Transient cycle simulation of domestic appliances and experimental validation

• A transient model for simulating a domestic freezer is proposed.
• The submodels compressor, compartment, heat exchangers and capillary are explained.
• Steady state and transient experimental validation is carried out.
• The focus lies on the calculation of the energy consumption and run time ratio.

This work gives insight in the development and the application of a semi-implicit transient cycle simulation tool. The model consists of subcomponents that are independently validated and coupled in order to shape a fully functional cycle simulation. The methods used comprise empirical models, artificial neural networks or more complicated, transient 1d finite volume formulations for two-phase flow.The validation of the cycle simulation is carried out using data from a specially equipped domestic freezer. The model is calibrated to one operating point and afterwards tested under varying ambient temperatures and thermostat settings. The agreement compared to measurements is 6.9% mean and 5.5% standard deviation of the total electric energy consumption. Furthermore, parameters like refrigerant distribution, pressure drop, temperature or mass flow rate can be monitored.