The aim of this work is to introduce a numerical approach to study the transient response of vapour compression refrigerating systems. The emphasis is put on small capacity systems working with R600a (power consumption lower than 1 kW). The proposed method consists in linking all the specific sub-models of the cycle main components (compressor, heat exchangers and expansion device) and transferring adequate information from one to each other until convergence is reached. The model allows to simulate both steadystate and transient conditions. In order to validate the numerical scheme, an experimental facility (specially designed to analyze domestic refrigerators) has been built and used to collect relevant measurements. The work is focused on a specific case considering domestic refrigerating conditions at both steady-state and transient conditions. The numerical steady-state conditions are compared against experimental data, while a detailed transient process is numerically studied.

Peer Reviewed