Simulation of a solar photovoltaic direct-drive vapor-compression refrigeration system

A battery-free photovoltaic refrigeration system powered by solar array directly was suggested. The PV refrigeration system consists of solar array, DC/DC converter, brushless DC motor, variable speed compressor, condenser, electronic expansion valve and evaporator. To analyze the performance of the system, a detailed model including all the components was developed and numerically simulated. From the simulation results, the effects of ambient temperature, solar radiation and cold water temperature on the performance of the refrigeration system were shown and analyzed. The simulation results show that under certain conditions the system efficiency is greater than 1.0. The model could be used to predict the cooling capacity, COP, compressor speed, and system efficiency for a real photovoltaic refrigeration system operated in various conditions.