Numerical simulation method of fork-flow condenser and the influence of fin structure characteristics

Abstract

Many researchers have investigated numerical simulation methods for two-phase flow in condensers. Still, challenges persist due to these models' large size, complex structure, and multiphase flow fields. To address these issues, this paper employs a periodic iterative numerical simulation approach for ultra-long condensers, validating the method through experiments and advancing the numerical simulation technology for such models. The study emphasizes the impact of structural changes on the refrigerant and air sides. Results indicate that the most minor error occurs when the number of iterations in the two-phase zone does not exceed three. Increasing the total number of refrigerant channels from 10 to 18 enhances heat transfer by 17.7% and condensation capacity by 10.6%. However, further increases in channel numbers lead to a significant rise in pressure drop, deteriorating heat transfer performance. Heat transfer and condensation capacity improve with the height-to-width ratio of the refrigerant channel, reaching optimal performance when the ratio is close to 1. Additionally, increasing the aspect ratio on the air side will improve the heat transfer and condensation rate of the condenser. However, when the aspect ratio reaches 4.53, further increases will lead to a decrease in the heat transfer coefficient and an increase in pressure drop.