Simulation and experimental analysis of a low-charge ground-source heat pump using propane as refrigerant

Simulation tools are needed in the design phase of the vapour compression cycles. The alternative to using them is having all the different possibilities tested experimentally, making this process expensive and time-consuming. If it is possible to have a general reliable idea using simulation software, the total cost of the design process will be drastically reduced. Nevertheless, it is challenging to rely totally upon a simulation tool. Models based on physical principles (conservation laws) generally obtain good reliability in terms of performance. However, when they are used for refrigerant charge prediction, these models present a more significant error. In this work, a characterisation of charge distribution and performance of a ground-source heat pump using propane as the refrigerant in different test conditions is done. These results are also used to validate recent developments in the software IMST-ART in terms of refrigerant charge prediction and performance.