Simulation study on the performance of heat pump air conditioning system for pure electric vehicles

This study constructed an experimental bench for a R134a heat pump air conditioning system in a commercial electric vehicle. Based on the results from the experimental bench, the simulation model of the heat pump air conditioning system developed by AMESim was calibrated, and its reliability was verified. As the compressor and electronic expansion valve (EXV) are essential control components of the heat pump air conditioning system, simulations were conducted to investigate the impact of EXV opening on performance parameters such as refrigerating capacity, subcooling, superheat compressor power consumption, and Coefficient of Performance (COP) at different compressor speeds. The findings indicate that EXV opening significantly affects system subcooling and COP, and higher COP can be obtained by controlling the subcooling of the system through the EXV.