Abstract
Utilisation of natural working fluids based on hydrocarbons can reduce greenhouse gas emissions
considerably. However, components and systems need to be developed further to fully exploit their thermophysical
properties. A new heat exchanger test rig is under construction at SINTEF Energy Research's thermal
laboratories in Trondheim. The rig is designed to test novel heat exchanger concepts and designs for
hydrocarbons and mixtures of these. Heating, cooling, evaporation, and condensation experiments can be
performed at temperatures ranging from 0 – 150 ˚C and pressures up to 70 bar(g), for heat exchangers with
thermal capacities up to around 20 kW. This paper describes the design, test capabilities and accuracy of the
experimental setup.
Keywords: Heat transfer, pressure drop, experimental, hydrocarbons, mixtures, heat exchanger prototypes,
evaporation, condensation, temperature glide
considerably. However, components and systems need to be developed further to fully exploit their thermophysical
properties. A new heat exchanger test rig is under construction at SINTEF Energy Research's thermal
laboratories in Trondheim. The rig is designed to test novel heat exchanger concepts and designs for
hydrocarbons and mixtures of these. Heating, cooling, evaporation, and condensation experiments can be
performed at temperatures ranging from 0 – 150 ˚C and pressures up to 70 bar(g), for heat exchangers with
thermal capacities up to around 20 kW. This paper describes the design, test capabilities and accuracy of the
experimental setup.
Keywords: Heat transfer, pressure drop, experimental, hydrocarbons, mixtures, heat exchanger prototypes,
evaporation, condensation, temperature glide