IEA Annex 33 : Compact Heat Exchangers in Heat Pumping Equipment
This Annex, which commenced activities in the Autumn of 2006, is directed at widening the use of compact heat exchangers (CHEs) in heat pumping systems. It is believed that these will improve efficiencies, minimise fluid inventories and reduce package size. The data collected during the Annex will, it is hoped, quantify the possible benefits from CHE use, and also highlight any concerns. Ultimately, the use of compact heat exchangers should significantly improve the acceptability of heat pumps across all applications, by allowing improved COPs and reduced materials content.

The principal objective of this Annex is to present a compilation of possible options for compact heat exchangers, used as evaporators, condensers and in other roles in heat pumping equipment. The aim is to minimise the direct and indirect effect on the local and global environment due to operation of, and ultimate disposal of, the equipment.

Specific technical goals involve identifying and documenting reasonably accurate methods of predicting heat transfer, pressure drop and void fractions in CHEs, thereby promoting and/or simplifying their commercial use by heat pump manufacturers. Integral with these activities will be an examination of manifolding/flow distribution in compact/micro-heat exchangers, in particular in evaporators.

Annex 33 involves the following tasks:

Task 1: Market research
Task 2: The evaluation of the performance of compact heat exchangers relevant to heat pumps
Task 3: The evaluation of properties and operating limits of such equipment
Task 4: Information sharing.

There will be opportunities for open meetings at which industry and academia can put forward their views and contribute to the project.

The Annex has as Operating Agent the School of Engineering and Design, Brunel University in London, UK, represented by Professor David Reay or his Deputy, Dr. Peter Kew of Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. The first meeting of the Annex since its approval in November 2006 will take place in Stockholm on 23rd and 24th May 2007.
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