Two Phase Flow Maldistribution in Parallel Channels of Evaporators

The performance of thermal devices such as
evaporators is greatly affected due to flow mal-
distribution in the parallel channels. There is
inherent flow mal-distribution in manifolds
involving single-phase flow which is a result of non-
uniformity of the pressure drop across each lateral
channel. This will even be more complicated when the
flow involves two phase, which is often the case in
refrigerant flow of multi-pass evaporators, since
there is gravity induced preferential phase
separation at the entrance to lateral channels in
manifolds.

In this book, the result of experimental and
theoretical study of single-phase and two-phase flow
mal-distribution performed on a model brazed
aluminum evaporator having horizontal headers is
presented. The analytical method presented here
provides a scheme on how to predict the flow split
in a downward dividing header. Possible means of
reducing mal-distribution is also discussed based on
the result of flow visualization test.

Autorentext

Dr. Melaku Habte received his M.Sc and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University, University Park, PA. He served as a research assistant and member of the Neutron Beam Group of the research nuclear reactor at Penn State. Dr. Habte's research focuses on experimental and computational fluid flow and heat transfer (CFD).

Klappentext

The performance of thermal devices such as evaporators is greatly affected due to flow mal-distribution in the parallel channels. There is inherent flow mal-distribution in manifolds involving single-phase flow which is a result of non-uniformity of the pressure drop across each lateral channel. This will even be more complicated when the flow involves two phase, which is often the case in refrigerant flow of multi-pass evaporators, since there is gravity induced preferential phase separation at the entrance to lateral channels in manifolds. In this book, the result of experimental and theoretical study of single-phase and two-phase flow mal-distribution performed on a model brazed aluminum evaporator having horizontal headers is presented. The analytical method presented here provides a scheme on how to predict the flow split in a downward dividing header. Possible means of reducing mal-distribution is also discussed based on the result of flow visualization test.