Abstract
M.Ing.
In spite of recent developments on accumulator heat exchangers for small air conditioning
systems, no models exist that can be used for their design. In this
paper a simple design methodology is presented that can be used for the design
of an accumulator heat exchanger. An accumulator heat exchanger was
designed and built using the refrigerant R134a. The application was for a
transport refrigeration system using the refrigerant R134a. The accumulator heat
exchanger was tested experimentally and compared to a similar system without
an accumulator heat exchanger. Based on the experimental results, it was
concluded that the design methodology was accurate (since the actual heat
transfer rates were within 10% of the calculated values) and that the use of an
accumulator heat exchanger improves refrigeration capacity and energy
efficiency.