Experimental investigation on the Reynolds dependence of the performance of branched heat exchangers working with organic fluids

The aim of this work is to continue the experimental evaluation of three different compact branched heat exchangers. To complete the previous study, additional experimental tests were carried out, using a commercial automotive refrigerant (Glycol) at different concentrations (50%, 100%). Finally, in order to have a deeper knowledge of this phenomenon and to identify the parameters regulating the heat transfer, an organic fluid has also been used and tested. The use of such a fluid has required a re-elaboration and design of the test bench. In fact, a vacuum circuit has been realized to properly use the organic fluid. As a result, the equipment used has been changed and inserting more sophisticated sensors. Finally, once all the tests have been completed, the various dimensionless parameters, characterizing the heat exchange, have been calculated and a comparative evaluation has been carried out, to determine and propose the optimal configuration of the branched heat exchanger.