Comparison of different modeling approaches for minichannel evaporators under dehumidification

[EN] This paper firstly presents a comprehensive minichannel evaporator model (MCHX-1D-MB) based on fin theory coupled with the moving boundary technique along fin height. To validate the presented model, experimental data for R-134a and R-744 (CO2) minichannel evaporators were used. The proposed model successfully predicted the cooling capacity of R-134a and CO2 evaporators with mean absolute error values of +/- 1.8 and +/- 4.3%, respectively. Regarding the outlet air temperature, the mean absolute errors in the estimated results were +/- 0.43 and +/- 0.9 degrees C for R-134a and CO2 evaporators, respectively. Finally, to evaluate the impact of widely used assumption of cut fin on the air-side performance of minichannel evaporators, another model was developed (MCHX-1D-CF). The comparative study revealed that the most remarkable deviations between the two models appear when the evaporator operates under partially wet conditions, which were up to approximate to 12% in the latent heat transfer rate.