Evaluation of a hybrid method for refrigerant flow balancing in multi-circuit evaporators

A companion paper [Kim, J.-H., Braun, J.E., Groll, E.A., 2009. A hybrid method for refrigerant flow balancing in multi-circuit evaporators: upstream versus downstream control. International Journal of Refrigeration doi:10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2009.01.013 presented a hybrid approach for providing control of refrigerant flow distribution in evaporators that involves the use of small balancing valves in each circuit along with a primary expansion device to control the overall superheat from the evaporator. Furthermore, the companion paper demonstrated that the flow balancing valves should be located upstream rather than downstream of the evaporator in order to realize significant benefits. The current paper utilizes the model presented in the companion paper to more fully evaluate the effects of uneven air and refrigerant flow distributions and the benefits of upstream hybrid control in response to these effects.