Heating performance impact on a mechanical packaged heat pump using all aluminum indoor heat exchanger and reduced copper outdoor heat exchanger

Abstract

The core objective of this study was to analyze the effect of aluminum tube with an improved fin design in a mechanical package heat pump, determine the efficiency of the heat pump, and to take a pragmatic look at the marketability of this design in commercial and industrial use. The development of this unit was planned with the use of VAVE (value analysis and value engineering) principles. Copper parts were mostly replaced with sleeker aluminum components, and the deficit of significantly lower heat transfer in aluminum was compensated for with various design improvements. We were able to theoretically prove the efficacy of using aluminum tubes for indoor heat exchangers and observe the impact of heat transfer co-efficient drops for mechanical heat pumps. This innovative design has resulted in a simpler product, that is more efficient, cost effective, and will be able to live up to future safety guidelines when they are implemented with minor alterations, if required. The heat pump design that was studied was successfully tested based on the current guideline provided by AHRI (Air-conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute).