Modeling and Parametric Study of Cooling Loads Characteristics for Automotive Air-Conditioning System

Abstract:

This paper presents a steady-state modeling and parametric study on the characteristics of cooling loads for an automotive air-conditioning system. The model enables the hourly prediction of vehicular cabin cooling load profile at various operating conditions and types of vehicle. The model utilizes correlations and equations proposed by ASHRAE and previous researchers available in the open literature. A validation exercise indicates that the simulation results are within 5% of published results. In the parametric study, the effects of five parameters: vehicle surface color, number of passenger, cabin temperature, vehicle speed and angle of front wind screen on the hourly cooling load profile on a daily basis are investigated. It was found that an increase in number of passenger and vehicle speed, darker vehicle surface color and lower cabin temperature will increase the cooling load. Meanwhile, the angle of front wind screen does not significantly influence the cooling load profile. In conclusion, the cooling loads profile can be used for air-conditioning system improvement/optimization exercise. The generic model can be used for complete vehicle air-conditioning simulation program towards energy-efficient air-conditioning system for better overall performance, especially in the early stage of vehicle development.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 819)
• Pages: 189-201
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.819.189
• Online since: January 2016
• Authors: M.F. Sukri*, Md Nor Musa, M.Y. Senawi, H. Nasution
• Keywords: Automotive Air-Conditioning System, Cooling Loads, Modeling, Parametric Study

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