Vapor Compression Cycles: Control-Oriented Modeling and Validation

Author(s):  
Brian D. Eldredge ◽  
Bryan P. Rasmussen ◽  
Andrew G. Alleyne

This paper presents experimental validation of a dynamic vapor compression cycle (VCC) system model specifically suited for multivariable control design. A moving-boundary lumped parameter modeling approach captures the essential two-phase fluid dynamics while remaining sufficiently tractable to be a useful tool for designing low-order controllers. This research makes two key contributions to the control-oriented dynamic modeling of these systems. First, the moving-boundary approach is used to develop models of evaporators and condensers with receivers, models previously unavailable in the literature. Second, semi-empirical correlations are incorporated for predicting key model parameters. The resulting models are compared to experimental data for validation purposes.

Author(s):  
Brian D. Eldredge ◽  
Bryan P. Rasmussen ◽  
Andrew G. Alleyne

Vapor compression cycle systems using accumulators and receivers inherently operate at or near a transition point involving changes of phase at the heat exchanger outlets. This work introduces a condenser/receiver model and an evaporator/accumulator model developed in the moving-boundary framework. These models use a novel extension of physical variable definitions to account for variations in refrigerant exit phase. System-level model validation results, which demonstrate the validity of the new models, are presented. The model accuracy is improved by recognizing the sensitivity of the models to refrigerant mass flow rate. The approach developed and the validated models provide a valuable tool for dynamic analysis and control design for vapor compression cycle systems.


2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Luthman ◽  
John F. Gardner

Nearly all cooling systems, and an increasing proportion of heating systems, utilize the vapor compression cycle (VCC) to provide and remove heat from conditioned spaces. Even though the application of VCC’s throughout the built environment is ubiquitous, effective and accessible models of the performance of these systems remains elusive. Such models could be important tools for equipment and building designers, and building energy managers and those who are attempting to optimize building energy performance through the use of model-based control systems. A quasi-steady state, spreadsheet-based model has been developed which requires knowledge of 10 system-specific parameters. A method utilizing manufacturer’s test conditions to derive these values is presented. The model is applied to three commercially available units and a subset of test conditions is used to identify the model parameters. The model is validated over the entire range of conditions with modeling errors ranging from 2 to 4%.


1997 ◽  
Vol 119 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang-Dong He ◽  
Sheng Liu ◽  
Haruhiko H. Asada

This paper presents a new lumped-parameter model for describing the dynamics of vapor compression cycles. In particular, the dynamics associated with the two heat exchangers, i.e., the evaporator and the condenser, are modeled based on a moving-interface approach by which the position of the two-phase/single-phase interface inside the one-dimensional heat exchanger can be properly predicted. This interface information has never been included in previous lumped-parameter models developed for control design purpose, although it is essential in predicting the refrigerant superheat or subcool value. This model relates critical performance outputs, such as evaporating pressure, condensing pressure, and the refrigerant superheat, to actuating inputs including compressor speed, fan speed, and expansion valve opening. The dominating dynamic characteristics of the cycle around an operating point is studied based on the linearized model. From the resultant transfer function matrix, an interaction measure based on the Relative Gain Array reveals strong cross-couplings between various input-output pairs, and therefore indicates the inadequacy of independent SISO control techniques. In view of regulating multiple performance outputs in modern heat pumps and air-conditioning systems, this model is highly useful for design of multivariable feedback control.


Author(s):  
Rongliang Zhou ◽  
Juan Catano ◽  
Tiejun Zhang ◽  
John T. Wen ◽  
Greg J. Michna ◽  
...  

Steady-state modeling and analysis of a two-loop cooling system for high heat flux removal applications are studied. The system structure proposed consists of a primary pumped loop and a vapor compression cycle (VCC) as the secondary loop to which the pumped loop rejects heat. The pumped loop consists of evaporator, condenser, pump, and bladder liquid accumulator. The pumped loop evaporator has direct contact with the heat generating device and CHF must be higher than the imposed heat fluxes to prevent device burnout. The bladder liquid accumulator adjusts the pumped loop pressure level and, hence, the subcooling of the refrigerant to avoid pump cavitation and to achieve high critical heat flux (CHF) in the pumped loop evaporator. The vapor compression cycle of the two-loop cooling system consists of evaporator, liquid accumulator, compressor, condenser and electronic expansion valve. It is coupled with the pumped loop through a fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger that serves as both the vapor compression cycle evaporator and the pumped loop condenser. The liquid accumulator of the vapor compression cycle regulates the cycle active refrigerant charge and provides saturated vapor to the compressor at steady state. The heat exchangers are modeled with the mass, momentum, and energy balance equations. Due to the projected incorporation of microchannels in the pumped loop to enhance the heat transfer in heat sinks, the momentum equation, rarely seen in previous refrigeration system modeling efforts, is included to capture the expected significant microchannel pressure drop witnessed in previous experimental investigations. Electronic expansion valve, compressor, pump, and liquid accumulators are modeled as static components due to their much faster dynamics compared with heat exchangers. The steady-state model can be used for static system design that includes determining the total refrigerant charge in the vapor compression cycle and the pumped loop to accommodate the varying heat load, sizing of various components, and parametric studies to optimize the operating conditions for a given heat load. The effect of pumped loop pressure level, heat exchangers geometries, pumped loop refrigerant selection, and placement of the pump (upstream or downstream of the evaporator) are studied. The two-loop cooling system structure shows both improved coefficient of performance (COP) and CHF overthe single loop vapor compression cycle investigated earlier by authors for high heat flux removal.


Author(s):  
Yilin Du ◽  
Jan Muehlbauer ◽  
Jiazhen Ling ◽  
Vikrant Aute ◽  
Yunho Hwang ◽  
...  

A rechargeable personal air-conditioning (RPAC) device was developed to provide an improved thermal comfort level for individuals in inadequately cooled environments. This device is a battery powered air-conditioning system with the phase change material (PCM) for heat storage. The condenser heat is stored in the PCM during the cooling operation and is discharged while the battery is charged by using the vapor compression cycle as a thermosiphon loop. The conditioned air is discharged towards a single person through adjustable nozzle. The main focus of the current research was on the development of the cooling system. A 100 W cooling capacity prototype was designed, built, and tested. The cooling capacity of the vapor compression cycle measured was 165.6 W. The PCM was recharged in nearly 8 hours under thermosiphon mode. When this device is used in the controlled built environment, the thermostat setting can be increased so that building air conditioning energy can be saved by about 5–10%.


2015 ◽  
Vol 160 ◽  
pp. 266-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel T. Pollock ◽  
Zehao Yang ◽  
John T. Wen

2013 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
pp. 331-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Yan ◽  
Wenjian Cai ◽  
Lei Zhao ◽  
Yanzhong Li ◽  
Chen Lin

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 133-139
Author(s):  
Rikhard Ufie ◽  
Cendy S. Tupamahu ◽  
Sefnath J. E. Sarwuna ◽  
Jufraet Frans

Refrigerant R-22 is a substance that destroys the ozone layer, so that in the field of air conditioning it has begun to be replaced, among others with refrigerants R-32 and R-410a, and also R-290. Through this research, we want to know how much Coefficient of Performance (COP) and Refrigeration Capacity (Qe) can be produced for the four types of refrigerants. The study was carried out theoretically for the working conditions of the vapor compression cycle with an evaporation temperature (Tevap) of 0, -5, and -10oC, a further heated refrigerant temperature (ΔTSH) of 5 oC, a condensation temperature (Tkond) of 45 oC and a low-cold refrigerant temperature. (ΔTSC) 10 oC and compression power of 1 PK . The results of the study show that the Coefficient of Performance (COP) in the use of R-22 and R-290 is higher than the use of R-32 and R-410a, which are 4,920 respectively; 4,891; 4.690 and 4.409 when working at an evaporation temperature of 0 oC; 4.260; 4,234; 4.060 and 3.812 when working at an evaporation temperature of -5 oC; and amounted to 3,730; 3,685; 3,550 and 3,324 if working at an evaporation temperature of -10 oC. Based on the size of the COP, if this installation works with a compression power of 1 PK, then the cooling capacity of the R-22 and R-290 is higher than the R-32 and R-410a, which are 3,617 respectively. kW; 3,597 kW; 3,449 kW and 3,243 kW. If working at an evaporation temperature of 0 oC; 3.133 kW; 3.114 kW; 2,986 kW and 2,804 kW if working at an evaporation temperature of -5 oC; and 2,741 kW; 2,710 kW; 2,611 kW and 2,445 kW if working at an evaporation temperature of -10oC.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document