An evaluation of the ASHRAE method for predicting capillary tube-suction line heat exchanger performance

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:211817

Bittle, R R ^[1]; Stephenson, W R; Pate, M B ^[2]

---

1. Texas Christian Univ., Fort Worth, TX (United States). Dept. of Engineering
2. Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA (United States)

The ASHRAE method of predicting capillary tube performance, including the effect of suction line heat exchange, was experimentally evaluated for R-12. Capillary tube-suction line heat exchangers are commonly used in household refrigerator application. For this study, performance test data were taken over a range of operating conditions and heat exchanger geometries applicable to household refrigerators. Measured mass flow rates and calculated effective subcooling values were compared to predictions using the appropriate ASHRAE design charts. Most mass flow rate data points fell within 5% of prediction, and all fell within 10% of prediction. Effective subcooling data were within 3 F (1.7 C) of prediction.

• OSTI ID: 211817
• Report Number(s): CONF-950624--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
CALCULATION METHODS
CONFIGURATION
HEAT EXCHANGERS
PERFORMANCE
REFRIGERATORS