A quasi-steady modeling approach of a heat pump water heater system with experimental validation and analysis

In a heat pump water heater system, the dynamic interdependence between the vapor compression system and the water in the storage tank poses a modeling challenge for steady-state refrigeration system models. The aim of this project is to develop a model and methodology for coupling steady-state vapor compression system modeling with a dynamic condenser cooling medium. Consequently, a quasi-steady transient model is developed involving a steady-state vapor compression system model in Engineering Equation Solver (EES) and a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model in ANSYS Fluent for simulating the heat transfer and fluid dynamics in the water tank. The respective models are connected at the interface of the tank wall and the water in the storage tank. The linked modeling process, described in the manuscript, involves iteration between the CFD model of the water tank and the vapor compression system model around a quasi-steady warm up of a heat pump water heating system. The model is developed around a physical heat pump water heater system. An experimental investigation is also conducted to aid with model validation.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2020

Author dc:creator

• Shah, Tejas

Contributors dc:contributor

• Hrnjak, Predrag S

• Heat Transfer
• Fluid Dynamics
• Modeling
• Simulation
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• CFD
• Vapor Compression Refrigeration Systems
• Heat Exchangers

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2020 Tejas Shah

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/108495

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/108495