A simulation environment for dry-expansion evaporators with application to the design of autotuning control algorithms for electronic expansion valves

In this paper we report some results of a research project aimed at deriving high-performance, adaptive control algorithms for electronic expansion valves (EEVs) to be used in finned-coiled, dry-expansion evaporators for refrigeration systems. The approach we use in the design is that of virtual prototyping, with the aim of developing a software environment that can be used for controller design, rapid prototyping, optimization of data collection, and test design. We describe the development of a simulation model of the evaporator, and its use for deriving autotuning PID control algorithms. Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the approach.