Design and modelling of hot-wall condensers in domestic refrigerators

This paper presents the experimental and modelling results of hot-wall condensers that are commonly used in domestic vapour compression based refrigerators. Experiments were carried out on a real refrigerator using R134a as the refrigerant to obtain the condenser capacity, pressure loss and degree of sub-cooling at different operating conditions. A simulation model was developed to analyse the heat transfer characteristics of the condenser. The model was based on finite element and variable conductance approach using a combination of thermodynamic correlations. The modelling results are found to disagree with the experimental results by about 10%; however, this discrepancy could be attributed to the unmodelled heat infiltration from the condenser into the refrigerating compartment.