An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of electronic flow control on the performance of a variable-speed heat pump. A heat pump with two different expansion devices (capillary tube and electronic expansion valve) was tested in a psychrometric calorimeter over a range of outdoor temperatures from −15 to 7°C. Heat pump performance was first optimized with respect to charge for each expansion device through cycle-matching tests. Parametric tests also were conducted by changing compressor speed and opening angle for the electronic expansion valve at each outdoor temperature. The refrigeration cycle characteristics of the electronic valve were illustrated using pressure-enthalpy diagrams. Performance enhancement was also analyzed in terms of superheat, heating capacity, and energy efficiency ratio (EER). Comparison of the capillary tube and electronic valve indicated that the superheat significantly improved when using the electronic valve. Also, unit showed larger heating capacity and EER with the electronic valve than with the capillary tube except when the compressor speed was above 95 Hz. Enhancement of heating performance became larger as outdoor temperature decreased.
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Article
Effect of Refrigerant Flow Control on the Heating Performance of a Variable-Speed Heat Pump Operating at Low Outdoor Temperature
Bong H. Kim,
Bong H. Kim
Automotive, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering Department, Daegu University, Korea
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Dennis L. O’Neal
Dennis L. O’Neal
Mechanical Engineering Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
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Bong H. Kim
Automotive, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering Department, Daegu University, Korea
Dennis L. O’Neal
Mechanical Engineering Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
Contributed by the Solar Energy Division of THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS Manuscript received by the ASME Solar Energy Division April 7, 2004; final revision July 19, 2004. Associate Editor: V. C. Mei.
J. Sol. Energy Eng. May 2005, 127(2): 277-286 (10 pages)
Published Online: April 25, 2005
Article history
Received:
April 7, 2004
Revised:
July 19, 2004
Online:
April 25, 2005
Citation
Kim, B. H., and O’Neal, D. L. (April 25, 2005). "Effect of Refrigerant Flow Control on the Heating Performance of a Variable-Speed Heat Pump Operating at Low Outdoor Temperature ." ASME. J. Sol. Energy Eng. May 2005; 127(2): 277–286. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1849224
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