Work

Experimental study of a multi-evaporator refrigeration system applying mechanical subcooling and high efficiency distributor

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: To improve heat exchange performance in multi-evaporator refrigeration systems under varying operating conditions, this study proposes an improved rectifier nozzle-type distributor (IRND) as a replacement for the rectifier nozzle-type distributor (RND). Additionally, a dedicated mechanical subcooling unit is introduced to further enhance refrigerant distribution and system efficiency. A multi-evaporator refrigeration system with a mechanical subcooling unit was constructed to analyze cooling rate, superheat unevenness across branches, cooling capacity unevenness, pressure loss in the distributor, and the system’s coefficient of performance. Results showed that within the 6–26 °C subcooling range, the system using IRND achieved a 64.0 % increase in cooling rate, a 20 % improvement in COP , a 36.9 % reduction in superheat unevenness, and a 26.5 % reduction in cooling capacity unevenness. Under experimental conditions, the IRND system demonstrated significantly lower unevenness compared to both RND and centrifugal distributor (CD) systems. This study demonstrates the feasibility of IRND structural improvements, offering a new approach to enhancing refrigerant distribution and system efficiency in multi-evaporator refrigeration systems using mechanical subcooling.

Source: Applied Thermal Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2025.126175

Authors: Zhili Sun, Haiwang Zhao, Qifan Wang, Dandan Wang, Jiale Chen, Weishun Zhang

Institutions: Tianjin University of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Language: English

Topic: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technologies

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,660