The Journal of Engine Research

The Journal of Engine Research

Utilization of internal heat exchanger in air condition pipe at automotive industry

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Design Expert for the HVAC System, SAPCO, Tehran, Iran
2 Design for the Automotive Power System Train, SAPCO, Tehran, Iran
3 Design for Automotive Power Train System, SAPCO, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Due to the increasing effects of global warming, it is necessary to improve vehicle air conditioning systems. Among the various methods for enhancing cooling performance in the automotive industry, selecting the right approach—while considering time and cost priorities—is crucial. For this purpose, the use of an internal heat exchanger in the R134 refrigerant circuit, achieved through a modified manufacturing method, has gained significant attention in the automotive sector. This article presents the results of applying a new manufacturing method to an air conditioning pipe equipped with an internal heat exchanger in the Tara vehicle. The findings demonstrate that using an internal heat exchanger reduces the evaporator surface temperature, leading to a decrease in the average cabin and vent temperatures by approximately 7°C and 12°C, respectively, under highway driving conditions. In the traffic driving cycle, the results show that the internal heat exchanger reduces the average cabin temperature by about 5°C under optimal conditions.
Keywords

[1] Patil S, Nagarhalli PV, Srivastava S. Development of Internal Heat Exchanger for Truck AC System Application. SAE Technical Paper; 2022 Nov 9. doi: 10.4271/2022-28-0453
[2] Zhang W, Černicin V, Hrnjak P. The role of internal heat exchanger in an R744 vapor compression system in the Air-conditioning mode under various conditions. InProceedings of 19th International Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Conference at Purdue 2022. Purdue University, Ray W. Herrick Laboratories.
[3] Navarro-Esbrí J, Molés F, Barragán-Cervera Á. Experimental analysis of the internal heat exchanger influence on a vapour compression system performance working with R1234yf as a drop-in replacement for R134a. Applied Thermal Engineering. 2013 Sep 25;59(1-2):153-61. doi: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2013.05.028
[4] Yau Y, Poh H. Study on Flow behavior and heat exchange characteristics of a capillary tube-suction line heat exchanger. Heat Transfer Engineering. 2019 Apr 21;40(7):574-87. doi: 10.1080/01457632.2018.1436420
[5] Mehdipour R, Baniamerian Z, Sakhaei B. Mathematical simulation of a vehicle radiator by genetic algorithm method and comparison with experimental data. The Journal of Engine Research. 2022 Nov 27;30(30):15-23.
[6] Cho H, Ryu C, Kim Y. Cooling performance of a variable speed CO2 cycle with an electronic expansion valve and internal heat exchanger. International Journal of Refrigeration. 2007 Jun 1;30(4):664-71. doi: 10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2006.10.004
[7] Mota-Babiloni A, Navarro-Esbrí J, Pascual-Miralles V, Barragán-Cervera Á, Maiorino A. Experimental influence of an internal heat exchanger (IHX) using R513A and R134a in a vapor compression system. Applied Thermal Engineering. 2019 Jan 25;147:482-91. doi: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2018.10.092
[8] Hermes CJ. Alternative evaluation of liquid-to-suction heat exchange in the refrigeration cycle. International journal of refrigeration. 2013 Dec 1;36(8):2119-27. doi: 10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2013.06.007
[9] Desai AD, Sapali SN, Parthasarathi GV. Development of Efficient R-134a A/C System of a Medium Size Car. International Energy Journal. 2011;12(3).
[10] Goudarzi K, Azizi G. Effect of the tube insert in vehicle radiator on thermal performance. The Journal of Engine Research. 2022 Nov 27;29(29):39-46.

  • Receive Date 28 March 2025
  • Revise Date 06 April 2025
  • Accept Date 30 May 2025