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Experimental and Numerical Analysis of a PCM-Supported ...

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Figure 7.7: Effect <strong>of</strong> inlet hot water temperature on the evaporation<br />

rate<br />

Under such conditions, the optimum effectiveness <strong>of</strong> the evaporator would be<br />

obtained when the inlet/outlet temperature difference can be maximized. Since the<br />

outlet air temperature is limited thermodynamically by the inlet hot water<br />

temperature, increasing the air temperature at the inlet <strong>of</strong> the evaporator decreases<br />

the exploitable potential. Practically, in a closed air loop HDH cycle, the inlet air<br />

temperature to the evaporator is determined by the condenser effectiveness <strong>and</strong><br />

vice versa.<br />

7.2.5 Effect <strong>of</strong> water to air flow ratio<br />

A crucial parameter in the performance <strong>of</strong> an air-water system is the air mass flow<br />

through the direct contact heat <strong>and</strong> mass exchanger. An increase in the mass flow<br />

results in an increase <strong>of</strong> the effective heat <strong>and</strong> mass transfer coefficients. This is a<br />

positive aspect; however a higher air mass flow also decreases the temperature <strong>and</strong><br />

humidity rise that is achieved within the evaporator, which in turn has a negative<br />

impact on the condenser performance in a closed air loop HDH cycle. As a result,<br />

the air mass flow rate in the HDH cycle not only influences the individual thermal<br />

effectiveness <strong>of</strong> the evaporator or condenser by itself but also has strong mutual<br />

impacts on both <strong>of</strong> them. Thus, a compromise between the evaporator <strong>and</strong> the<br />

condenser efficiencies has to be made. This is a fundamental aspect that needs to<br />

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