Simulation of air conditioner in openmodelica/matlab?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around simulating an air conditioning system using OpenModelica or MATLAB, focusing on a vapor compression cycle system that includes components like a compressor, evaporator, expansion device, and condenser. Participants explore the challenges of modeling both control systems and thermal systems, as well as the necessary input data for accurate simulation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks libraries or tools for easier simulation of an air conditioning system in OpenModelica or MATLAB.
  • Several participants emphasize the need for more specific information regarding the simulation objectives, including input and output requirements.
  • One participant clarifies their goal to validate a control algorithm for a conventional air conditioner by simulating its response to various inputs.
  • Concerns are raised about the complexity of the project, suggesting that it may require detailed performance models and load calculations.
  • A participant mentions their collaboration with a thermal engineer who has already performed load calculations and designed the air conditioner specifications.
  • There is a discussion about the trade-offs between using MATLAB, which the participant is familiar with, and OpenModelica, which offers predefined models but requires learning a new software.
  • One participant suggests that OpenModelica may be simpler due to predefined tools and equipment, though it requires time to learn.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the best software to use for the simulation, with no consensus reached. Some advocate for MATLAB due to familiarity, while others suggest OpenModelica for its predefined models.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the need for specific input data and performance models, which remain unresolved. Participants also note the potential complexity of the project, indicating it may be suitable for a master's thesis level of work.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and professionals in electrical and electronics engineering, HVAC engineering, and those interested in simulation software for thermal systems may find this discussion relevant.

srinaath
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am trying to simulate air conditioner in open modelica and matlab.. is there any library like hvac so that i can do the simulation in mush easier way...
 
Yes, further information would help - the question is very vague. What about the air conditioner are you trying to simulate? What input information do you have?
 
russ_watters said:
Yes, further information would help - the question is very vague. What about the air conditioner are you trying to simulate? What input information do you have?
hi russ, am trying to simulate simple vapor compression cycle system- compressor, evaporator, expansion (electronic type)
and condenser...and control system...
 
srinaath said:
hi russ, am trying to simulate simple vapor compression cycle system- compressor, evaporator, expansion (electronic type)
and condenser...and control system...
That isn't good enough: That could be an minute's, day's, month's or years' worth of work. There is no way to know unless you tell us, specifically, what you want to know, why, how accurate, and on what information you base it. I am an HVAC engineer: I do that sort of modeling every day.

Why are you trying to model this system? And to repeat from my last post: what input information do you have?

You need to tell us:
"I want to input XXXXX"
and
"I need it to output YYYY"

Sample answer:
1.3 kW/Ton
Is that what you need?
 
russ_watters said:
That isn't good enough: That could be an minute's, day's, month's or years' worth of work. There is no way to know unless you tell us, specifically, what you want to know, why, how accurate, and on what information you base it. I am an HVAC engineer: I do that sort of modeling every day.

Why are you trying to model this system? And to repeat from my last post: what input information do you have?

You need to tell us:
"I want to input XXXXX"
and
"I need it to output YYYY"

Sample answer:
1.3 kW/Ton
Is that what you need?

Russ, sorry that i didn't mention my objective clearly...i need to validate my control algorithm developed for conventional air conditioner by simulation. by conventional air conditioner, i mean normal on/off compressor system...i thought i could simulate the actual air conditioner...so when i feed my control system i can check how they are responding...like i will be measuring suction pressure and temperature, response time of EXV, etc...
 
This is potentially very difficult. I ask again: what input data do you have? I'm guessing at this point that you don't even have a particular air conditioner in mind, much less detailed information about its performance?

You will need to pick an air conditioner and either obtain or generate a detailed performance model (how it performs in different conditions). Then you'll need to pick a room or building it is conditioning and create a load model to apply to the performance model. Alternately, if there is a real air conditioner and building somewhere that you can obtain performance data from, you can use that (some companies keep detailed performance trend data). Then you can apply your control algorithm to that.

Doing this right is probably a masters thesis level type of project.
 
russ_watters said:
This is potentially very difficult. I ask again: what input data do you have? I'm guessing at this point that you don't even have a particular air conditioner in mind, much less detailed information about its performance?

You will need to pick an air conditioner and either obtain or generate a detailed performance model (how it performs in different conditions). Then you'll need to pick a room or building it is conditioning and create a load model to apply to the performance model. Alternately, if there is a real air conditioner and building somewhere that you can obtain performance data from, you can use that (some companies keep detailed performance trend data). Then you can apply your control algorithm to that.

Doing this right is probably a masters thesis level type of project.

you are right russ..this is my project for master thesis...well actually am an electrical and electronics engineer and i have some basic understanding of thermal system...the project is combined with electrical and thermal department...i will be doing the controls part while there is thermal guy, he has done load calculation of particular city for particular room and he has designed the air conditioner details for example heat excahnger's capacity, fins, what type of compressor to be used,etc ... now we are in simulation part..we have done our mathematical modelling but we are stuck to whether it will be suitable to use MATLAB or openmodelica...because we need to incorporate both control system and thermal system... for example say matlab, we can do control system within minutes but we have to design thermal system from scratch..but if you consider openmodelica there is predefined model for compressor, heat exchanger,etc,major drawback is both of us are not familiar with modelica...whether to go with MATLAB which am familiar and build the thermal part or go with openmodelica and learn that software... .. moreover we will building a small prototype for proof of concept.. we are confused about the right software to be used
 
srinaath said:
you are right russ..this is my project for master thesis...well actually am an electrical and electronics engineer and i have some basic understanding of thermal system...the project is combined with electrical and thermal department...i will be doing the controls part while there is thermal guy, he has done load calculation of particular city for particular room and he has designed the air conditioner details for example heat excahnger's capacity, fins, what type of compressor to be used,etc ... now we are in simulation part..we have done our mathematical modelling but we are stuck to whether it will be suitable to use MATLAB or openmodelica...because we need to incorporate both control system and thermal system... for example say matlab, we can do control system within minutes but we have to design thermal system from scratch..but if you consider openmodelica there is predefined model for compressor, heat exchanger,etc,major drawback is both of us are not familiar with modelica...whether to go with MATLAB which am familiar and build the thermal part or go with openmodelica and learn that software... .. moreover we will building a small prototype for proof of concept.. we are confused about the right software to be used
Interesting simulation. I think modelica is way simpler because tools and equipment have been predefined(also the script). All you need is some time to master the software and there is not much video tutorials on youtube for that, so, you gotto learn from scratch.
 

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