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Computer modeling is now commonly used to simulate total
system design. Decisions about refrigerants, coils and
components are now made with the assistance of
increasingly accurate performance simulations.
Advances in Coil Design Redesign of the coil has seen
the use of smaller diameter copper tubes with
innergrooves increasing the internal heat transfer
coefficient and raising COPs. Such improvements in coil
performance may also be favorable for the use of new
refrigerants, less materials, higher operating pressures
(due to the smaller diameter tubes) and variable
refrigerant flow (due to the increased number of
branches). System design is dramatically changed for the
better by using smaller diameter, inner grooved copper
tubes in the coil designs.
Natural
refrigerants such as carbon dioxide and propane are fast
becoming more attractive to OEMs and end-users for ACR
and heating applications as technology advances. Also
known as R744, carbon dioxide is used as a refrigerant
in a growing number of applications ranging from vending
machines and refrigerated supermarket display cases to
ice skating rinks.
Another
natural refrigerant under consideration for use in air
conditioning systems is propane. Known as R290, propane
is an eco-friendly hydrocarbon (chemical formula C3H8)
with outstanding thermodynamic properties that make it
well suited as a refrigerant for residential air
conditioners. The advantages of copper tubes in these
applications include high thermal conductivity,
corrosion resistance and strength. Smaller diameter
copper tubes have even higher burst strengths and they
allow for lower overall refrigerant volumes.
Copper
is a proven technology with a well-established supply
chain, including a network of trained installers with
the know-how to ensure safety and reliability.
Antimicrobial Materials Another factor influencing the
design of air conditioning and refrigeration systems is
new published research on copper’s efficacy against the
spread of fungi in air conditioning systems.
OEM
companies such as the Chinese air-conditioning giant
Chigo and Hydronic in France have already developed all
copper products expressly for their antimicrobial
properties. The use of all copper coils is not new but
their use expressly to inhibit the growth of fungi and
bacteria is a recent development that is expected to be
an important factor in the development of innovative air
conditioning and refrigeration products.
Bio
build up on the coil may be reduced by using all copper
coils, helping to maintain high levels of energy
efficiency for longer times and avoiding energy
efficiency drop off over time.
Perhaps
the most important factor driving the development of new
products is a better understanding of attitudes toward
comfort and refrigeration in different climates and
cultures. ACR product developers are responding better
to the real needs and wants of end users in the built
environment. They are right-sizing air conditioning and
refrigeration products to allow for precise temperature
and humidity control in specific zones without waste.
The
result is that end-users will enjoy healthy,
eco-friendly products that deliver cooling capacity with
high energy efficiency when as well as where it is most
desirable.
For
more information, visit
www.microgroove.net. There you can find technical
papers and recently archived webinars and a supplier
directory.
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