Simulation of an automotive heat pump

A computer simulation model for steady-state operation of a mobile heat pump was used to study the effectiveness and performance of heat pumps for automotive use. In this study, simulations are performed using an automotive heat pump modeling program. The primary concern is the effect on performance of cycle reversing using components currently employed in automotive air-conditioning systems. Second, simulations are run using both R-12 and R-134a in order to gauge their relative effectiveness in both cooling and heating modes. Results are presented to show relative performance between refrigerants and between cooling and heating modes.