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Old 01-29-13, 06:31 PM   #1
jeff5may
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Default Suction line heat exchanger

Ok, so the window AC unit I turned into a heat pump is doing such an awesome job that I have decided to build another, similar unit. The first unit and this unit will have similarly sized heat exchange coils, only this one will be based off a 9k btu compressor vs a 15k btu in the first. So in theory, I should be able to squeeze more COP out of this one. which leads me to this thread...

While researching propane-based refrigeration cycles, I kept coming upon mentions of using suction-line heat exchangers (SLHX). The research and application papers I read said that considerable performance and efficiency gains could and/or should be had by using them in the refrigeration cycles of propane-based setups. Somewhere along the line I decided that I would try one in action and see if it would help. Before I do, though, I need to become more familiar with them and gain some insight and confidence.

I have a ton of questions about these gadgets. The main idea behind these things is that they take waste heat from the liquid line and warm the cold suction line with it. This is supposed to subcool the liquid line (a good thing?) and superheat the vapor line (another good thing?) while increasing suction pressure (i know this is good.) and mass flow (definitely good.). This sounds like some sort of free lunch to me.

I will be running a TXV on this new unit (harvested from the first unit), so it alone should net me some performance vs. the cap tube running in it now. Keeping this in mind, will the txv work with or against the hx? Should I put the sensor bulb on the evap or compressor side of the slhx? Would it make much difference?

Next come the plumbing questions. Should I extend the liquid line or the suction line? Vertical or horizontal orientation? How big is too big?

I know I will probably learn more than I accomplish from this endeavor... that's kind of the point. I hope somebody can help clear up the muddy water a little before I jump in.

jeff

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