Dynamic modelling of the steady state and load processing operation of a domestic refrigerator cooled through natural convection

A dynamic model of a domestic refrigerator is developed in this study and is used to analyse both the steady state (cyclic) and warm load cooling (load processing) operation. The compressor is modelled semi-empirically using loss parameters, while the capillary tube is modelled by incorporating both friction and momentum pressure drop. Heat exchangers (condenser and evaporator) are modelled as tubes divided into finite volume cells. The capillary tube-suction line heat exchanger is treated by connecting part of the capillary tube to the suction line via a heat resistor. The cabinet model consists of submodels for walls, air and shelves connected in a network to allow for thermal interaction. All the components are then arranged in a cycle, and cyclic operation is validated at 32 degrees C using a fixed speed compressor. A sensitivity analysis is then carried out by varying the compressor speed. In the second part of the study, the model is modified to include the effect of placing a warm load of water in the refrigerator and simulating the subsequent processing operation. This is validated using an experiment in which 20 L of water at 27 degrees C is placed inside the Fresh Food compartment. Results show that the power con-sumption value is captured well, with the average power consumption deviating less than 10% for all tests. The energy consumption is within +/- 5% for all tests. For load processing, the deviation in water temperature was a maximum of 1.2 degrees C for the whole cooling period.

Automated summary

In this study, a dynamic model of a domestic refrigerator is developed and used to analyze steady state and warm load cooling operations. The model incorporates various components such as a semi-empirical compressor, a capillary tube with friction and momentum pressure drop, and heat exchangers divided into finite volume cells. The model is validated through experimental tests and sensitivity analysis. The results show that the model accurately captures power consumption and energy consumption, with deviations within acceptable ranges.