EFFECT OF COLD OUTLET DIAMETER ON THERMAL PERFORMANCE AND EXERGY ANALYSIS OF RANQUE-HILSCH VORTEX TUBE WITH COPPER NOZZLES

Abstract

This study consists of experimental studies of the nozzle center diameter effect on thermal performance of a Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube (RHVT) by using different number of nozzles made of copper. The performance of the vortex tube at different inlet air pressures was investigated by using 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 nozzles. In addition, using four different cold orifice diameters, the variation in thermal performance has been revealed according to this parameter. Pressures applied to working fluid were within the range 150-700 kPa to obtain the level of temperature separation. The highest temperature gradient Delta T was obtained with six nozzles having a 7-mm orifice diameter, and this value was 51.6 degrees C. Also, exergy performance of the system was analyzed for different operating conditions. Exergy loss and the second-law efficiency were calculated. The highest exergy efficiency value was determined as 33.2% for the 7-mm orifice diameter with six nozzles at 700 kPa and the minimum entropy generation was calculated at this point as expected.