LOW CHARGE CHILLERS BASED ON MICROCHANNEL HXs: OPPORTUNITY FOR EXPANDING USE OF AMMONIA

摘要

This article discusses the charge reduction options in ammonia systems in general and in smaller, low charge chillers in particular. The focus is on charge reduction in heat exchangers, especially microchannel, but information is provided about new development in compressor technologies, specifically, the first hermetic scroll compressor. Data for void fraction of ammonia flow in microchannels is presented along with the data for an air cooled condenser and system. This paper also presents the excellent opportunities of using ammonia compared to other refrigerants in microchannels.