Experimental Investigation of Gravity Effect on a Vapor Compression Heat Pump System

Vapor compression heat pumps have the potential to meet future development requirements of thermal management in aerospace due ability achieve high flux dissipation, precise temperature control, and a more compact lightweight structure. In this study, variable-angle test stand was constructed investigate effect gravity on performance, distribution, oil circulation rate vapor pump system ground environment. The results showed that could operate stably at various inclination angles, with compressor exhibiting lowest power consumption an angle 90° maximum coefficient performance (COP) reaching 5.5. flow exhibited sinusoidal curve 10.7% variation relative initial as increased. evaporating temperature, condensing discharge were approximately symmetrical 180°. At angles ranging from 90 270°, highly sensitive changes remained level. agreed well change subcooling/superheating, yet rise resulted decrease COP.