Abstract
The present study has been conducted to propose an algorithm regarding real-time load estimation of a gas engine-driven heat pump. In the study, thermal load of an indoor unit is estimated in terms of air-side and refrigerant-side. The air-side estimation is based on a typical heat exchanger model and is found to be in good agreement with experimental data. When it comes to the refrigerant-side load, a pressure difference across a valve must be estimated. For the estimation, it is assumed to be proportional to a bigger pressure difference that is available either by measurement or by estimation. Relative good agreement between the air- and refrigerant-sides suggests that the assumption may be plausible for the load estimation. The summed flow rate of all of indoor units is in good agreement with the throughput of the compressor which are calculated from the manufacturer's software. Accordingly, estimated thermal loads are also in good agreement. The proposed algorithm may be further developed for improved control algorithm and fault diagnosis.