An Object Oriented Simulation Framework For Steady-State Analysis Of Vapor Compression Refrigeration Systems And Components

Abstract

Thermo fluid energy system simulation has shown to be a useful tool for engineers; encompassing component design, system design and with increasing interest, system optimization. Thermo fluid energy systems, be they for comfort cooling, comfort heating, power generation, or any other purpose typically possess a unique composition and function. This has resulted in simulations for individual rather narrowly defined energy systems, each customized for the particular system of interest. However, it is impossible to ignore that the majority of thermo fluid energy systems share, among others, the common characteristics of fluid flow, mechanical work input/output and energy input/output via heat transfer. This dissertation exploits this similarity, and develops an object oriented methodology for modeling components and solving systems created from such components, operating in steady-state. The technique is novel in that it discriminates between systems, and their sub-systems, referred to as components. This methodology serves as a functional starting point which will appeal to the objectives of individual research groups, such as industrial sponsors, academic professionals, and students. The dissertation then presents several examples highlighting the major points in the analysis, and a complex example that demonstrates where such a tool may be usefulness in a product design environment. Lastly, the dissertation presents a component based, user-friendly interface specifically for vapor compression refrigeration systems. Several examples are used to validate the component models, reproducing experimental data reasonably well within a range of 5% for most performance variables.