Air conditioner thermal performance simulation model using NIST refrigerant database

The authors´ simplified computer model to simulate the thermal performance of a vapor-compression air conditioner has been modified. The NIST Standard Reference Database 23, NIST Thermodynamic Properties of Refrigerants and Refrigerant Mixtures Database (REFPROP) was incorporated in the simulation model so that the user can select mixtures of up to five components from an available set of 37 refrigerants. A heat transfer model was developed using overall heat transfer coefficients for each heat exchanger and first law energy balance principles. The heat exchanger balance relationships for the evaporator and the condenser are coupled to the energy balance for the compressor. Representative model predictions of performance variations using selected refrigerants and refrigerant mixtures are presented. The features of temperature glide for refrigerant mixtures on heat transfer in the evaporator and condenser are also discussed