In this study, the cooling capacity and the pressure drop of a condenser for 10kW refrigerator unit were experimentally investigated. The performance characteristics of the condenser was studied by changing the fin shape(4 types), fin pitch(5 types), tube row(4 types) and air flow rate(6 types), using the calorimeter. The optimum heat exchanger specifications were selected by comparing the capacity and the pressure drop of the condenser. In order to select the heat exchanger suitable for the condenser for 10kW refrigerator unit, both the cooling capacity and the pressure drop should be considered. From the condenser performance test by pin type, the wavy pin was selected. The optimal performance of the condenser for 10kW refrigerator unit was observed at the fin pitch of 3 mm, the tube row of 4 row, and the air flow rate of 90㎥/min.

Abstract The cascade refrigeration cycle system has been used mainly to obtain the ultra-low temperature. In this study, the effects of internal and outdoor temperatures at chamber on the heat capacity of fin-tube heat exchangers were examined. In addition, refrigerant line patterns as well as refrigerant type for cascade cycle were optimized. The results in this study show that the refrigerant line patterns have greater effect on the sensible capacity than the total capacity. Also, the condenser heat release rate for R717-R744 cycle varies the ratio of 46 % with outdoor temperature by comparing with that of 24% for R134a-R410a cycle.