Steady-State Numerical Simulation Of A Vapor Compression Heat Pump System As An Effective Method To Predict Its Performance

During the last two decades a strong driving force is directed to development of the simulation models and methodologies for vapor compression systems and its main components simulation. These models are highly useful as an effective method to predict the system performance and the thermodynamic processes of the vapor compression system under different operating conditions or different components’ properties. This paper presents the mathematical model of a reversible heat pump and numerical steady-state simulations with refrigerant R407C. Using the information from manufacturer data and real properties of scroll compressor, brazed plate heat exchangers and additionally built-in liquid-vapor heat exchanger, the mathematical model of the thermodynamic and heat transfer processes in its different components is developed in order to predict the operating conditions of the heat pump. With numerical simulations the effect of: the liquid-vapor heat exchanger; number of plates in the evaporator, condenser and desuperheater; different temperatures at condenser’s and evaporator’s inlet of water and propylene-glycol water mixture; as well as the effect of degree of superheat and degree of subcooling, are analyzed. The final goal is to predict the thermodynamic states, pressure drops, heat transfer rates and system performance of the heat pump and to identify the heat pump configuration which will result in the most adequate operating conditions