A dynamic model of a shell-and-tube condenser operating in a vapour compression refrigeration plant

This work presents a mathematical model of a shell-and-tube condenser based on mass continuity, energy conservation and heat transfer physical fundamentals, whose methodology can be easily adapted for modelling any type of condenser. The model is formulated as a combination of control volumes that represents all the refrigerant states in the condenser and the liquid receiver function, which is carried out by the condenser of the experimental plant. Model validation is performed by using steady-state data and transient tests from an experimental vapour compression plant; the prediction error of the model is lower than 5% and a good representation of the dynamic performance of the condenser is achieved. A theoretical comparison involving the importance of the dynamic responses of the evaporator and the condenser at the plant is also presented.