Numerical study for detection of refrigerant leakage in vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

Vapor compression refrigeration cycle is broadly used in our lives as a form of air-conditioner, chiller, refrigerator, heat pump, etc. When those systems are installed, charging proper amount of refrigerant is one of the most important task. However, even if refrigerant was properly charged, its amount could decrease during the operation due to the refrigerant leak. In fact, the refrigerant leakage is one of the most costly and frequently occurred fault in chiller system. After certain amount of refrigerant was leaked, vapor compression refrigeration cycle shows degradation of performance such as decrease in heating and cooling capacity. Also it can causes serious damage in compressors or expansion devices. Therefore, refrigerant leakage detection is essential technology. Several method have been proposed previously but more sensitive and less expensive method is required to prevent secondary fault. In this study, through the numerical calculation of simple vapor compression refrigeration cycle for residential air heat pump system, new parametric factor for refrigerant leakage is proposed and verified.