Modeling of an Automotive Air Conditioning Compressor Based on Experimental Data

The objective of the current study was to develop a model for the steady-state performance of a reciprocating automotive air conditioning compressor. The model equations were composed of analytical equations based on simple energy and mass balances in addition to simple relations developed from experimental data. Since the model equations are simple in form, they can easily be solved sequentially yielding a reasonable solution time. Furthermore, the analytical equations contained physical parameters which can be varied to provide simulations of various compressor geometries. The constant parameters used in the empirical relations were obtained from a least squares analysis of experimental data. The experimental data used for parameter estimation were obtained from a mobile air conditioning system test facility which utilized R -134a as the refrigerant. It is believed that the modeling algorithm presented can easily be extended to other reciprocating compressors with a minimal amount of experimental data. Furthermore, the algorithm is capable of producing a model that is accurate over a broad range of conditions. The model's performance was verified by comparison of simulation results with experimental data. When provided the suction refrigerant state, discharge refrigerant pressure, compressor speed and ambient air temperature, the model proved capable of predicting the discharge refrigerant enthalpy, the required compressor power and the refrigerant mass flow rate with reasonable accuracy.Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Center Project 0