Steady-state model of a variable speed vapor compression system using R134a as working fluid

This paper presents a steady-state physical model for a variable speed vapor compression system. Its development and validation for a wide range of operating conditions are presented. The model requires as input parameters: compressor speed, static superheating degree and volumetric flow rates and temperatures of secondary fluids at the evaporator and condenser inlet. Using these input parameters, which can be easily obtained in this kind of facility, the model predicts the operating pressures, the temperature of secondary fluids at the evaporator and condenser outlet, the evaporator and condenser thermal capacities, the electric power consumed by the compressor and the coefficient of performance, COP. The experimental validation of the model has been carried out with 177 tests using R134a as working fluid, concluding that the model can predict the energetic performance of a variable speed vapor compression chiller with an error lower than +/- 10%. Copyright (c) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.