Numerical simulation of heat transfer performance of R410A in condensing-superheated zone

作者：Zhang, Lu; Liu, Jinping^*; Xu, Xiongwen^*

来源：International Journal of Refrigeration, 2021, 128: 206-217.

DOI：10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2021.03.019

• Condensing-superheated
• Heat transfer coefficient
• Numerical simulation
• VOF
• Temperature distribution

The heat transfer process in the condenser is often divided into superheated, two-phase and subcooled zone. But the three-zone model has discontinuities of the heat transfer coefficient between single phase and two-phase regions. This study applies a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study on the two phase flow and the heat transfer characteristics in the condensing-superheated zone. The condensation process of R410A (T-sat = 44.59 degrees C) in a horizontal pipe (D-i = 6.1 mm) is simulated by using VOF (volume of fluid) model. The formation and the development of the condensation film are detailed analyzed. The heat transfer mechanism in the condensing-superheated zone includes both the single-phase convection and the phase transition. The heat transfer coefficient in the superheated condensation area increases from the single-phase convection to the saturated condensation. Combined with the development of liquid film morphology, this study is helpful for understanding the flow and heat transfer mechanism in the condensing-superheated zone.