USE OF MICROCHANNEL HEAT EXCHANGEURS IN HEAT PUMP AND AIR CONDITIONING APPLICATIONS

摘要

This paper is a synthesis of the results of several studies conducted by CETIAT on microchannel heat exchangers. Performance of microchannel heat exchangers in evaporation and condensation were measured leading in both modes to higher capacities and lower air side pressure drops compared to those of conventional finned tube coils. Considering the good behaviour of the microchannel heat exchanger, it was decided to study the integration of a microchannel heat exchanger in a reversible heat pump. The objectives were to evaluate the performance, the reduction of refrigerant charge and the overall dimensions of the heat pump being equipped with the microchannel heat exchanger and the original finned tube coil. Results show a reduction in refrigerant charge of about 40 to 50% for a 8 kW output unit, leading to a ratio of charge of 110 g/kW and a reduction in the overall dimensions of the heat pump of 20%, for similar or greater output capacities.