A computer simulation program for mixed-refrigerant air conditioning
Abstract A steady-state design simulation program for air-conditioning systems using binary refrigerant mixtures has been developed and tested. The Redlich-Kwong-Soave (RKS) equation of state is used to model refrigerant vapour mixtures and equilibrium behaviour. Specific heat data are used directly in the liquid phase. The pinch method is introduced to facilitate the refrigerant cycle simulation. The program is able to handle all mixtures in which liquid solution behaviour is near ideal. All the main models and subroutines are provided. For a given air-conditioning duty and specified mixed refrigerants, the program will predict system COP, the size of compressor, and the required areas of the evaporator and condenser, together with relevant temperatures, pressures and flows. The program can also be adapted for heat pump design and simulation.