Advanced Thermodynamic Refrigeration Simulator

Cycle Controls

Evaporator Pressure (P_low) 200 kPa

Adjusting this sets the boiling temperature of the refrigerant.

Condenser Pressure (P_high) 1000 kPa

Determines the discharge temperature at the back of the fridge.

Compressor Efficiency 85 %

Fridge Cabinet Temp 4.0 °C

System COP (Efficiency) 4.21

Evap Temp (T1)-10 °C

Cooling Capacity150 kJ/kg

Compressor Work35 kJ/kg

Discharge Temp65 °C

Extended Engineering Analysis

The simulator models a Standard Vapor Compression Cycle using R-134a as the working fluid. The cycle consists of four distinct thermodynamic processes:

• 1-2: Compression (Isentropic/Actual): Low-pressure vapor is compressed. The work required is proportional to the pressure ratio. Actual work increases as compressor efficiency decreases.
• 2-3: Condensation (Isobaric): Superheated vapor is cooled and condensed into a liquid, rejecting heat to the environment.
• 3-4: Expansion (Isenthalpic): High-pressure liquid passes through a throttling valve. The enthalpy remains constant ($h_3 = h_4$), but the temperature and pressure drop drastically.
• 4-1: Evaporation (Isobaric): The low-temperature mixture absorbs heat from the fridge interior, boiling into a vapor. This provides the refrigeration effect.

Cooling Capacity ($q_{in}$)

The heat energy removed from the fridge cabinet per kilogram of refrigerant.

q_in = h₁ - h₄

Coefficient of Performance

The ratio of useful cooling to the work input. High COP means high efficiency.

COP = q_in / w_in