Análisis y simulación térmica mediante dinámica de fluidos computacional de una chiller para el enfriamiento de 750 gal/min de agua

Abstract

In this work, the design of an evaporator for a chiller is exhaustively analyzed, along with the possibility of its implementation, using computational models as well as simulations to analyze its performance and evaluate its economic viability. A comprehensive review of the existing literature on evaporators was conducted, focusing on the latest technologies, materials, and techniques to assess both the performance and efficiency of the systems. The computational models used were described, highlighting the use of SolidWorks Flow Simulation due to its features and benefits. Details about the simulation, the system geometry (a double-pass shell and tube design), and the mesh generation process were provided. The thermal properties of the system were also discussed, input parameters, boundary conditions, and convergence criteria for the simulation were established. Comparisons between both simulation results and the data obtained using mathematical models as well as previous studies were carried out, developing an analysis to determine if the computational models were accurate, in addition to verifying if there were discrepancies in both temperature and heat transfer between the refrigerant and water. The economic evaluation included a thorough analysis of the costs of materials, installation, operation, and maintenance. The simulation data demonstrated a high correlation with the mathematical models, validating the accuracy of the SolidWorks simulation. Improvements in the energy efficiency of the chiller evaporator were found, thus demonstrating the economic viability of the project. Detailed evaluations of the installation and operation costs were also conducted, highlighting economic benefits.