Numerical model of two-phase refrigerant flow distribution in a plate evaporator with distributors

The distribution of two-phase refrigerant in the plate heat exchanger has a significant influence on the heat exchanger performance. In order to accurately predict the flow distribution of two-phase refrigerant in a plate evaporator, a numerical model was developed in the present study. In the model, the phase split coefficients for two-phase refrigerant in the distributor were predicted based on the modification of T-junction model, and the empirical factor was correlated with the experimental data; the pressure drops for two-phase refrigerant in the channel, distributor and elbows were predicted by reflecting the structure influences on pressure drop. The model validation shows that, the model agrees well with the experimental data. Based on the proposed model, the influences of distributor angle on the two-phase refrigerant flow distribution in plate heat exchangers were analyzed, and the optimal distributor angle was recommended. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier Ltd.