Simulation Research on the Optimization of Domestic Heat Pump Water Heater Condensers

Yang Han, Rong Feng (), Taiyang Xiao, Machao Guo, Jiahui Wu and Hong Cui
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Yang Han: School of Mechanical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong 723001, China
Rong Feng: School of Mechanical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong 723001, China
Taiyang Xiao: School of Mechanical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong 723001, China
Machao Guo: School of Mechanical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong 723001, China
Jiahui Wu: School of Mechanical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong 723001, China
Hong Cui: School of Mechanical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong 723001, China

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 21, 1-14

Abstract: To improve the heat transfer coefficient of a condenser, this paper proposes using a fin-tube condenser to replace a smooth-tube condenser in a domestic heat pump water heater. The finite element method is used to analyze the heat transfer coefficient of fin-tube condensers with different design parameters. By comparing the results of experiments with those obtained using CFD methods, it has been determined that the CFD method used in this study is feasible. Simulation results showed that the heat transfer coefficient enhanced clearly. The total thermal resistance of the fin-tube condenser decreased by 7% through increasing fin thickness. The total thermal resistance of the fin-tube condenser increased by 1–1.3% when fin spacing was increased. The heat transfer coefficient decreased severely and the maximum total thermal resistance of the fin-tube condenser increased by 8.7% with increasing fin height. In 600 s, when the fin spacing, fin height, fin thickness and inner diameter were 14 mm, 12.5 mm, 1.2 mm and 22.5 mm, respectively, compared to the smooth-tube condenser, the fin-tube condenser could increase the final water temperature by 18.37%, and the heat transfer coefficient would increase by about 95%. This research could provide a low-cost way to improve the heat transfer coefficient of condensers in domestic heat pump water heaters.

Keywords: fin-tube condensers; finite element analysis; heat transfer coefficient; optimal research; energy efficiency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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