ABSTRACT
Accurate modeling and simulation of each component of heat pumps allow for predicting the behavior of the entire system. For modeling the heat pumps coupled with batch lumber dryers, the thermos-physical properties of both heat pump refrigerant and dryer drying air, as well as some basic characteristics of the dried product, drying rate and drying time, moisture exfiltration should be available and/or determined empirically, analytically. Modeling procedures usually are based on both theoretical and real heat pump cycles. The modeled heat pumps consist of four main components: evaporator, condenser, compressor, and expansion device. Generally, there are two large categories of compressors: positive displacement and dynamic compressors. Positive displacement compressors achieve compression through the reduction of the compression chamber volume through work applied to the compressor's mechanism typically driven by an electric motor. Dynamic compressors have mechanical elements which are rotating at a high speed to increase the pressure of large refrigerant vapor volumes.
