Area A - Components
Area A concentrates on the essential elements of a vapour-compression cycle, including the compressor, heat exchangers, expansion valve, and control systems, which serve as the primary components of most refrigeration and heat pump systems.
The research scope starts at component level, where the refrigerant compressor still offers potential regarding both energy efficiency as well as acoustic behaviour. Therefore, the compressor’s thermodynamics is tackled, as well as its motor and inverter system. The heat exchangers are subjects of investigation as well, as they should be used in the best possible way in the system. Here, an objective assessment method shall be developed. Finally, the optimal operation of the refrigeration/heat pump cycle is to be achieved. To this end, a novel self adjusting expansion valve will be investigated and improved, and adjustable expansion valve control concepts are conceived.
All these activities are conducted via top-end simulation tools that are to be made up and/or optimised in the course of the project, and high-class measurement methods that will be applied and further developed.
