Intelligent computer-aided design optimization of heat pumps

Abstract.

The Rankine vapor cycle plays a very important role in heat pump design and analysis. The vapor heat pump cycle design process can be long and tedious. The designer must obtain various cycle performance parameters, including compressor work, heat added, cooling load, and coefficient of performance (COP), both quickly and accurately. This paper describes the use of an intelligent computer-aided software program in design and possible refinements of vapor heat pump technology. Several different arrangements of Rankine heat pump cycles are demonstrated. Objectives for improvements, constraints, and design optimization, which cannot be easily accomplished using conventional hand calculations, are emphasized. Using the featured software increases the engineer’s efficiency and abilities in analyzing vapor heat pump designs.