A Literature Review of Numerical Modeling Techniques for Vapor Compression Systems with Focus on Heat Exchanger Modeling

Vapor compression systems are the most widely used system type in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) applications. Experimental and numerical modeling techniques are used to analyze the performance of the vapor compression systems. With the introduction of high-performance computers, numerical modeling techniques are used extensively to develop cost-effective and efficient HVAC&R equipment. Experimental iterations on the design of vapor compression systems are costly; however, numerical techniques can reduce the number of experimental iterations, substantially decreasing the development cost and time. Because of the benefits associated with the numerical simulation, many researchers working in the HVAC&R field have attempted to develop efficient, robust, and accurate simulation models. This paper provides an in-depth review of heat exchanger modeling techniques as well as integration strategies to develop holistic system models