Integrated CFD and Experimental Analysis on Slinger Ring Condensate Discharge Mechanism for Energy-Efficient Window Air Conditioners

Chin Hyuk Chang, Adarsh Rajasekharan Nair, Man Yeong Ha, Hyun Sik Yoon () and Seok Beom Hong
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Chin Hyuk Chang: School of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
Adarsh Rajasekharan Nair: Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
Man Yeong Ha: School of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
Hyun Sik Yoon: Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
Seok Beom Hong: Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 7, 1-17

Abstract: As global demand for energy-efficient cooling technologies grows, optimizing window air conditioners (WACs) is crucial. This study integrates computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental fluid dynamics (EFD) to analyze condensate transport induced by the slinger ring in a WAC system. To investigate condensate behavior, the WAC domain is divided into six regions based on the slinger ring’s rotational direction and impact. In the initial impact zone, large liquid structures adhere to the slinger ring before breaking into ligaments. In the upward transport region, condensate films rise along the wall due to centrifugal forces, forming short ligaments. In the rebound region, condensate impacts the top surface and transitions into droplets. In the accumulation zone, droplet coalescence occurs in a confined space, leading to localized mass buildup. In the dispersion region, condensate spreads widely due to increased rotational speed. In the splash zone, splashing and wave-like structures form near the reservoir surface. A newly identified mechanism of condensate mass discharge shows that mass ejection is concentrated in four key regions near the condenser coils. These findings offer insights into optimizing a slinger ring design for improved condensate dispersion. Future research should explore airflow variations and alternative slinger ring configurations to enhance WAC performance.

Keywords: energy-efficient WAC; slinger ring; condensate topology; CFD; EFD (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: 2025
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