Work

A Numerical Case Study on the Design of a Multi-Porosity Heat Exchanger for VRF Air Conditioning Applications

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study proposes a novel multi-porous heat exchanger (MPHEX) as a passive, sustainable alternative to variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioning systems, addressing the growing environmental burden of cooling demand. Through high-fidelity Lattice Boltzmann Method simulations of coupled heat and fluid transport, the MPHEX design is optimized to minimize exergy destruction. A case study for Tunisian conditions demonstrates that permeability optimization, when combined with solar-assisted preheating, reduces total exergy destruction by over 60% and increases the coefficient of performance (COP) by up to 20%, all while eliminating active mechanical regulation. The numerical results confirm strong experimental feasibility, positioning the MPHEX as a scalable, low-energy, and low-maintenance cooling solution for sun-rich regions.

Source: Processes

DOI: 10.3390/pr13123892

Authors: Hela Guesmi, Mohamed Hamdi, Dhahri Hacen

Institutions: Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Monastir, University of Sousse

Language: English

Topic: Adsorption and Cooling Systems

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896