Numerical Modeling of Fin Heat Exchanger in Application to Cold Storage

ABSTRACT

The fin-and-tube heat exchanger are extensively used in refrigeration systems applied to cold storage. The performance of the heat exchanger affects the efficiency of the refrigeration system. Prediction of temperature, humidity, as well as velocity distribution in a cold storage chamber requires accurate prediction of operation of the finned air cooler. The operation of the air cooler unit is usually taken into account in modeling of operation of the cold storage chambers, but with very simplified geometry and physics. On the other hand numerical investigations of the heat exchangers are focused on thermal performance mostly in order to improve the overall heat transfer coefficient or to optimize its geometry. Results of numerical modeling using the computational fluid dynamics software ANSYS FLUENT of fin-and-tube air cooler applied on a cold storage chamber is presented in the paper. Two different approaches were used: the dual cell model, and porous media conditions. Numerical predictions of air temperature as well as air velocity at the air cooler outlet were also validated on the basis of the own experimental data.

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Notes on contributors

Kamil Śmierciew

Kamil Śmierciew  graduated from Technical University of Koszalin, Poland, with master degree in heat technology and refrigeration. He received his Ph.D. in heat technology from Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery of Polish Academy of Sciences in Gdańsk, Poland. He is working as an assistant professor at Białystok University of Technology in Białystok, Poland. He has been involved in many research and scientific projects. His work is focused on modeling and analyzing of heat transfer, heat exchangers, ejector, and other heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems components.

Mirosława Kołodziejczyk

Mirosława Kołodziejczyk  is a lecturer and also research associate at Białystok University of Technology, Poland. She received her Ph.D. in fluid mechanics from Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery of Polish Academy of Sciences in Gdańsk, Poland in 1995. Her specialty is numerical modeling of heat and mass transfer, fluid mechanics and thermal comfort.

Jerzy Gagan

Jerzy Gagan graduated from Białystok University of Technology, Poland, with master degree in machine design and maintenance. He received his Ph.D. in machine design and maintenance from Białystok University of Technology in Białystok, Poland. He is working as a research associate at Białystok University of Technology in Białystok, Poland. He has been involved in many research and scientific projects in both the academic and industrial fields. He is a specialist in heat exchangers, ejection technology, refrigeration, and heat pump technology. His work is focused on designing and measurement of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Dariusz Butrymowicz

Dariusz Józef Butrymowicz is a full professor in Białystok University of Technology in Białystok, Poland. He has a M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Refrigeration from the Technical University of Gdańsk, Poland (1993). He received his Ph.D. and D.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, in Heat Transfer from the Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery of Polish Academy of Sciences, Gdańsk, Poland in 1997 and 2005, respectively. His specialty is in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration technology, numerical modeling of heat transfer and two-phase flow.