The International Copper Association has announced a new research project
that aims to raise the bar on coil design by comparing optimized round tube plate
fin (RTPF) coils with smaller diameter copper tubes with the best aluminum coils
in the marketplace.
Conventional coils made with round copper tubes and aluminum plate fins benefit from manufacturing processes and assembly techniques that are widely known but new technologies have evolved that are more energy efficient using eco-friendly refrigerants.
For example, MicroGroove technology consists of smaller diameter copper tubes with enhanced surfaces.
Both features contribute to improve rates of heat transfer between the refrigerant and the tube walls.
Given a set of performance criteria, an RTPF heat exchanger made with smaller diameter tubes can be made smaller and lighter than one made with conventional tubes.
ICA’s new research will compare an RTPF heat exchanger with a brazed-aluminum multichannel (BAM) heat exchanger.
Until now, there have been few studies comparing MicroGroove technology directly with aluminum MicroChannel technology.
ICA MicroGroove team leader, Nigel Cotton, said the project is being undertaken with Exel Consulting and Optimized Thermal Systems to allow for meaningful comparisons of the performance of these disparate systems.
Cotton said system designers will be able to compare the best RTPF designs directly with the best BAM designs in terms of size, weight and refrigerant charge reduction.
“Other factors such as manufacturing costs, durability and drainage may prove equally important if not more important when selecting a heat exchanger for any particular application,” he said
Nigel Cotton
