Local heat transfer coefficients during refrigerant R-134a evaporation in a vertical plate heat exchanger

Abstract

The evaporation heat transfer coefficient of refrigerant R-134a in a vertical plate heat exchanger was investigated. The area of the plate was divided into several segments along the vertical axis. For each of the segments, the local value of the heat transfer coefficient was calculated and presented as a function of the mean vapor quality in the segment. The temperature distribution and vapor quality profile inside the plate were determined. The influences of the mass flux, heat flux, system pressure, and flow configuration on the heat transfer coefficient were accounted for and a comparison with published data was carried out. This is an abstract of a paper presented at the 18th International Congress of Chemical and Process Engineering (Prague, Czech Republic 8/24-28/2008).