Open‐Source vapor compression library (VCLib): Heat pump modeling for education and research

Abstract

Vapor compression cycles have gained high importance due to increasing concerns regarding the decarbonization of heating and cooling applications.Typically, vapor compression cycles operate under dynamic conditions, making it difficult to predict their performance accurately. Dynamic simulation models present a decent solution for increasing the reliability of the performance assessment. However, the implementation of dynamic simulation models is a complex task, requiring a uniform description and model development. Therefore, this article introduces an open-source Vapor Compression Library called VCLib based on a literature review of existing libraries for modeling and simulation of vapor compression cycles. The VCLib combines simulation models from the refrigerant through the component to the system level. The simulation models in the VCLib strictly follow a modular and scalable modeling approach. Class diagrams vividly describe the structure of models, making the VCLib easy to use for new users, especially students.

Integration of Back-Up Heaters in Retrofit Heat Pump Systems: Which to Choose, Where to Place, and How to Control?

“…Our models are based on the open-source available Modelica libraries AixLib [44] and BESMod [45]. For the heat pump model, the performance data approach based on the VCLib [46] presented in [15] applies. The open-source repository accompanying this contribution (https://github.com/RWTH-EBC/BackupHeaterIntegration, accessed on 8 August 2022) documents control models not given in the AixLib or BESMod, model parameters, and the overall system model.…”

A Python-based code for modeling the thermodynamics of the vapor compression cycle applied to residential heat pumps

“…The thermodynamics are well-understood in the VCC, however there is a need for flexible tools that can model these thermodynamic processes with the purpose of answering research questions such as optimal cycle "position" and "lift" given certain operating conditions. Other programs and codes have been developed and are available (Aulicino and Bakrania, 2022;Bell et al, 2014;Vering et al, 2022). However there is a need for more models that are open-source, script-based (for example, JavaScript or Python) with a framework that allows for application to one's own engineering design problem in addition to extendibility.…”