Performance Analysis of HFC-404A Vapor Compression Refrigeration System Using Shell and U-Tube Smooth and Micro-Fin Tube Condensers

Performance analyses of an HFC-404A refrigeration system for a smooth U-tube condenser and a micro-fin U-tube condenser are carried out for various operating conditions. This article mainly reports performance testing of the above-mentioned condensers for various operating parameters and their effect on the performance of refrigeration systems. The condensers used are shell and U-tube types, with refrigerant through a tube and cooling water through a shell. It also reports the performance enhancement of the system using a micro-fin tube condenser relative to a smooth-tube condenser system. The cooling capacity of the system is increased by 10%, and the coefficient of performance of the system is improved up to 17% using a micro-fin tube condenser.