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Analysis of the frost formation pattern in heat exchangers for proper placement of frost measuring sensors.

Number: 0399

Author(s) : AGUIAR M., GASPAR P. D., SILVA P. D.

Summary

Frost formation in heat exchangers can lead to issues related to the efficiency and performance of refrigeration systems. This happens due to the accumulation of frost on the surface of heat exchangers that acts as a thermally insulating barrier that also restricts, or even blocks, the airflow between fins. Several methods of defrosting have been developed, although many still use time as a control method for defrosting operations. Timed defrosts do not consider characteristics influencing frost formation, such as the continuous variation of air humidity and air and surface temperatures during the daily or seasonal operation. Therefore, these systems must be timed for the worst-case scenario. To overcome this problem, a sensing method can be employed in the heat exchangers, as a sensor for frost detection. With this data, a controller can determine the most appropriate time to begin defrosting operations. The frost formation on the heat exchanger surface is not uniform, therefore sensor placement is key for the determination of the best time to perform a defrosting operation. In the present work, computer vision is employed as a tool to evaluate the frost formation distribution on the heat exchanger and create a frost formation map. The results show that proper sensor placement and calibration enhance the efficiency and performance of refrigeration systems.

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Pages: 11 p.

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Details

  • Original title: Analysis of the frost formation pattern in heat exchangers for proper placement of frost measuring sensors.
  • Record ID : 30031603
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: Proceedings of the 26th IIR International Congress of Refrigeration: Paris , France, August 21-25, 2023.
  • Publication date: 2023/08/21
  • DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18462/iir.icr.2023.0399

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