Lab 5- Refrigeration lab

11-01-2023
Contents
1. Introduction:...........................................................................................................................3
2. Compressor:........................................................................................................................... 3
3. Condenser:............................................................................................................................. 3
4. Evaporator:.............................................................................................................................3
5. Equipment’s:.......................................................................................................................... 3
6. Procedure:.............................................................................................................................. 4
7. Observation and results:........................................................................................................ 4
8. Conclusion:............................................................................................................................. 6
9. Sample calculations:...............................................................................................................6
10. Pre-lab Questions:...............................................................................................................7
1. Introduction:
We explore the concept of efficiency within a motor-driven compressor system in this
laboratory experiment. Quantifying the effectiveness of these parts, both individually and
collectively, includes the compressor, electric motor, and compressor motor controller.
Although this system may appear simple, it actually hides a complex web of interactions. Our
investigation is centred on efficiency, which provides information on energy use and
conservation. The effects of this experiment go far beyond the lab, resonating with the global
quest for energy efficiency, particularly in sectors dependent on motor-driven compressors,
such as air conditioning and refrigeration as well as industrial processes.

2. Compressor:
For pressurizing and transporting a gas—typically a refrigerant in applications like air
conditioning and refrigeration—the compressor is a crucial part of the system. It works by
bringing in gas at low pressure and low temperature and compressing it to high pressure and
high temperature.
In order to facilitate heat exchange, maintain working fluid circulation, and guarantee that the
appropriate temperature or pressure conditions are fulfilled, the compressor is essential.

3. Condenser:
An essential part of a refrigeration system is the condenser. Its main function is to change the
high-pressure, heated refrigerant gas into a high-pressure liquid. This change occurs when the
condenser releases heat into the surrounding environment through its function as a heat
exchanger, absorbing heat from the interior area or other system components. Depending on
how the system is built, the heat is typically released into the water or the air. Condensers'
primary functions include rejecting heat and assisting the refrigerant's phase change, which
turns it from a gas into a liquid. In order to get the refrigerant ready for its next function in the
cooling cycle, this step is essential.

4. Evaporator:
Similar to the condenser, the evaporator is an essential part of the refrigeration system.
Usually, it's inside the area that needs to be cooled, like the interior of a refrigerator or a room
with air conditioning. Low-pressure, low-temperature liquid refrigerant is introduced into the
evaporator. Here, it takes up heat from the air around it, evaporating and changing into a low-
pressure vapour. This procedure is essential to the refrigeration system's cooling impact since it
lowers the temperature in the allocated area. In air conditioning systems, the evaporator is
crucial to sustaining a cool and comfortable atmosphere, and it is also necessary for the
preservation of perishable items in refrigerators.

5. Equipment’s:
The following equipment’s used in this experiment:
 Compressor
 Pump
 Heater
 R-134a
 Condenser
 Digital display units

6. Procedure:

 Start the system and keep it running for twenty minutes. During that time, the BV-3
valve needs to stay closed and the flow metre wide open so that the thermostat can
control the amount of water that passes through the condenser.
 Make use of this period to familiarise yourself with the functioning of the system and to
determine what information needs to be collected in order to perform further
computations.
 Continue collecting the necessary data for the thermostatically regulated system.
 After that, turn on the BV-3 valve and set the flow metre to 2 gallons per minute (gpm).
Give the system five minutes to stabilise in this flow situation so that you can get the
necessary information.
 Then, adjust the flow metre to a flow rate of 1 gpm, allow the system to stabilise for 5
minutes, and log the relevant data using this particular configuration.
 Once more, adjust the flow metre to achieve a 0.5 gpm flow rate and let the system a
further five minutes to stabilise. Gather the information required in this specific
arrangement.
 Close the system in accordance with the prescribed protocol. Making sure that this
move doesn't unintentionally affect other studies, fully open the flow metre and turn off
the water supply.

7. Observation and results:

The observations of the following data is given below,

Here is 1st observation

2GPM P_in P_out T_in T_out

compressor 48.3 109.8 59 121
condenser 109.8 103.8 115 74
expansion valve 103.8 53.8 74 45
Evaporator 53.8 48.8 45 56
Tank temp 55
Refrigerant 56
w_in 65
W_out 70
 1GPM P_in P_out T_in T_out
compressor 49.8 127.8 59 124
condenser 127.8 115.8 119 82
expansion valve 115.8 55.3 81 46
Evaporator 55.3 50.3 46 56
Tank temp 55
Refrigerant 56
w_in 66
W_out 76

0.5GPM P_in P_out T_in T_out

compressor 62.8 151.8 59 131
condenser 151.8 140.8 125 95
expansion valve 140.8 56.8 92 48
Evaporator 57.6 52.8 48 56
Tank temp 55
Refrigerant 52
w_in 66.5
W_out 86

Now, Here are the result,

0.5GPM 1GPM 2GPM
Q_add 3.4886 3.326 2.5094
W_con 20.528 22.347 34.391
Q_rej 14.391 13.49 21.034
Cop_H 0.70104 0.74121 0.61161
Cop_R 0.16994 0.44507 0.07297

Now, here are some graphical representations,

Figure 1 show heat flow with respect to its corresponding flow rate.
Figure 2 shows the coefficient of performance for both the heat pump and the refrigerant with respect to its corresponding flow
rate.

8. Conclusion:

The system's sensitivity to various situations is highlighted by the data, which displays
fluctuations in COP_H and COP_R. While refrigeration (COP_R) ranges from 0.07297 to 0.44507,
efficient heating (COP_H) can reach levels as high as 0.74121. Setting optimal operational
parameters is essential to getting the system to work as intended.

In conclusion, the data shows that changing variables affect the refrigeration system's
performance, as seen by COP_H and COP_R. To maximise system performance and achieve
desired heating and refrigeration results, it is essential to comprehend these changes and the
elements that drive them. Additional investigation and evaluation may yield valuable
perspectives on optimising the system's overall functionality.

9. Sample calculations:

For the temperature, we use the formula for the interpolations mostly because there is no
value exactly on the table,
The formula for the interpolation is as follow,
X 2 −X 1
Y =Y 1+ ×(X −X 1 )
Y 2 −Y 1
Once we have enthalpies, we can determine easily, as follow
For the evaporator,
h1−h4 =q add

For the Compressor,

h2 −h1=wkcomp

For the condenser,

 h2 −h3=q rej

For the Expansion Valve,

h3 −h4 =0

By finding work of the compressor, heat added, and heat rejected, you can easily calculate the
coefficient of performance, and the coefficient of refrigeration. The coefficient of performance
for a heat pump can be defined as:
Qrej
COPH ¿
Wk cycle

In addition, the coefficient of performance for refrigeration is defined as:

Qadd
COPR ¿
Wk cycle

In terms of enthalpy the coefficient of performance will be:

h2−h 3
COPH ¿
h2−h 1

In addition, the coefficient of refrigeration will be:

h1−h 4
COPR ¿
h2−h1

10.Pre-lab Questions:

Question no. 1: What is a vapor compression cycle?

Heat is transferred between locations in air conditioning and refrigeration systems via vapor
compression cycles. The compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator are its four
primary parts. A low-temperature vapor is first pressurized by the compressor to create a high-
temperature, high-pressure gas at the beginning of the cycle. In the condenser, the gas releases
heat and turns into a high-pressure liquid. After passing through an expansion valve, it cools
and transforms into a low-pressure vapor. This vapor takes up heat from the area that needs to
be cooled in the evaporator. Heat is effectively transferred from one place to another as the
cycle is repeated.
Question no. 2: How is the performance of a vapor compression refrigerator measured?
A vapour compression refrigerator's efficiency and efficacy are often assessed using a number
of important metrics and factors. These are a few of the main performance indicators:
A key indicator of a vapour compression refrigerator's efficiency is its coefficient of
performance, or COP. It is described as the relationship between the work input (energy used
by the compressor) and the heat extracted (cooling effect). Greater efficiency is indicated by a
higher COP. In mathematics,
COP is written as
COP = Qc / W,
where W is the compressor's work input and Qc is the heat extracted from the chilled area. Or
here as,
h1 −h4
COP R=
h2−h1

Question no. 3: Can a vapor compression refrigeration system operate both as a refrigerator
and a heater?

It is possible to construct a vapour compression refrigeration system such that it functions as

both a heater and a refrigerator. This dual purpose is accomplished by use of a heat pump, a
reversible mechanism. Heat pumps work by reversing the refrigerant flow through the system
to provide both heating and cooling. This is how it operates:

Refrigeration: The heat pump operates in the cooling mode much like an air conditioner or
refrigerator would. It sends heat to the outside world after absorbing it from an internal place
(like a room or refrigerator). The evaporator coil within the area that has to be cooled acts as
the cooling source, and heat from the inside is transported to the condenser coil outside.
Heating Mode: Reversing the direction of refrigerant flow initiates the heating mode. In this
mode, even in cold weather, the heat pump gathers and releases heat from the outside
environment to warm the internal space. Now, the heat source is the evaporator coil, and the
heat is released by the condenser coil inside the heated area. In order to provide heating, the
heat pump basically "pumps" heat from a colder source to a warmer one by switching the
direction of refrigerant flow.

Question no. 4: Why is water used in this lab?

This lab uses water because of its superior heat transfer capabilities. It is used to simulate
various operating situations and regulate temperature by cooling the hot refrigerant in the
condenser. Water is a sensible option for laboratory settings because it is easily accessible, safe,
and energy-efficient. It is also in line with appropriate laboratory practises and is ecologically
beneficial.