Computationally efficient modeling strategy for evaporator performance under frost conditions

•A numerically efficient but accurate model for frosting evaporators is developed.•The enthalpy-based reformulation and linearization method are employed•Simulation results on flat plate and finned-tube heat exchangers are provided.•It is 8 to 20 times faster than reference models but withcomparable accuracy. Growth of a frost layer on an evaporator surface due to low evaporator temperature as well as moisture contained in surrounding air deteriorates performance of a refrigeration system significantly and requires significant energy for defrost. Many studies have been performed to model the heat and mass transfer phenomena in an attempt to have insight and accurate prediction. However, many models form nonlinear algebraic differential equations which require iterative numerical solvers. Computationally efficient but accurate models are needed in order to evaluate overall system performance. The objective of this paper is to introduce a modeling approach to overcome the problem. A solution strategy based on an enthalpy-based reformulation and linearization method will be presented. Comparisons of the proposed and detailed model results for both flat plate and finned tube heat exchangers are provided. The proposed modeling approach is around 10 times faster than reference models while maintaining comparable accuracy.