A Simplified Cycle Simulation Model for the Performance Rating of Refrigerants and Refrigerant Mixtures

Abstract A simulation program, CYCLE11, which is useful for the preliminary evaluation of the performance of refrigerants and refrigerant mixtures in the vapour compression cycle is described. The program simulates a theoretical vapour-compression cycle and departures from the theoretical cycle that occur in a heat pump and in a refrigerator. The cycles are prescribed in terms of the temperatures of the external heat-transfer fluids with the heat exchangers generalized by an average effective temperature difference. The isethalpic expansion process is assumed. The program includes a rudimentary model of a compressor and a representation of the suction line and liquid line heat exchange. Refrigerant thermodynamic properties are calculated by using the Carnahan-Starling-DeSantis equation of state. Refrigerant transport properties are not included in the simulations. The program can generate merit ratings of refrigerants for which limited measured data are available. An example of simulation results stresses the need for careful application of simplified models and consideration for the assumptions involved.