Modelling of a two-phase zone during condensation of R1234yf refrigerant in tubular minichannels under periodic dynamic disturbances

Abstract

The paper presents an experimental analysis of the influence of dynamic disturbances on the size of the condensation zone of the appropriate new R1234yf environment-friendly refrigerant in circular mini-channels. Experimental tests were conducted for single minichanells placed horizontally, with an inner diameter d = {1.44; 2.30; 3.30} mm. A range of frequencies from f = 0.2 - 5 Hz of periodically generated disturbances showed an explicit and unfavourable influence on the decrease of the length of the proper condensation region. This influence reduced the efficiency of the process. A computational model was developed to calculate the length of the two-phase region under disturbance conditions. The model proposed was verified by the results of the experiment, and compliance was obtained in the range of ±25%.