Energy savings in refrigeration plants by means of a new expansion device

This type of expansion device is joined together by means of a vortex tube (Ranque-Hilsch tube) and a heat exchanger. The vortex tube separates a fluid-flow in a cold and a warm fraction. The heat exchanger is used to cool the warm partial flow. Improvements in energy efficiency in the order of 10 to 15% are expected depending on the refrigerant used. The aim of the project is: 1) To develop a vortex tube expansion device. 2) To build a laboratory plant and to test the developed vortex tube expansion devices. 3) To analyse the efficiency rates of the developed vortex tube expansion devices. 4) To explain the theoretical principles behind the vortex tube expansion devices and to prepare a calculation/dimensioning tool. A mathematical model will be prepared together with CFD calculations of the flow conditions of the vortex tube expansion device. In addition, laboratory tests for verification and adjustment of the CFD model will be carried out