Themathematical model of gas coolers is the cornerstone of gas cooler design and system modeling of the CO2 transcritical cycle. Modeling is a powerful means to analyze the thermal performances of gas coolers. This paper proposes a mathematical model of gas coolers for calculating heat transfer and pressure drop at supercritical pressures in both transitional and fully developed turbulent regimes. Based on the mathematical model, a computer simulation program in EES for gas coolers is developed. Verification with experimental data is made thereafter. The model predictions describe 97% of the experimental data of the capacity within ±5% and 97% of the experimental data of the refrigerant temperatures at the gas cooler outlet with deviation within ±1°C.

Units: SI