voltage Current Humidity
(Volts) (Amps) (%)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Table 3. Setting: Medium Cool

Trials Air Grill Condensing Inlet Outlet Inlet Outlet

Temperature Temperature Capillary Capillary Suction Suction
𝒕𝟏 (C°) 𝒕𝟐 (C°) Temperature Temperature Temperature Temperature
𝒕𝟑 (°C) 𝒕𝟒 (°C) 𝒕𝟓 (°C) 𝒕𝟔 (°C)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Trials Relative
Voltage Current Humidity
(Volts) (Amps) (%)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Table 4. Setting: High Cool

Trials Air Grill Condensing Inlet Outlet Inlet Outlet

Temperature Temperature Capillary Capillary Suction Suction
𝒕𝟏 (C°) 𝒕𝟐 (C°) Temperature Temperature Temperature Temperature
𝒕𝟑 (°C) 𝒕𝟒 (°C) 𝒕𝟓 (°C) 𝒕𝟔 (°C)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Trials Relative
Voltage Current Humidity
(Volts) (Amps) (%)
1.
2.
3.
4.
 5.

Research Experimental Set-Up

AIR CONDITIONER THERMOMETER

THERMOMETER
VOLT OHM METER
 DATA LOGGER

Research Procedure

Input Process Output

Planning and Testing/Measuring Technology

Designing of and Gathering Package of
Research Study Data Internal Heat
Exchanger Device

Figure 4. Flow of the Study

Research Environment

This study will be held at the Cebu Technological University – Main Campus, College of
Engineering, 6th floor located at M.J. Cuenco Avenue and R. Palma Street, Cebu City. With the
research materials, measuring tools and equipment that are readily available it is an ideal location
to conduct the experiment.
Research Instrument

The research instrument that will be used by the researchers in gathering data will be the
Data Logger and the Spread Sheets. The Data Logger records the temperature, pressure,
humidity and current while being attached in the aircon. During the experiment the Spread
Sheets will be used to record other important information of the activities.

Methods and Procedure

To proceed to the experimental test, a window type of air conditioner unit will be use in
the study. The aircon unit specifications are recorded in the Experiment Data Sheet which
includes: the Brand, cooling power input, cooling capacity, air-flow rate, type of refrigerant used.
The experiment should be held in a closed room to keep an eye on the changes in air temperature
and humidity during the test. All measuring devices should be installed to the system and to the
data logger before the test trials which includes the low and high pressure gauges, thermometers,
and hygrometer and watt meter.
DEFINITION OF TERMS

Heat Exchanger - a device for transferring heat from one medium to another.

Subcooling - also called under cooling refers to a liquid existing at a temperature below its
normal boiling point.

Superheating - is the phenomenon in which a liquid is heated to a temperature higher than its
boiling point, without boiling.

Enthalpy - a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the total heat content of a system. It is equal
to the internal energy of the system plus the product of pressure and volume.

Evaporator - is a device in a process used to turn the liquid form of a chemical substance such as
water into gaseous form vapor.

Condenser - is a device or unit used to condense a gaseous substance into a liquid state through
cooling.

Compressor - is a mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume.

Expansion Valve - removes pressure from the liquid refrigerant to allow expansion or change of
state from a liquid to a vapor in the evaporator.
 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

A type of tube in tube heat exchanger used in liquid suction heat exchanger subcooling is
installed between the condenser and the capillary tube before the evaporator. R22, R404A, and
mixture refrigerant R290/R600a are refrigerants used in this research. Refrigerant R290/R600a is
in steady state condition with subcooling temperature evaporator lower reaches -30°C, lower
than R404 and R22 which is -24°C and -22°C. Liquid suction heat exchanger subcooling on
∆T𝑠𝑢𝑏 . The mixture refrigerant of R290/R600a is greater than the cooling effect of refrigerant
R404a and R22, and liquid suction heat exchanger increases refrigeration capacity index (RCI).
The average increase in RCI respectively 3.91%, 7.78%, and 11.87%. With refrigerant
R290/R600a the average work compressor and compressor work index (CWI) is greater than
R404a and R22.CWI respectively is an average of 5.68%, 8.82% and 11.82%. The average COP,
their liquid suction exchanger, respectively is 3.38, 3.18 and 2.63. The average 𝐶𝑂𝑃𝑅𝑆 of mixture
refrigerant R290/R600a is 5.01%, 5.95%, and 7.41% which is greater than the R22 and R404a. A
mixture refrigerant R290/R600a has the same characteristics as R404a which can be used as a
substitute for refrigerant R22 and R404a [2].

Non-Azeotropic Refrigerant Mixture (NARM) is a candidate for the two-temperature level

cooling found in refrigerators for it ecperiences a variable temperature glide during a constant-
pressure phase change process. There are tow fundamental advantages to using NARM over a
pure refrigerant: 1) mixture and air-temperature glides can be better matched to improve the
system performance, and 2) lower refrigerant temperatures can be achieved through the use of
intercooling with no decrease in evaporating pressure. One of the objectives of this study is to
tackle about optimal pure refrigerant (R12 and R134a) and NARM (65% R221, 35% R123 and
80% R221, 120% R141b) refrigerator system configurations that minimized life-cycle cost. To
aide develop an evaporator heat transfer and to take NARM heat transfer data a two-evaporator
flow loop was constructed. With a mass flux range of 25-45 kg/m2-s, the mixture heat transfer
coefficients were on the order of 50% less than those of R12. For higher mass flux, skyrocketed
and approach the R12 values. To depreciate the life-cycle cost of each system configuration
studied a steady-state optimization model was used. The optimized system configuration with the
lowest life-cycle cost was R221/R123 system with both high and low temperature intercoolers.
This system used 5.7% less energy, 23% more evaporative area, and its life cycle was 2.1% less
than that of an optimized R134a single-evaporator system. Moreover, this system used 10.5%
less energy, 46% more evaporative area, and its life cycle cost was 4.5% less than that of a
modeled R12 base case system. The optimized R221/R123 system performed better than the
R221/R141b systems. Mixture heat transfer coefficient enhancement had a limited impact on
lifecycle cost [3].

To increase the cooling capacity of the evaporator this study uses LSHX sub-cooler by
lowering the temperature at the condenser outlet which wherein the decrease in temperature of
the condenser outlet will cause a decrease in the quality of the refrigerant entering the
evaporator. If the quality of the refrigerant entering the evaporator is low, then the cooling
capacity produced by the evaporator is high. The LSHX sub-cooler utilizes a heat exchanger to
transfer heat from the outlet of the condenser (liquid line) to the suction of the compressor. Three
different LSHX sub-coolers in the freezer with cabin temperature settings of 0°C, -10°C and -
20°C were investigated in the present study. The results showed that the lowest and the highest
of effectiveness of the heat exchanger were 0.28 and 0.58, respectively. The experimental results
also showed that EER reduction is occurred at the cabin temperature setting of 0°C and -10°C,
whereas the EER improvements were always occurred at the cabin temperature settings of -20°C
[4].
 This study presents the experimental evaluation of an internal heat exchanger or suction
line/ liquid line heat exchanger in a CO2 subcritical refrigeration plant with gas-cooler. Driven
by a 1.5kW CO2 semi-hermetic compressor plant uses a brazed plate heat exchanger as
condenser, evaporator and internal heat exchanger, an air finned tube gas-cooler and an
electronic expansion valves. The evaluation covers evaporating temperatures from -40°C to -
25°C and condensing temperature from -15°C to 0°C at the nominal speed of the compressor.
The main energy is analyzed base on the effect of the internal heat exchanger, i.e., effect of the
internal heat exchanger, COP, and heat rejection at gas-cooler and condenser. In this study it has
been concluded that the internal heat exchanger does not improve the performance of the
subcritical cycle, but it would improve the energy performance if it is used in a cascade
refrigeration system [5].

This study introduces Internal Heat Exchanger (IHX) in some refrigeration system in
order to achieve higher energy performances. Data gathered differs greatly depending on the
refrigerant used and working conditions. Refrigerant R1234ze(E) and R450A
(R134a/R1234ze(E) commercial mixture) was used as R134a low-GWP replacements to describe
a drop-in analysis of IHX effects on the performance of a vapor compression system. The tests
were carried out in a completely monitored vapor compression system varying the condensing
and evaporating temperature, with and without a counter-current flow tube-in-tube IHX. The
result was the cooling capacity rises and the power consumption remains similar thus, the IHX
has a positive influence in the energy efficiency for all refrigerants tested. The highest COP
obtained was using R1234ze(E). The R1234ze(E) and R450A discharge temperature increments
are lower than those of R134a so it does not reach dangerous values and the IHX pressure drop
are also below than that of R134a [6].

This study analyzes the theoretical effect of the internal heat exchanger (IHE) on the
performance of the transcritical carbon dioxide refrigeration cycle with an expander on the basis
of the first and second law of thermodynamics. Heat rejection pressure, gas cooler outlet
temperature, evaporating temperature, expander isentropic efficiency and IHE effectiveness are
the possible parameters affecting system efficiency are investigated. The study states that adding
IHE in the carbon dioxide refrigeration cycle with an expander increases the specific cooling
capacity and compression work, and decreases the optimum heat rejection pressure and the
expander output power. Though, IHE does not always improve the system performance in the
refrigeration cycle with an expander. The throttle valve cycle with IHE provides a 5.6% to 17%
increases in maximum COP compared to that of the basic cycle. The maximum COP of an ideal
expander cycle with IHE is approximately 12.3% to 16.1% lower than the maximum COP of the
cycle without IHE. The isentropic efficiency level of the expander can improve the energy
efficiency of the IHE. The use of the IHE is only applicable in the cases of lower expander
isentropic efficiencies or higher gas cooler exit temperatures for the refrigeration cycle with an
expander from the view of energy efficiency [7].

System modifications are suggested when using refrigerants as replacement for R134a.
To improve the energy efficiency for some refrigerants, internal heat exchanger is introduced [8].
Some authors studied the influence of the operating conditions on the performance when using
IHX, developing theoretical models, checking themselves with different refrigerants and
concluded that heat capacity was the most influential property in the benefit of IHX and they
developed a model assuming isentropic compression and ideal gas behavior [9].

A criterion under the hypotheses of adiabatic devices and negligible pressure drops was
developed by Aprea et al. [10]. Klein et al. [11] provide an alternative method of correlating the
performance results identifying a new dimensionless parameter and assuming pressure drops in
THX negligible. Dagilis et al. [12] applied a steady state mathematical model under various
operating conditions, giving an optimal inner IHX diameter for household refrigerating systems.
Mastrullo et al. [13] developed a single chart to verify the effectiveness of installation on an IHX
using several refrigerants, and they also sustained that the vapour heat capacity is the most
influential property on the performance resulting. Hermes [14] highlighted the effect of the
evaporating pressure in COP variation for systems with IHX when the cooling capacity is
constrained. Preissner et al. [15] analyzed the IHX effects on an R134a automotive air
conditioning system, the COP and the capacity resulting with IHX (60% effectiveness) was
increased between 5 and 10%. In the same way, Desai [16] used a system test bench calorimeter
and noticed that IHX can improve the efficiency of an R143a cycle noticeably (11% with copper
IHX and 7.18% Aluminum IHX). Experimental studies performed by Navarro-Esbri et al. [17]
(in a vapour compression system) and Cho et al. [18] (in an automotive refrigeration system)
demonstrated how IHX can help to diminish the cooling capacity and COP difference between
R1234yf and R134a.Pottker and Hmjak[ 19] focused their research on effect of condenser
subcooling due to IHX consideration also using R1234yf and R 134a. Stoecker and Walukas[20]
focused on the influence of liquid-suction heat exchangers in both single temperature evaporator
and dual temperature evaporator systems utilizing refrigerant mixtures. McLinden[21] used the
principle of corresponding states to evaluate the anticipated effects of new refrigerants.
Domanski and Didion[22] evaluated the performance of nine alternatives to R22 including the
impact of liquid-suction heat exchangers. Biven et al. [23] evaluated a proposed mixture to
substitute for R22 in air conditioners and heat pumps. Their analysis indicated 6 7%
improvement for the alternative refrigerant system when system modifications included liquid-
suction heat exchangers (evaporator and condenser). Bittle et al. [24] conducted an experimental
evaluation of a liquid Suction heat exchanger applied in a domestic refrigerator using R152a.

CHAPTER 3

PRESENTATION, DATA ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION

Without Heat Exchanger

@ t1 ; h1 = hg @ = _____ KJ/kg

From chart of R-22

S1 = S2

h2 =_____KJ/kg

@ t3 ; h3 = hf @ =_____KJ/kg

h3= h4 h4 =_____KJ/kg

Power = Wr ( h2 – h1 ) =_____KW

RE = h1 – h4 =_____KJ/kg

Wc = h2 – h1 =_____KJ/kg

V3 = Wr (v3) =_____m3/s

RL RL
Wr = = =_____kg/s
RE h1 −h4

RL = 3.518 (t)
 RE h1 −h4
COP = =
Wc h2 −h1

With Heat Exchanger

t1 = t6 + tSuperheat

@ t1 ; h1 = hg =_____KJ/kg @ Table of R-22

Getting h2 from chart R-22

S1 = S2

t4 = t4 - tSubcooled

@ t4 ; h4 = hf = h5 = KJ/kg @ Table R-22

@ t6 = h6 = hg = KJ/kg @ Table R-22

@t3 = h3 = hf = KJ/kg @ Table R-22

Power = Wr ( h2 – h1 ) = KW

RL RL
Wr = = = kg/s
RE h6 −h5

RL = 3.516 (t)

Vfr = Wr ( v3 ) = m3/s

RE h6 −h5
COP = =
Wc h2 −h1
BIBLIOGRAPHY

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