Integrated Systems Optimization Consortiums

VapCyc is a component based system simulation package for modeling the steady state performance and cost of a vapor compression system. In addition to the conventional four component system, the software is capable of modeling a variety of different cycle configurations, including a number of two stage cycles. The user has the flexibility of adding components to the conventional system to model larger systems containing a large number of components. The CEEE Component Standard allows any component model to be incorporated in VapCyc at runtime as opposed to design time. The software includes a library of both simple and detailed components. The simple components have an obvious speed advantage when modeling systems with large number of components. VapCyc uses the CoilDesigner solver as the detailed heat exchanger model allowing a heat exchanger file previously created using the CoilDesigner software to run in VapCyc.

Key Features

VapCyc is an advanced vapor compression cycle, charge dependent simulation tool.
Ability to change and add system components (evaporator, compressors, etc.) on the fly. Connecting tubes and suction-line heat exchanger can be accounted for.
Large variety of component models including accumulator, SLHX, two stage compressor, intercooler, fans, and tubes
System parameters such as cost, manufacturability, reliability and weight can be used in optimization.
Ability to model CO2 cycles.
Ability to model two-stage cycles.
Interfaces provided along with the tool, so that users can develop their own components for use in VapCyc. User defined components developed using the CEEE Component Standard, can be loaded into the cycle at runtime
Input/output with spreadsheet program.
Ability to use CoilDesigner files as input for heat exchanger component.
Features ARI 10 Coefficient Compressor Model with the coefficients stored in a database that is easily appended.
Fan models can be coupled with certain HX models. Fan curve coefficients are stored in a database.
Ability to save and load built cycles.
Multiple solver options include system charge specified, system subcooling specified, and system discharge pressure specified.
Parametric analysis with plotting.
Various modes of operation include residential air conditioning, heat pumping, and low, mid and high temperature refrigeration.

Technology White Paper

What can VapCyc do for your sysytem design and optimization requirements ? VapCyc White Paper

Availability

The full version of VapCyc is currently available to ISOC members only.

For demonstration versions, please contact ISOC.

System Requirements

Microsoft Windows® 2000 or later Operating System
Processor speed 1 GHz or higher.
RAM 256 MB minimum.
Disk space 40 MB

Exhaustive Feature List

CEEE Component Standard. The component standard allows the user to incorporate any component model into the program. The necessary files and support are provided to the user to complete this process.
CoilDesigner Heat Exchangers. A CoilDesigner file previously created using CoilDesigner software can be imported into the program and run in VapCyc while using the CoilDesigner solver. The CoilDesigner component can be couple with a fan model.
Fan Models. Fan models can be coupled with particular heat exchanger models. The provided fan model uses coefficients stored in a database to calculate the necessary fan parameters.
ARI 10 Coefficient Compressor Model. The coefficients to the ARI compressor model are stored in a database that the user can easily add additional compressor models to.
Tube Models. Tube models can be inserted in between components to take into account pressure drops and heat transfer as the refrigerant flows from one component to the next.
Additional Components. The user can insert additional components in the conventional system. Examples include adding compressors in parallel to pre-existing compressors and adding heat exchangers in parallel or series to pre-existing heat exchangers. The user also has the option of adding an additional evaporators with its own expansion device.
Two Stage Cycles. The software can model a variety of two stage cycles, including the Two Stage Flash Cycle and Two Stage Split Cycle.
Parametric Analysis and Plots. The user can conduct a parametric analysis by varying a large number of parameters and plotting the results. The output can be exported to Excel for additional analysis.
Goal Seeking Tool. The user can choose to set the value of a system level dependent variable (ie. system superheat) and have the program solve for a selected independent variable (ie. TXV diameter).
Detailed Output. The software calculates system level and component level results. The program plots a P-h diagram that can be inserted into any document or presentation.