Numerical study on the steady state and transient performance of a multi-type heat pump system

Numerical methods are provided to analyze dynamic characteristics as well as steady-state performance of a multi-type heat pump system. Lumped parameter method was applied to simulate the compressor and expansion device. Additionally, fully distributed method was used for analyzing the condenser and evaporators. The transient terms in the governing equations for heat exchangers were solved adopting the wave equation solutions. The simulation results predict the steady-state performance of a heat pump system with the deviation of ±10%. The transient simulation showed satisfactory responses of temperatures and pressures for various compressor speeds or expansion valve openings. From the results, it was shown that the operating conditions of secondary fluid of one indoor unit had minor influence on the performance of the other unit, while opening of expansion valve affected the transient responses of both evaporators significantly.