Numerical and experimental study of the passive air conditioning of a room by a two-phase thermosiphon loop

Summary :

This research is based on a numerical and experimental study of the air conditioning of a habitat by a two-phase thermosiphon loop. Homes are subject to climate-related (sunshine) effects that can be severe and difficult to control. This requires the integration of air conditioning systems to maintain the room temperature below the limit imposed. The two-phase loops are air conditioning systems for thermal control and passively operate without mechanical pumping of the coolant. After a literature review on diphasic air conditioning loops and their applications, it has been found that thermosiphon loops are particularly suitable for applications where low cost, energy efficiency and maintenance reliability are desired. The heat transfer equations of the air conditioning system are based on the nodal method and are deduced from a thermal balance established for the different components. Heat transfers from the system are focused on the enthalpy and purely conductive method. They are solved by an implicit finite difference method and the Gauss and Thomas algorithms. It is shown that the thermal performances obtained using a thermosiphon loop air conditioning mode are better. The thermosiphon loops seem interesting for a passive air conditioning of the habitat.