A dynamic simulation model for a photovoltaic refrigeration system | |
| Author | Salam, P. Abdul |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. ET-94-31 |
| Subject(s) | Photovoltaic power generation Refrigeration and refrigerating machinery |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Engineering |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Photovoltaic refrigeration has emerged as a reliable engineering solution for cooling of vaccine during storage and transportation in rural areas in developing countries where grid electricity, fuel supply or other reliable power sources are not available. Improper sizing is identified as the major cause for failures in PV refrigeration systems. Because of the dynamic behaviors of PV refrigeration systems and random nature of solar radiation, a computer simulation is required to analyze the behaviours of PV refrigeration systems in terms of the desired output and reliability with respect to the climatological data of the location to be installed. In order to develop a simulation model for PV refrigeration systems: Models for battery, Controller, PV array and PV refrigerator have to be developed. In this study, a model for PV refrigerator (which is capable to maintain vaccine temperature between ooc and soc, and produce at least 2 kg of ice within 24 hrs according to WHO standard) is developed. The model parameters at different ambient temperatures were found, and the relationship of refrigerator model parameters with ambient temperatures were obtained. A computer program was written to simulate the performance of the refrigerator and compared with the experimental results. The developed model gives very accurate results in performance prediction at low ambient temperatures(15°C , 23°C), and fairly good results at high ambient temperatures ( 37°C, 43°C). This model does not describe the performance during the super cooling of ice-packs. Finally, the validity of the model was tested under actual operating conditions. A computer program was written for PV refrigeration systems by linking already developed models for battery, controller and PV array. Performances of the model under actual operating conditions were compared to the calculated performances through the model. Confrontation of calculated and experimental data shows a good agreement. |
| Year | 1994 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology (SET) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Energy Technology (ET) |
| Chairperson(s) | Karmazsin, Etienne |
| Examination Committee(s) | Surapong Chiraratananon;Bhattacharya, Sribas C. |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | The Government of Germany |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1994 |