In this study, a uni-flow vortex tube is designed and fabricated. Energy separation characteristics have been investigated with a protocol uni-flow vortex tube through a series of tests. The effects of energy separation characteristics by changing the gap between tubes and gap between throttle valve and tube are analyzed. Energy separation and throttle valve are significant parameters in the performance of a uni-flow vortex. Further, the positions of the separation tube and throttle valve are found to control the air flow at the hot side as well as at the cold side. Test results have been expressed as dimensionless temperature and heat transfer rate. When the discharge flow is the same at the hot side and the cold side, the energy separation efficiency has been found to be highest.

vortex tube, energy separation, vortex generator, throttle valve.