A novel condenser with offset strip fins on a mini channel flat tube for reducing the energy consumption of a household refrigerator

• Published in: Journal of Building Engineering Vol. 44; p. 102932
• Main Authors: Doğan, Bahadır, Ozturk, M. Mete, Tosun, Tuğba, Tosun, Mert, Erbay, L. Berrin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2021
• Subjects: Capillary length; Compact heat exchanger; Energy consumption; Refrigerant amount; Strip fin; Energy consumption; Capillary length; Compact heat exchanger; Strip fin; Refrigerant amount
• ISSN: 2352-7102; 2352-7102
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2021.102932

The aim of the study is to reduce the amount of refrigerant and energy consumption of a household refrigerator by conserving the desired temperature inside the fresh food and freezer compartments. In this study, two novel condensers with different offset strip fin configurations on a mini-channel flat tube are used instead of a conventional wire-on-tube condenser. The impact of this novel application on the performance of the refrigerator is investigated experimentally by following the norms defined by IEC 62552:2015. The tests are conducted in a wide range of refrigerant charges (48–64 g) with three different capillary lengths (2800, 3300, and 3800 mm). Alternative couples of refrigerant charge and capillary length for the novel condensers are determined to decrease the daily energy consumption under the level of the original system with the wire-on-tube condenser. One of the aims of the study is achieved by 5.7% of energy-saving when one of the novel condensers is coupled with a 3300 mm length capillary tube and 50 g of refrigerant. The other aim of the study related with the environmental effect is achieved by reducing 10.7% of the refrigerant amount with the application of the novel condenser with offset strip fins on a mini channel flat tube. •Replacement of the wire on tube condenser with the strip fin mini-channel condenser.•Determination of the optimum refrigerant amount and capillary length under IEC 62552:2015.•Reducing the energy consumption of a household refrigerator.