Journal of Mechanical Engineering Research and Developments

ISSN: 1024-1752
CODEN: JERDFO
Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 336-344
Published Year 2021

Thermal Performance of HAVC System Using Heat Pipe Heat

Exchanger
Ayad S. Abedalh†, Nabil Jamil Yasin‡, Hani Aziz Ameen†
†
Northern Technical University, Technical Engineering College-Mosul, Iraq
‡
Middle Technical University, Technical Engineering College-Baghdad, Iraq

*Corresponding Author Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

To reduce the energy consumption by (HVAC) systems without changing the required temperature level in the
air-conditioner space, (HPHX) used has been and tested. The heat pipe heat exchanger (HPHX), were consists of
a group of 40 heat pipes arranged as 4 rows, each row contains 10 copper tubes. The length of the pipe was 73
cm, the inner diameter ID= 1 cm, and the outer diameter OD= 1.23 cm. With distilled water, the heat pipe was
filled with at about 50% of the volume of the evaporator which represents the filling ratio. Several experiments
were studied to assess the effect of air velocity on the difference in the incoming and outgoing air temperature on
the evaporator and condenser part of heat pipes for different quantities of the heat flux. Moreover the effectiveness
of the heat pipe heat exchanger at different velocity (1m/s, and 2m/s), and the ratio of the heat recovery was found
in the evaporator were also determined. The study revealed that the temperature change of the evaporator and
condenser will increase with increasing heat flux and air velocity which passing on (HPHX). The result illustrate
that the heat flux increasing and decreasing the air velocity lead to increase the effectiveness of the heat pipe. The
highest level of effectiveness was 0.646 at heat flux 1400 watt with velocity 1m/s. Highest value of heat recovery
923.4 watt at velocity 2m/s with heat flux 1400 watt and the optimum effectiveness value was obtained at the
evaporator 33.6°C temperature inlet, the evaporator 31.7°C temperature outlet and the condenser 29.2°C
temperature inlet.

KEYWORDS

Heat pipe, HPXH, Heat recovery, Effectiveness, Taguchi Method

INTRODUCTION

Many investigations have studied the thermosyphon (HPHE) for energy saving purposes. Heat pipe is used in
many uses such as heat exchangers that acts as a recovery system, solar energy energy sharing system, electronic
part cooling, spacecraft thermal control, rotary blade gas turbine cooling, etc. [1,2]. The thermosyphon (THE)
heat exchanger is one of the world's most productive devices recover lost heat [3]. Several studies have been
carried out to obtain thermal efficiency to ensure that the heat pipe heat exchangers work efficiently and reliably.
[ 4-8]. A basic experiment was conducted to use a heat pipe heat exchanger to heat cars using exhaust gas Yang,
et.al [9]. The thermal performance for heat pipe thermosyphon filled with R-134a was experimentally studied
Ong, et.al [10]. A pilot research was carried out on mixed heat pipes and indirect evaporative air conditioning
equipment for energy recovery systems M. Francisco, et.al [11]. Ahmad zadehtalatapeh [12] the effect of HPHX
on the performance of a library building air conditioning system has been studied.

The obtained results throughout that study are that the heat pipe and the indirect evaporation system allow the
return airflow to recover part of the energy, thus raising energy requirements and reducing the impact on the
environment. Hassan,M.A [13] studied the thermal performance of HPHE experimentally using R410A, R134a,
R22 and R407C as refrigerant were used. The R410A is recommended as a working fluid because it produces
good results. results on the efficiency of HPHE and better than R22 and R134a is its impact on the environment.
A pilot research was done to check the conversion performance of a heat pipe heat exchanger two-row copper
R22 coil, in the supply air unit installed. Filling impact and facial speed of the air ratio and inlet air temperature
are discussed on overall and plausible efficacy, and neural posterior propagation were determined. The

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experimental results showed that efficiency of the section of evaporator increases with increasing the incoming
air temperature, and the incoming air temperature.

The thermal performance of a 2-row copper-R22 heat pipe heat exchanger wraparound loop (WLHPHE), fitted in
a unit with air handling, was tested in an experimental sample (AHU). In ability to forecast the efficacy of the
WLHPHE, the effects on the sensible and complete effectiveness of the filling ratio, air head speed and inlet air
temperature are addressed and a system of recursive neural networks (BPNN) is created. The findings indicate
that the filling ratio is one of the largest. Manfeng, et.al [14]. Hakim, et.al [15] Experimental research on the use
of heat pipe heat exchangers in hospital air conditioning systems for energy conservation and their techno-
economic viability have been carried out. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of heat on the air
conditioning system ductwork of the tube heat exchanger (HPHE) to achieve efficiency and energy recovery. The
results showed that the maximum efficacy of 40.25% was obtained at 3 HPHE units, with air inlet temperature 40
°C, inlet air velocity 1.5m/s. In the present study the effect of heat pipe heat exchangers (HPHE) on the
performance and energy recovery of air conditioning ducting systems is investigation.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN ESSENTIALLY

Figures 1 and 2 displays the test setup for the air duct system, including the air conditioning system and the test
chamber, the thermostat control air heating system, the data acquisition system, the air flow measurement system,
the panel box electricity system, and the HPHE module. Figure 2 shows of the HPHE within the air duct system.
The HPHE module evaporator is mounted within the lower duct and absorbs heat from the fresh air intake. Inside
the upper duct, the condenser portion of the module is cooled by an outlet axial fan.

Figure 1. Schematic diagram of test rig

Figure 2. Photo of test rig

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 Thermal Performance of HAVC System Using Heat Pipe Heat Exchanger

The purpose of the HPHE placement in the test chamber air conditioning system was to pre-cool the fresh air inlet
before entering the cooling coil. An air heating system warmed the fresh air inlet to the air duct system. The heat
was created by an air heater with a maximum capacity of 5.35 kW. After the HPHE module, The cooling coil was
designed to carry out the cooling process with a particular cooling load , and the room was made of wood with
dimension of 830 x 415 x 500 mm3. By changing the variable resistor of the fan speed controller to various
velocities (1 to 2 m/s), the air flow velocity of the air duct system was set. The air velocity was measured by pitot
tubing (TROTEC , TA 400). Forty heat pipes, grouped into four rows, were used in a single HPHE module.
HPHE settings were checked for two rows, three rows, and four rows. In the air system, each design was tested
and air flow at the evaporator inlet was supplied with variable heat fluxes of 650, 812, 1040 and 1400 Watts. The
material for the heat pipe was copper, 73cm in length and 10 mm in diameter. The water was injected at a 50 per
cent filling ratio as the working fluid. 265, 265 and 200 mm respectively is the length of the evaporator, condenser
and adiabatic sections. In the staggered arrangements shown in Figure 3, each row had 10 heat pipes. For
evaluating the sensible effectiveness value of the HPHE module, equations 1 to 4 were used [16].

Qact = mh Cph (Te,in − Te,out) (1)

Qmax = mc Cpc (Te,in − Tc,in) (2)

(𝑇𝑒,𝑖𝑛 − 𝑇𝑒,𝑜𝑢𝑡 )
𝜀= (3)
(𝑇𝑒,𝑖𝑛 − 𝑇𝑐,𝑖𝑛 )

Heat recovery is the amount of heat that can be transferred from the inlet air before entering the cooling coil,
bringing air in the same condition into a chamber while using less electrical energy for the chiller component of
the compressor. For that reason alone, heat recovery is the most significant factor for energy saving in an HVAC
device. The recovery of heat is calculated using equation (4) [17].

HR = ma * Cp * (Te,in − Te,out) (4)

The percentage of energy saving by the evaporator (Se) is measured using equation (5) [18].

𝑚𝑎 𝑐𝑝 ( 𝑇𝑒𝑖 − 𝑇𝑒𝑜 )
𝑆𝑒 = (5)
𝑚𝑎 𝑐𝑝 (𝑇𝑒𝑖 − 𝑇𝑎 ) + 𝑚𝑤 (ℎ2 − ℎ1 )

Where Ta temperature of the air after cooling coil and h1& h2 (kJ/kg) enthalpy of water inlet and outlet cooling
coil respectively.

Dimension in mm

(a) (b)

Figure 3. Schematic and Photo diagram for the HPHE module

By adjusting the heat flux and inlet velocity of fresh air, the HPHE module was tested. The temperature drop
profile in the evaporator area (∆Te) and the temperature rise profile in the condenser area (∆Tc) were the results
of this test. In the HPHE evaporator segment, ∆Te is the result of the precooling process. The HPHE evaporator
absorbs the heat entering this segment from the airflow. Measuring uncertainty relates to how similar the

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 Thermal Performance of HAVC System Using Heat Pipe Heat Exchanger

measurements are to the true physical characteristics. The consistency has been calculated in this analysis by using
the technique and taking it into account in assessing deviation. The free stream temperature error was calculated
at ∆T = ± 0.1 °C.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The effects of the heat flux and air velocity of the inlet

Since the heat absorption by the evaporator portion of the HPHE module, the air temperature in the evaporator
inlet (Te,in) was reduced as show in (figure 4a, 4b). Increased heat flux at the evaporator inlet (from 650 to 1400
Watts) caused a greater variations in temperature between the air temperature inlet and the HPHE outlet ( ∆T e =
6 °C at 1400 Watts inlet). The evaporator section took the heat from the air flow and released it to the section of
the condenser. Increasing the temperature of inlet air (T e,in) may have resulted in the HPHE evaporator consuming
higher amounts of heat. This would result in the precooling phase becoming more essential for entering the supply
airflow. It will move the higher heat from the section of the evaporator to the section of the condenser. With the
aid of a cold air flow from the test chamber, this heat must be rejected from the condenser portion into the ambient
air. The temperature rises from the increased temperature are also seen in figure (4a, 4b) because of the heat
release mechanism at the condenser portion of the HPHE module. The higher temperature condenser inlet (T c,in)
also resulted in higher temperature condenser outlet (T c,out). As a consequence of more heat being released at the
condenser portion, the air temperature at the condenser outlet (T c,out) increased from 2°C to 5°C at a velocity of
1m/s. The heat exchanger method worked successfully since the heat pipe is a passive device. Figure (4a & 4b)
illustrated that the greater rate of air entering the heat pipe heat exchanger from 1 to 2m/s, get the higher the
difference between the evaporator and the condenser inlet and outlet temperature.

The influence of the count of rows on heat pipe heat exchanger

The effect of the count of rows and the air speed on the difference in the temperature of the air entering and leaving
the evaporator and condenser that is noted in figures 5 and 6. As shown from Figure 5, the highest ∆T e at V= 2
m/s and the number of rows 4 ranges between (2.8 to 6 °C). It is lowest value of the ∆Te at velocity 1 m/s and the
number of rows 2, where the value of ∆T e is approximate between (1.1 to 4 °C). Indicated figure 6 that the highest
value of ∆Tc obtain at V= 2 m/s and the number of rows 4 difference ranges between (2.2 to 5.8 °C). And that the
lowest value of the ∆Tc at velocity 1 m/s and the number of rows 2, where the value of ∆T c is approximate between
(1 to 3.8 °C). it can be concluded from figures 5 and 6 that when increasing the number of rows and the velocity
of the air entering, the exchange the value of ∆T e & ∆Tc will be increased.

Effectiveness of the Heat Pipe Heat Exchanger

Figure 7 shows that, the greater evaporator inlet heat flux, the efficacy of HPHE increases. The increasing in the
temperature of the air flow causes the amount of heat absorbed by the heat pipe to rise, absorbing this heat and
moving it to the condenser portion. Figure 7 also indicates the maximum efficacy of 0.646 was achieved when
four rows of HPHE were used with an air velocity of 1m/s at 1400 Watt heat flux. In addition, the effectiveness
of HPHE was enhanced by increasing the heat flux of the evaporator air inlet. The importance of efficiency is
often influenced by other factors, such as the flow rate of air. The results show that in decreasing air flow velocity,
the effectiveness of HPHE increased systematically. At 1 m/s air velocity, the performance value was higher than
2m/s airflow velocity. This happens because the reduction of airflow induces maximum heat absorption by HPHE.
Therefore the heat transfer process between that and a heat pipe and air takes place well In addition, thermal
efficiency is often influenced by the HPHE row number. The effectiveness of HPHE is systematically improved
by increasing the number of rows of heat pipes. The amount of heat that can be consumed get in more heat pipes.
The multi-parameter test results have a strong pattern with some of the study results [17], [19]. The experimental
results indicate that HPHE performance has steadily increased by enhancing the temperature of the evaporator
inlet air and the count of HPHE rows, as well as reducing the velocity of airflow.

Heat recovery and energy saving of HPHX

The heat recovery process will take place in the evaporator and condenser in the HPHE application. In the current
study, during the precooling stage (HPHE evaporator) was heat recovery detected, as it had a direct impact on the

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 Thermal Performance of HAVC System Using Heat Pipe Heat Exchanger

reduction of the system's energy consumption. It is possible to achieve the sum of heat recovery in the HVAC
system using HPHE, with several experimental parameters shown in Figure 8This result shows that 4 rows of
HPHE were obtained at the evaporator inlet air with 1400 Watt heat flux and 2 m/s air velocity, with a maximum
heat recovery value equal to 923.4 Watts. So although two rows of HPHE are used at the evaporator air inlet for
the lowest amount of heat recovery, with a heat flux of 650 watts and an air velocity of 1 m/s was equivalent to
50.73 watts. By increasing the number of rows and evaporator inlet heat flux, the increased heat recovery from
HPHE is significantly affected. Though when the evaporator inlet air flow increased at condition 2 rows HPHE,
the amount of higher and lower heat recovery did not vary significantly. The mass flow rate of air would be
increased by increasing air flow velocity, There the heat transfer rate between air and HPHE is enhanced.
Therefore, it is going to be improved heat recovery. Experimental outcomes from figure 9 showed that it is
possible to achieve about 15.2-23.8 % energy saving by the evaporator at velocity 1 m/s using HPHE in an HVAC
system and achieve around 29.1-38.1 % energy saving by the evaporator at velocity 2 m/s for precooling. It can
be concluded from figure 9 that the greater flow rate of air entering the HPHX cause the greater the amount of
energy saving.

(a)Velocity 1 m/s

(b) Velocity 2 m/s

Figure 4. (a) & (b) Temperature with time at different velocity and heat flux

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 Thermal Performance of HAVC System Using Heat Pipe Heat Exchanger

Figure 5. Heat flux VS at differences temperature in the evaporator

Figure 6. Heat flux VS at differences temperature in the condenser

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 Thermal Performance of HAVC System Using Heat Pipe Heat Exchanger

Figure 7. Effectiveness of HPHE

Figure 8. Heat recovery of HPHE

Figure 9. Energy saving of HPHE

Optimization of the effectiveness by Taguchi Method

The present that experiments were built with 4 levels and 3 factors using the Taguchi Method. Three variables
were Tevap.in, Tevap.out, Tcond.in as illustrated in Table (1).

Table 1. Experimental Design using Taguchi Method

Factor 1 Factor 2 Factor 3

Run Te in °C Te out °C Tc in °C Effectiveness
1 44.7 39.2 29.7 0.36667
2 44.7 39.4 29.7 0.35333
3 44.7 33.1 28.5 0.71605
4 44.7 31.7 29.2 0.83871

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 Thermal Performance of HAVC System Using Heat Pipe Heat Exchanger

5 43.9 39.2 29.7 0.33099

6 43.9 39.4 29.7 0.31690
7 43.9 33.1 29.2 0.73469
8 43.9 31.7 28.5 0.79221
9 36.6 39.2 28.5 0.32099
10 36.6 39.4 29.2 0.37838
11 36.6 33.1 29.7 0.50725
12 36.6 33.2 29.7 0.71014
13 33.6 31.7 29.2 1.27273
14 33.6 39.4 28.5 1.13725
15 33.6 33.1 29.7 0.12821
16 33.6 31.7 29.7 0.48718

Figure 10. The effectiveness S/N Ratio

It can be concluded from figure 10 above that the optimum effectiveness value was obtained at the evaporator
33.6°C temperature inlet, the evaporator 31.7°C temperature outlet and the condenser 29.2°C temperature inlet.

CONCLUSIONS

HPHE was characterized in this study by varying evaporator inlet heat flux and velocity of the evaporator inlet
air. It is inferred from the results of:

1. The HPHE tests that the HPHE module was able to demonstrate its function as a system for heat recovery.
2. The effectiveness of the HPHX increases when the heat flow increases and the air velocity decreases.
3. The heat recovery and energy saving of the HPHX increases when the heat flow increases and the air
velocity increase.
4. The effectiveness 0.646 when four rows of HPHE are used, air velocity of 1 m/s, and heat flux 1400
watt. HPHE effectiveness will increases.
5. The heat recovery of the HPHX increases when the rows of the heat pipe increase. When using four rows
of HPHE, heat flux 1400, and V= 2 m/s, the largest amount of heat recovery reached 923.4 watts.
Whereas the smallest heat recovery value was equal to 50.73 watts by using two HPHE row, the heat
flux of the evaporator inlet was 650 watts and V= 1 m/s.
6. Optimum effectiveness appreciate was obtained at the evaporator 33.6°C temperature inlet, the
evaporator 31.7°C temperature outlet and the condenser 29.2°C temperature inlet.

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