Does AcuSolve can do thermal analysis for a condenser in an AC system?

James Lewis

Hi experts,

 

I'm wondering that whether AcuSolve can handle condenser thermal analysis?

Could anyone help me through this.

 

ydigit

As far as I know AcuSolve is not in a position to do complete evaporation and condensation. It is limited to surface boiling and film condensation. 

 

What might work is another Altair tool, Flow Simulator.

Thermo-fluid System Design | Altair Flow Simulator

Altair Flow Simulator - Integrated Thermo-fluid System Design - YouTube

ydigit

What is the goal here? 

Flow Simulator could handle this circuit, except phase change. 

ydigit

Flow Simulator (altair.com) Here is the online help. 

 

Tutorial 2: https://help.altair.com/flowsim/topics/internal/tutorials/tutorial_2_piping_system_internal.htm 

Tutorial 13: https://help.altair.com/flowsim/topics/internal/tutorials/tutorial_13_multipass_heat_exchanger_model.htm

 

James Lewis

ydigit_21275 said:

What is the goal here? 

Flow Simulator could handle this circuit, except phase change. 

The main purpose is to know the heat that condenser exchange with the environment.

So, to improve ventilation condition.

ydigit

James Lewis said:

The main purpose is to know the heat that condenser exchange with the environment.

So, to improve ventilation condition.

If thats the case and my interpretation is correct, then you would just need the fan and the heat exchanger. That is 3D CFD feasbiel with AcuSolve. 

If it were more of 1D CFD, it would be the usecase for Flow Simulator. 

James Lewis

ydigit_21275 said:

If thats the case and my interpretation is correct, then you would just need the fan and the heat exchanger. That is 3D CFD feasbiel with AcuSolve. 

If it were more of 1D CFD, it would be the usecase for Flow Simulator. 

But I'm still confused about how to set up material for refrigerant inside the condenser.

Because inside the condenser, there is a phase change process from gas into liquid.

James Lewis

ydigit_21275 said:

If thats the case and my interpretation is correct, then you would just need the fan and the heat exchanger. That is 3D CFD feasbiel with AcuSolve. 

If it were more of 1D CFD, it would be the usecase for Flow Simulator. 

It is really similar to this tutorial.

I am wondering that, does AcuSolve can do that?