Automotive vapor compression cycles: Validation of control-oriented models

This paper presents experimental validation of a dynamic vapor compression cycle model specifically suited for multivariable control design. A moving-boundary lumped parameter modeling approach captures the essential two-phase fluid dynamics while remaining sufficiently tractable to be a useful tool for designing low-order controllers. The key contribution of the research is the application of the moving-boundary models to automotive vapor compression cycles. Recent additions to the available moving-boundary models allow for the simulation of automotive systems. This work demonstrates that the moving-boundary models are sufficiently accurate to serve as analysis and control design tools for systems which experience extreme transients, such as automotive air-conditioning systems.