Design of simulation platform for the two automotive air conditioning devices

The current design process of the two automotive air conditioning devices (condenser and evaporator) mainly use a large number of experiments which are very time-consuming. In view of this flaw, this paper presents a structurized procedure to develop the simulation platform of the two devices. Firstly, the physical and mathematical models of the two devices were established. The heat transfer situation was simulated to exclude unreasonable model. Secondly, the finite element analysis of the two devices was carried on using FLUENT. The simulated model was constantly modified by comparing the results with that of the mathematical model. In this study, FLUENT numerical analysis about the heat transfer and flow characteristics was taken on the model under four conditions. The conclusion obtained from that had great significance for the design. Finally, simulation system of the two devices was developed by the tool of MATLAB programming language and GUI design module. This simulation system can replace actual experiments by the way of analog computation. It can not only simulate performance of the system on different initial conditions to provide a decision-making basis for the optimal design of condenser and evaporator, but also shorten design cycles.