Thermodynamic modeling of reciprocating chillers

A simple model for predicting the performance of reciprocating chillers is developed. The basic irreversibilities that mitigate against fast and slow cooling rates are accounted for. The model proposed here is consistent with real performance data for 30 chillers that span a range of cooling rates from 30 to 1300 kW and, with adjustable parameters that characterize a particular chiller, is shown to be capable of reproducing actual performance data to within better than experimental uncertainty.