Performance Simulation Of Single-Evaporator Domestic Refrigerator Using Alternative Refrigerants

Abstract

The search for well-functioning and energy-optimized refrigeration systems has made modeling and simulation of such systems an important tool for the industry in terms of product development. The present study explores how REFSIM ( a general computer model for simulation of steady-state performance systems) can be used to handle the physics of a domestic refrigerator. Organization of the model is discussed and approach to modeling of main components with more detailed description in a domestic refrigerator (evaporator, condenser, compressor, capillary tube with and without heat exchange, and suction line) is explained. The modeling effort emphasis was on the local phenomena to be described by fundamental thermodynamic, heat transfer and fluid mechanics relationships. Good agreement is found with experiments for a wide range of operating conditions to a domestic refrigerator.