The objective of this paper is to develop an optimization methodology for the design of a finned tube heat exchanger in a residential air-conditioning unit. Three-dimensional simulations are carried out to investigate heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics of a two-row plain fin-and-tube heat exchanger. Heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of the heat exchanger are investigated for Reynolds numbers ranging from 330 to 7000. Model geometry is created, meshed, calculated, and post-processed. Fluid flow and heat transfer are simulated and results compared using both laminar and turbulent flow models with steady-state solvers to calculate pressure drop, flow, and temperature fields. As far today’s demand is to manufacture an effective heat exchanger to maximize heat transfer rate with low weight and high effectiveness. Finned tube heat exchanger widely used in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Aerospace and Cryogenic applications. In automobile air conditioning R-134a is widely used refrigerant which is not environmental friendly because of its higher GWP (Global Warming Potential) value. Design of finned tube heat exchanger is done by using various correlations to calculate the heat transfer coefficient from air side and refrigerant side. R-22 and Propane is used as refrigerant because its thermophysical properties are better as compared to recently used refrigerant in automobile heat exchanger. It is eco-friendly natural refrigerant which has very low Global Warming Potential. In this paper, various details of processes involved in the fabrication of finned and tube heat exchanger is also mentioned.

Keywords : Optimization, Effectiveness, Ventilation, Global warming potential.