New MicroGroove Heat Exchanger Technology Outreach Program

The International Copper Association Inc. (ICA) and Optimized Thermal Systems Inc. (OTS) announced a new technology outreach program on the design and use of heat exchangers made with MicroGroove™ smaller diameter copper tubes.

The program is aimed at engineering students, academic researchers, and industry professionals who would like to learn more about MicroGroove technology, a key component for ecofriendly HVACR applications. Smaller diameter tubes increase energy efficiency and reduce overall costs of heat exchangers. They allow for refrigerant-charge reduction and higher operating pressures and are, therefore, well suited for natural, flammable, and low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants.

Participants will be given a detailed technical overview of MicroGroove heat-exchanger (MGHX) technology and presented with their own sample MGHX built with 5-mm copper tubes, which they can test in their own laboratories. Additionally, they will receive instruction on the use of CoilDesigner® simulation software, which includes correlations for MicroGroove tubes.

The purpose of this hands-on introduction to MGHX technology is to engage people from various institutions and different backgrounds and encourage them to collaborate in advancing the round tube, plate fin (RTPF) heat exchangers. Participants will learn how MicroGroove heat exchangers in HVACR equipment contribute to sustainable development of the global built environment.

The OTS-ICA MGHX outreach program will be conducted throughout the spring of 2017. Interested parties are encouraged to enroll in the program and gain access to the following:

Technical papers, case studies, and other materials pertaining to MicroGroove Technology;

Access to webinars on air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger design, parameterization, and optimization; and Demonstration and trial versions of CoilDesigner software from OTS.

The latter is a proprietary tool for air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger modeling and simulation. Correlations in CoilDesigner allow users to explore the performance of tube-fin heat exchangers with small diameters. Using a complimentary trial version of CoilDesigner software, participants can simulate the performance of MicroGroove coil designs.

Interested participants can also request a sample 5-mm heat exchanger for use in instruction or for laboratory testing. Participants who conduct performance tests in their own facilities will be encouraged to share their findings.

Anyone interested in enrolling should complete the OTS-ICA MGHX technology outreach program registration form.