An innovative HVAC system exploiting vortex tubes

The aim of this work is to investigate a new application of the Ranque-Hilsch tube, also known as vortex tube: the exploitation of the temperature separation provided by this device for HVAC purposes. After a brief introduction on environmental problems and possible solutions, a detailed description of how vortex tubes work is outlined, referring to the literature available. Then, according to ASHRAE Standards, a rough design of the whole HVAC systems have been performed, starting from the production of compressed air, necessary to run vortex tubes, to the air distribution systems in the units considered. Moreover a CFD analysis has been carried out for the two units, in order to evaluate thermal and comfort conditions and get suggestions on how to improve them. An experimental analysis has been also made to evaluate vortex tube's actual performances and the behavior during a transient. Eventually an economic analysis has been performed to evaluate the feasibility of this new application.