Numerical Study on Choked Flow of CO2 Refrigerant in Helical Capillary Tube

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical study on an adiabatic helical capillary tube employing homogenous and choked flow conditions of a CO2 transcritical system. The theoretical model is based on the fundamental principle of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. The result of the present model validates with the previously published data. The influence of operating and geometric parameters on the performance of the capillary tube has been evaluated. Flow characterizations of choked and unchoked flow conditions are determined. As the evaporator pressure drops, from unchoked condition to choked state, the percentage change in mass flow rate is minimal. A simulation graph is developed which has been helpful for the design of the helical capillary tube. The choked flow condition in a capillary tube is avoided by either increasing tube diameter of the fixed length tube or decreasing the length of the fixed tube diameter.