Samples, Software and Training on Smaller-Diameter Copper Tubes Offered in New MicroGroove Heat Exchanger (MGHX) Technology Outreach Program

OTS and ICA Team Up to Engage and Encourage Students, Academics and Professionals

 New York, New York (15 January 2017) – The International Copper Association, Inc. (ICA) and Optimized Thermal Systems, Inc. (OTS) today 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 HVAC&R 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 hence are well suited for natural, flammable and low 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 state-of-the-art of round tube, plate fin (RTPF) heat exchangers. Participants will learn how MicroGroove heat exchangers in HVAC&R 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;
  • 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.

For more information about MicroGroove Technology, visit www.microgroove.net. Join the MicroGroove Group on LinkedIn to share your ideas about research directions and product development. www.linkedin.com/groups/Microgroove-4498690.

About ICA The International Copper Association, Ltd. (ICA) is the leading organization for promoting the use of copper worldwide. ICA’s mission is to promote the use of copper by communicating the unique attributes that make this sustainable element an essential contributor to the formation of life, to advances in science and technology, and to a higher standard of living worldwide. Visit www.copperinfo.com for more information about ICA.

About OTS Optimized Thermal Systems, Inc. offers customized software and services for the design and optimization of thermal systems. The OTS mission is to free engineers to do what they do best: create and innovate! It is accomplished by providing advanced software solutions, consulting services, and physical performance measurement and validation for a variety of HVAC&R components, systems and technologies. Visit www.optimizedthermalsystems.com for additional information.

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