A simple method for predicting the performance of a heat exchanger mounted in an air conditioner (1st report, proposed reduced-mesh analysis modeling method)

To analyze the performance of a heat exchanger (HEX) used in air conditioners within a realistic time frame, a simple method—based on a reduced-mesh calculation model—was developed. The pressure loss caused by the HEX is given by a momentum source term, and the heat-transfer performance of the HEX is approximated by using a wall function as the boundary condition. The analytical results from this simple analysis model (under a fin-pitch range of 1.0 to 1.6 mm) were compared with experimental measurements of pressure loss and heat-transfer performance. This comparison showed that the pressure loss from the simple analysis model agrees with the experimentally measured loss (within 3% error) and that the heating capacity determined by the simple model agrees with the experimentally measured one (within a 1% error). © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 33(1): 12–23, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.10130