EXPERIMENTAL COMPARATIVE RESEARCH on ICE-SLURRY vs. COOLED WATER in COMFORT AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEMS

Abstract

This paper reports experimental results of an ice-slurry system designed for comfort air conditioning. The cooling capacity of the system ranges from 3 to 7.5 kW. Ice-slurry is generated in a scraper-type generator that is part of a single stage compression system working with R404A, as primary refrigerant. A mixture of ice-slurry, water, and talin (10% mass concentration) represents the secondary cooling medium. This was used in classical type heat exchanger namely a fan coil, made of copper, with the inner diameter of 9.0 mm, and aluminum fins, of 0.1 mm thickness. The experimental study aimed to comparatively analyze the operation of the system working with ice-slurry vs. cooled water, as the classical secondary cooling medium. The comparative study has been developed with regard to: overall heat transfer surface; working fluid mass flow rate; thermal performances. The conclusion of the paper is that ice-slurry represents a better option both from the energetic and indoor comfort points of view.