Abstract

In this work, we propose the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as a useful design tool for the construction and improvement of a vertical He-4 evaporation refrigerator. This approach provides a cost-effective solution for improving the performance of such systems designed through the use of traditional heat transfer and fluid mechanics-based relations. To this effect, we applied COMSOL Multiphysics to model an existing refrigerator, which had been built and extensively tested at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). This allowed us to firstly validate our methodology through contrast with reliable empirical data and subsequently to evaluate which modifications can contribute to improved performance. Our CFD based model accurately predicts the cooling power of the UNH design and provides insight into its operation. Moreover, the CFD case study we present here allowed us to propose and evaluate design modifications aimed at minimizing the heat load on the refrigerator.