Dynamic modeling of refrigerated transport systems with cooling-mode/heating-mode switch operations

Abstract

This article presents dynamic modeling approaches to predict system performance characteristics of cooling-/heating-mode switch cycling operation, a commonly used temperature regulation approach in refrigerated transport systems. A dynamic model of a commercially available transport refrigeration system is presented, which describes the system dynamics during the mode switch transients. The development of the heat exchanger and accumulator models is highlighted using the switched modeling framework. Model validation against experimental data demonstrates the capabilities of the modeling approach in representing the transient behavior of the mode switch process. Simulation case studies to predict refrigerant mass distribution during transients and system performance with the influence of door-opening events are also provided to demonstrate modeling capabilities. The presented dynamic modeling framework can serve as a valuable tool to evaluate performance with different system configurations and operating strategies in transport refrigeration applications.

Acknowledgments

The support of this effort by Thermo King Corporation and the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Center (ACRC) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is gratefully acknowledged.

Bin Li is PhD candidate. Neera Jain, Student Member ASHRAE, is PhD candidate. William F. Mohs, Member ASHRAE, is Senior Engineer. Scott Munns is Senior Engineer. Vikas Patnaik, PhD, Member ASHRAE, is Engineering Manager. Jeff Berge, Member ASHRAE, is R&D Manager. Andrew G. Alleyne, PhD, is Ralph M. and Catherine V. Fisher Professor.