Introduction to Vortex Generation For Frosted-Surface Heat Exchanger Performance: Enhancing Air-Side Performance of Plain-Fin-and-Tube Heat Exchangers with Vortex Generators

Abstract

In many refrigeration applications, the evaporator is a plain-fin-and-tube heat exchanger, with a fin spacing of 5-10 mm. These heat exchangers are widely used because they are reliable, inexpensive, and relatively tolerant to frost accumulation.Unfortunately, this heat exchanger geometry does not provide a very high air-side heat transfer coefficient. Enhancing the air-side thermal-hydraulic performance of plain-fin-and-tube heat exchangers can lead to smaller, lighter, and more energy efficient refrigeration systems. In this research we examine the use of vortex generators as an air-side enhancement technique for refrigeration evaporators.