Description and validation of a computer based refrigeration system simulator

• Published in: Computers and electronics in agriculture Vol. 85; pp. 53 - 63
• Main Authors: Eames, I.W., Brown, T., Evans, J.A., Maidment, G.G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.07.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Biological and medical sciences; Computer simulation; computer software; computers; Food industries; Food processing; food processing equipment; food storage; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Modelling; Refrigeration; Modelling; Food processing; Computer simulation; Refrigeration; Validation; Food technology; Modeling; Simulator; Computer aid
• ISSN: 0168-1699; 1872-7107
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compag.2012.03.010

► A general purpose computer based simulation model of a whole refrigeration system. ► Air to air refrigeration systems are currently modelled. ► Model includes the refrigerator, refrigerated space, ambient conditions and food product. ► Software is free and can be down-loaded through the internet. This paper describes and evaluates the validation of a novel software package which simulates the transient and steady-state operation of whole refrigeration systems of the type used for the storage and processing of food. This software allows practitioners to study the implications of design choices in terms of energy usage and carbon generation in the storage and processing of food stuff by refrigeration. The software can also provide refrigeration system owners and designers with information on how a system’s energy consumption might be reduced.