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Transient simulation of household refrigerators: a semi-empirical, quasi-steady approach.

Author(s) : BORGES B. N., HERMES C. J. L., GONCALVES J. M., et al.

Summary

This paper outlines a simplified model to simulate the cycle behaviour of household refrigerators and thereby predict their energy consumption. The modelling methodology follows a quasi-steady approach, where the refrigeration system and also the refrigerated compartments are modelled following steady-state and transient approaches, respectively. The model was based on both physical laws and empirical data. The mass, energy and momentum conservation principles were used to compile the equation set, whereas experimental data were collected and applied to derive the model closing parameters, such as the thermal conductance of the heat exchangers and the thermal capacitance of the refrigerated compartment. The experiments were carried out using a controlled temperature and humidity environmental chamber. The model predictions were compared to experimental data taken at ambient temperatures of 25 and 32°C. It was found that the energy consumption is well predicted by the model with a maximum deviation of plus or minus 2%. A sensitivity analysis was also carried out to explore the effects of the component characteristics on the product energy consumption and also to identify opportunities for energy savings.

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Details

  • Original title: Transient simulation of household refrigerators: a semi-empirical, quasi-steady approach.
  • Record ID : 2011-0219
  • Languages: English
  • Publication date: 2010/07/12
  • Source: Source: Proc. 2010 int. Refrig. Air Cond. Conf., Purdue Univ.
    n. 2122; 8 p.; fig.; tabl.; 6 ref.

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