For optimal performance, a flooded evaporator should be designed with what flow configuration?

A flooded evaporator is best designed with a counter flow configuration for optimal performance. In counter flow, the refrigerant and the cooling medium flow in opposite directions, which maximizes the temperature difference between the two streams throughout the evaporator. This configuration ensures that the refrigerant entering the evaporator is cooler than the refrigerant leaving, which enhances heat transfer efficiency.

By maintaining a more consistent temperature differential, the counter flow design helps to improve the overall efficiency of the evaporator, allowing for better heat exchange and maximizing the heat absorbed by the refrigerant as it evaporates. When the temperature difference is sustained across the length of the evaporator, the system can operate more efficiently, leading to improved performance and energy savings.