An Investigation of Refrigerant Void Fraction in Horizontal, Microfin Tubes
Author(s)
Yashar, D.A.
Wilson, M.J.
Kopke, H.R.
Graham, D.M.
Chato, J.C.
Newell, T.A.
Issue Date
1999-08
Keyword(s)
two-phase flow
annular flow
stratified flow
micro fin tube
microgroove tube
void fraction
Abstract
A series of evaporation and condensation experiments have been performed on horizontal
microfin tubes with refrigerants R134a and R410A. Mass flux varied from 75 kg/m2-s to 700
kglm2 -s and average test section quality varied from 5 percent to 80 percent. Zero degree (axial
grooving) and 18 degree helix micro fin tube configurations have been examined in both
condensation and evaporation. Four tubes were examined (7.3mm and 8.9mm diameters with
axial and 18 degree helix angle microfins). Evaporation and adiabatic conditions in microfin
tubes generally show similar void fraction trends found in smooth tubes. Condensation void
fraction results tend to show a reduction in void fraction relative to smooth tube results, possibly
indicating liquid filling of groove regions.
Publisher
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Center. College of Engineering. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
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