Reversed-cycle hot gas defrosting was investigated experimentally to develop and validate an idealized analytical model. A comparison of experimental and simulated results indicates that the idealized model is suitable for the simulation of the performance characteristics of defrosting cycles. The model provides a means of quantitative analysis. The simulated results are more significant for relative comparisons rather than for the calculation of absolute values. The model should be of assistance in the design of systems for the sizing of throttling valves and receivers. The simulated results indicate that coil efficiencies and system performance coefficients of an order of magnitude of 0.5 and 2, respectively, may be expected for hot gas defrosting.

KEYWORDS: Models, calculating, experiment, deicing, comparing, designing, sizing, cooler batteries, coefficient of performance, efficiency.