Mathematical modelling and performance evaluation of compartmented coil for enhanced IAQ and energy efficiency

Abstract

The thesis aims to evaluate the performance of the newly developed compartmented cooling coil of the Single Coil Twin Fan air-conditioning and air distribution system. A fundamental mathematical model has been formulated and validated based on a comprehensive experimental methodology. Efforts have been taken to derive unique boundary conditions for the compartmented coil as an attempt to violate the fundamental assumption of a constant heat transfer coefficient across the coil. Elaborate measurements of fin surface temperatures involving three concentric cardinal points on the fin around each selected tube have been attempted with sensitive thermistor beads in both one row and four row coils. Monte Carlo simulation method has been introduced as an alternative to formulate and evaluate numerical formulations. An alternative formulation to the complex mathematical model on locally varying heat transfer coefficients across the fresh air and the re-circulated air side is proposed through Monte Carlo simulation method using experimental results. Parametric variations with fin spacing, compartment sizes, face velocities and condensation characteristics have been attempted to optimize the performance of the compartmented coil.