The development of peformance prediction methods for an automotive CO ₂ air conditioning cycle

In previous researches, we have been focusing on the performance of the each element heat transfer and hydraulic performance of refrigeration cycle. Experimental investigations have been repeated several times and, finally, we have substantial data base including the effect of lubricant oil. Moreover, the mal-distribution of two-phase in an evaporator can be also predicted from the experimental data base. Under these circumstances, this study is intended to effectively put the construction of an automotive CO₂ air conditioning system into practical design use through the simulation using the above-mentioned data base. This paper describes the refrigeration cycle performance prediction of each element (e.g. an evaporator, a gas-cooler, and so on) by a simulation using substantial data base and various available correlations proposed by us and several other researchers. In the performance prediction model of heat exchangers, local heat transfer and flow characteristics are considered and in addition, the effects of lubricant oil on heat transfer and pressure drop are duly considered. The comparison is also made between simulation results and bench test results using a real automotive air conditioning system. Finally, the developed simulation method can predict the cooling ability successfully within ±5%. By incorporating the lubricant oil effect, the simulation results are improved to ±5% and ±15% for the cooling ability and pressure drop respectively.