Design and Performance Evaluation of a Dual-Operation Condenser using R-134a

This research considered the design and performance evaluation of a condenser using R134a refrigerant for use in refrigeration and air-conditioning. The optimal values were obtained by varying different performance parameters. Experiments were conducted in order to justify the performance of the condensers, if it will perform better with a more eco-friendly refrigerant. The simulated Ansys results showed that R134a suits refrigeration and air-conditioning system. More so, Copper offered better platform for heat transfer more than aluminum. But the limitation observed in the use of Copper is its weight, thus aluminum alloy 1100 can be an alternative. Heat transfer analysis was done on the condenser to evaluate the material and refrigerant. The materials considered for tubes are Copper and Aluminum alloy 1100 and for fins are 1050 and 1100