| Abstract: | A method to simulate industrial refrigeration systems with several independent, time-variable heat loads is described. The method uses a combination of ordinary differential and algebraic equations to describe both the refrigeration plant, and its interaction with the product in each application. Numerical integration of the differential equations with respect to time allows the various processes to be simulated. Models for freezers, chillers, cold stores and controlled atmosphere work areas are discussed. Assumptions made in these models are realistic from a practical viewpoint, so provided accurate data are available close correlation between predictions and measurements would be expected. The simulation could have applications in both refrigeration system and control system design as it will predict the interactions between different parts of a plant when operating under time-variable conditions. When considering system changes or changes to product specifications the suitability of particular alternatives can be assessed by simulating each in turn. |
