Thermo-hydraulic analysis of the condenser (helically-coiled type) of an air-water heat pump, using CFD numerical simulation

Abstract

This paper presents the results obtained from the modeling of the flow and heat transfer in the condenser of the heat pump used for heating the water of a pool, by means of CFD analysis. Using the k-∈ turbulence model its real behavior was described; these data may be useful to propose the improvement of its thermal design. The distributions of temperature, pressure, and velocity, both for the water and the R-410A refrigerant were obtained. The value of the COP of the pump which was 7.6 was found through the results. The experimental value of this variable was 7.32, both values are lower than those offered by the manufacturer of this equipment.