FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

CEEM222

MEC551

EMD5M5C

PREPARED BY:

No. Name Student ID Signature

1 IRFAN HAKIMI BIN ISHAK 2021813026

2 MOHD ZULHILMI BIN JUANI 2021491942

3 ZAHIRUL HAZMI BIN ZAHIR HUSSEIN 2021621994

TITLE: AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

PREPARED FOR: DR.-ING. ALHASSAN SALAMI TIJANI

SUBMITTED DATE: 30TH JANUARY 2023

1
 UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
KOLEJ KEJURUTERAAN
PENGAJIAN KEJURUTERAAN MEKANIKAL

40450 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Report Assessment

Assignment’s Title : AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

Groups’ Name : Group 7 (EMD5M5C)

Leader’s Name : IRFAN HAKIMI BIN ISHAK

Member’s Name : 1) MOHD ZULHILMI BIN JUANI

2) ZAHIRUL HAZMI BIN ZAHIR HUSSSEIN

Scale 1 2 3 4 5
Level Poor Acceptable Excellent

Part Question Course Outcome Maximum Marks Given Marks

1 CO1 5%
2 CO3 15%
A
3 CO1 10%
4 CO2 10%
1 CO3 20%
B
2 CO2 5%
1 CO1 5%

C 2 CO2 10%
3 CO3 5%
1 CO3 10%
D
2 CO1 5%
TOTAL 100%

COURSE OUTCOME ACIEVEMENT SUMMARY

COURSE OUTCOME MAXIMUM MARKS GIVEN MARKS

CO1 25%
CO2 25%
CO3 50%
TOTAL 100%

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................... 6

2.0 PROBLEM STATEMENT ............................................................................................................ 7

PART A: THERMAL LOAD ANALYSIS ......................................................................................... 9

QUESTION 1 .................................................................................................................................... 9

QUESTION 2 .................................................................................................................................. 10

QUESTION 3 .................................................................................................................................. 20

QUESTION 4 .................................................................................................................................. 21

PART B: AIR HANDLING UNIT (AHU) ........................................................................................ 23

QUESTION 1 .................................................................................................................................. 23

QUESTION 2 .................................................................................................................................. 24

PART C: CHILLER SYSTEM.......................................................................................................... 25

QUESTION 1 .................................................................................................................................. 25

QUESTION 2 .................................................................................................................................. 27

QUESTION 3 .................................................................................................................................. 28

PART D: WET COOLING TOWER................................................................................................ 30

QUESTION 1 .................................................................................................................................. 30

QUESTION 2 .................................................................................................................................. 34

CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................... 35

REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................... 36

3
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: The schematic of the district cooling air-conditioning system ............................................... 7
Figure 2: Heat Gain for Case 1 ............................................................................................................. 13
Figure 3: Heat Gain for Case 2 ............................................................................................................. 16
Figure 4: Heat Gain for case 3 .............................................................................................................. 19
Figure 5: Graph air flow rate versus exits temperature ......................................................................... 22
Figure 6: Bill Estimation for Refrigeration R410A .............................................................................. 28
Figure 7: Estimation Bill for Refrigerant R744 .................................................................................... 29
Figure 8: Psychrometric chart ............................................................................................................... 31
Figure 9: Cooling Water Supply Temperature vs Heat Absorption Rate ............................................. 32
Figure 10: Cooling Water Supply Temperature and Heat Absorption Rate against Relative Humidity
.............................................................................................................................................................. 33

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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Internal and External explaination ............................................................................................ 9
Table 2: Dimension of the hall .............................................................................................................. 10
Table 3: 50% Attendance (Case I) ........................................................................................................ 11
Table 4: 100% Attendance (Case I) ...................................................................................................... 12
Table 5: 50% Attendance (Case II) ....................................................................................................... 14
Table 6: 100% Attendance (Case II) ..................................................................................................... 15
Table 7: 50% Lighting Used (Case III) ................................................................................................. 17
Table 8: 0% Lighting Used (Case III) ................................................................................................... 18
Table 9: Air temperature profile ........................................................................................................... 22
Table 10: Results Obtained ................................................................................................................... 32

5
1.0 INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this assignment is to have students do probabilistic design calculations

of an air conditioning system while also covering the necessary thermal engineering material.
The probabilistic design calculation of an HVAC system entails four stages. Thermal load
analysis is the first. A calculation of the combined exterior and interior thermal loads for all
three of the halls is required at this stage. The air handling unit is the next component. The first
step is to choose the appropriate sort of heat exchanger to use based on your calculations of
heat transfer. Step three involves doing the calculations for the chiller setup. To do this, first
determine the projected cost of running the chiller system for 30 days and then determine the
COP of two different refrigerants. A wet cooling tower is the last component. Step one is
determining how the relative humidity of the incoming air affects the temperature of the
cooling water supplied to the condenser and the rate of heat absorption at the condenser.

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2.0 PROBLEM STATEMENT

The air-conditioning system of a building, shown in Figure 1, is designed based on the

district cooling approach. A central chiller system using a single compressor generates chilled
water to be circulated throughout the building. The chilled water is supplied to Air Handling
Units (AHU) that is located at every level of the building. A heat exchanger in each AHU
facilitates the cooling of air that is discharged back to individual rooms or spaces. Due to the
large thermal load from the building, the chiller operation is assisted by a cooling tower that
uses water to remove the heat rapidly from the chiller condenser.

Figure 1: The schematic of the district cooling air-conditioning system

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 Based on the results achieved, case I, it shows that 50% attendance of students
contributes to 18.3% of total thermal loads. 100% of attendance of students contributes to
36.6% of thermal loads. 100% of lighting was used, contributing to 1.9% of thermal loads.
Projector contributes 0.6% of total thermal loads. Wall N and Wall S shared the same
percentage of thermal loads, 4.7 %, respectively. Moreover, Wall E and Wall W also shared
the same percentage of thermal loads,3.8%, respectively. Floor contributes to 14.8% of total
thermal loads. Roof contributes to 16.5% of thermal loads. Finally, the window under
convection in the morning contributes 2.7 % of thermal loads. This shows that 100% attendance
of students contributes the most thermal loads for case I.

Case II shows that 50% of students' attendance contributes to 17.9% of total thermal
loads. 100& of attendance of students contributes to 35.9% of thermal loads. 100% of lighting
was used, contributing to 1.9% of thermal loads. Projector contributes 0.6% of total thermal
loads. Wall N and Wall S shared the same percentage of thermal loads, 4.6 %, respectively.
Not only that, Wall E and Wall W also shared the same thermal load rate, 3.7%, respectively.
Floor contributes to 14.5% of total thermal loads. Roof contributes to 16.2% of thermal loads.
Finally, the window under convection at noon contributes 4.6% of thermal loads. This shows
that 100% attendance of students contributes the most thermal loads for case II.

Case III shows that 100% attendance contributes to 44.3% of total thermal loads. 50%
of lighting used contributes 1.2% of thermal loads. Projector contributes 0.8% of full thermal
loads. Wall N and Wall S shared the same percentage of thermal loads, 5.7 %, respectively. In
addition, Wall E and Wall W also shared the same rate of thermal loads, which is 4.6%
respectively Floor contributes to 17.9% of total thermal loads. Roof contributes to 20.0% of
thermal loads. Finally, the window which under convection at noon contributes 5.7% of
thermal loads. This shows that 100% attendance of students contributes the most thermal loads
for case III.

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PART A: THERMAL LOAD ANALYSIS

QUESTION 1

Provide an in-depth explanation of internal and external thermal loads for buildings (CO1).
Internal External

The heat emitted by the individuals present The solar heat on and through the glass of
constitutes the internal heat load of a building. windows, skylights on outer walls roof the
The amount of heat produced is determined by outside air temperature penetration of outside
the number of people present and their level of air (when a building is 'leaky' and air can flow
activity, the electrical lighting (some electrical into the building) make up a building's external
lighting emits more heat than others), the heat heat load. Aside from that, ventilated air is
emitted by machinery, equipment, and the blown in without being cooled to the correct
manufacturing process (ovens, generators, temperature if the outside air is hot.
machine milling (process), etc.), and heat
transmission from surrounding areas (such as
the heat exchange between unconditioned and
conditioned spaces).
Table 1: Internal and External explaination

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QUESTION 2

Compute and graphically compare the combined thermal load variations for these cases (CO3):

CASE I: 50% and 100% attendance for morning classes with 100% lighting used,
CASE II: 50% and 100% attendance for noon classes with 100% lighting used,
CASE III: 100% attendance at noon with 50% and 0% lighting used.
Analyze and discuss the contribution (in %) of each heat source, with respect to the period
the classes are being held. In the studied cases, what is the major contributor to the thermal
loads?
Information given
Maximum capacity of each hall = 200 peoples
Equipment = 40 units of 10W lamps, LCD projector
Windows = 10 / hall, area of 0.5 𝑚2
Solar irradiation = 700 W/𝑚2 (night), 1200 W/𝑚2 (noon)

Dimension of the hall

Description Dimension (m) Dimension (ft)
Volume of a hall 4 m (height) x 16 m (length) x 20 m 45202.77 𝑓𝑡 3
(width) = 1280 𝑚3

Area of N and S 20 m (width) x 4 m (height) = 80 861.113 𝑓𝑡 2

wall 𝑚2

Area of W and E 16 m (length) x 4 m (height) = 64 688.89 𝑓𝑡 2

wall 𝑚2

Area of floor and 16 m (length) x 20 m (width) = 320 3444.45 𝑓𝑡 2

roof 𝑚2

Area of window 0.5 𝑚2 5.38196 𝑓𝑡 2

Table 2: Dimension of the hall

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CASE I: 50% and 100% attendance for morning classes with 100% lighting used,
50% Attendance

Implication Heat Gain (BTU/hr) Heat Gain(kW)

Internal Heat Gain

100 person x 3 halls x 160 =

50% Attendance 14.07
48000
10 watt x 3 halls x 40 units x
100% Lighting used 1.495
1.25 x 3.4 = 5100
160 watt x 3 halls x 1 x 3.4
Projector 0.478
=1632
Transmission Heat Gain

861.113 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4

Wall N 3.634
x (17-5) = 12400.03
861.113 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4
Wall S 3.634
x (17-5) = 7905
688.89 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4 x
Wall E 2.907
(17-5) = 9920.02
688.89 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4 x
Wall W 2.907
(17-5) = 9920.02
3444.45 ft2 x 3 halls x
Floor 11.357
0.25 x (17-2) =38750.06
3444.45 ft2 x 3 halls x
Roof 12.719
0.28 x (17-2) = 43400.07
Heat Convection,Q̇ (kW) Q̇ reflected x 0.2

700 W/m2 x 0.5m2 x 10 x 3

Window (Morning) 2.1
halls = 10.5

Total Heat Gain (kW) 55.301

Table 3: 50% Attendance (Case I)

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100 % Attendance

Implication Heat Gain (BTU/hr) Heat Gain(kW)

Internal Heat Gain

200 person x 3 halls x 160 =

100 % Attendance 28.135
96000
10 watt x 3 halls x 40 units x
100% Lighting used 1.495
1.25 x 3.4 = 5100
160 watt x 3 halls x 1 x 3.4
Projector 0.478
=1632
Transmission Heat Gain

861.113 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4

Wall N 3.634
x (17-5) = 12400.03
861.113 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4
Wall S 3.634
x (17-5) = 7905
688.89 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4 x
Wall E 2.907
(17-5) = 9920.02
688.89 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4 x
Wall W 2.907
(17-5) = 9920.02
3444.45 ft2 x 3 halls x
Floor 11.357
0.25 x (17-2) =38750.06
3444.45 ft2 x 3 halls x
Roof 12.719
0.28 x (17-2) = 43400.07
Heat Convection, Q̇ (kW) Q̇ reflected x 0.2

700 W/m2 x 0.5m2 x 10 x 3

Window (Morning) 2.1
halls = 10.5

69.366
Total Heat Gain (kW)
Table 4: 100% Attendance (Case I)

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Figure 2: Heat Gain for Case 1

13
CASE II: 50% and 100% attendance for noon classes with 100% lighting used,
50% Attendance

Implication Heat Gain (BTU/hr) Heat Gain(kW)

Internal Heat Gain

00 person x 3 halls x 160 =

50 % Attendance 48.07
48000
10 watt x 3 halls x 40 units x
100% Lighting used 1.495
1.25 x 3.4 = 5100
160 watt x 3 halls x 1 x 3.4
Projector 0.478
=1632
Transmission Heat Gain

861.113 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4

Wall N 3.634
x (17-5) = 12400.03
861.113 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4
Wall S 3.634
x (17-5) = 7905
688.89 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4 x
Wall E 2.907
(17-5) = 9920.02
688.89 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4 x
Wall W 2.907
(17-5) = 9920.02
3444.45 ft2 x 3 halls x
Floor 11.357
0.25 x (17-2) =38750.06
3444.45 ft2 x 3 halls x
Roof 12.719
0.28 x (17-2) = 43400.07
Heat Convection,Q̇ (kW) Q̇ reflected x 0.2

1200 W/m2 x 0.5m2 x 10 x 3

Window (Noon) 3.6
halls = 18

Total Heat Gain (kW) 90.801

Table 5: 50% Attendance (Case II)

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100 % Attendance

Implication Heat Gain (BTU/hr) Heat Gain(kW)

Internal Heat Gain

200 person x 3 halls x 160 =

100 % Attendance 28.135
96000
10 watt x 3 halls x 40 units x
100% Lighting used 1.495
1.25 x 3.4 = 5100
160 watt x 3 halls x 1 x 3.4
Projector 0.478
=1632
Transmission Heat Gain

861.113 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4

Wall N 3.634
x (17-5) = 12400.03
861.113 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4
Wall S 3.634
x (17-5) = 7905
688.89 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4 x
Wall E 2.907
(17-5) = 9920.02
688.89 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4 x
Wall W 2.907
(17-5) = 9920.02
3444.45 ft2 x 3 halls x
Floor 11.357
0.25 x (17-2) =38750.06
3444.45 ft2 x 3 halls x
Roof 12.719
0.28 x (17-2) = 43400.07
Heat Convection,Q̇ (kW) Q̇ reflected x 0.2

1200 W/m2 x 0.5m2 x 10 x 3

Window (Noon) 3.6
halls = 10.5

Total Heat Gain (kW) 70.866

Table 6: 100% Attendance (Case II)

15
Figure 3: Heat Gain for Case 2

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CASE III: 100% attendance at noon with 50% and 0% lighting used
50 % Lighting used.

Implication Heat Gain (BTU/hr) Heat Gain(kW)

Internal Heat Gain

200 person x 3 halls x 160 =

100 % Attendance 28.135
96000
5 watt x 3 halls x 40 units x
50% Lighting used 0.747
1.25 x 3.4 = 2550
160 watt x 3 halls x 1 x 3.4
Projector 0.478
=1632
Transmission Heat Gain

861.113 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4

Wall N 3.634
x (17-5) = 12400.03
861.113 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4
Wall S 3.634
x (17-5) = 7905
688.89 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4 x
Wall E 2.907
(17-5) = 9920.02
688.89 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4 x
Wall W 2.907
(17-5) = 9920.02
3444.45 ft2 x 3 halls x
Floor 11.357
0.25 x (17-2) =38750.06
3444.45 ft2 x 3 halls x
Roof 12.719
0.28 x (17-2) = 43400.07
Heat Convection,Q̇ (kW) Q̇ reflected x 0.2

1200 W/m2 x 0.5m2 x 10 x 3

Window (Noon) 3.6
halls = 10.5

Total Heat Gain (kW) 70.118

Table 7: 50% Lighting Used (Case III)

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0 % Lighting Used

Implication Heat Gain (BTU/hr) Heat Gain(kW)

Internal Heat Gain

200 person x 3 halls x 160 =

100 % Attendance 28.135
96000
0 watt x 3 halls x 40 units x
0% Lighting used 0
1.25 x 3.4 = 0
160 watt x 3 halls x 1 x 3.4
Projector 0.478
=1632
Transmission Heat Gain

861.113 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4

Wall N 3.634
x (17-5) = 12400.03
861.113 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4
Wall S 3.634
x (17-5) = 7905
688.89 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4 x
Wall E 2.907
(17-5) = 9920.02
688.89 ft2 x 3 halls x 0.4 x
Wall W 2.907
(17-5) = 9920.02
3444.45 ft2 x 3 halls x
Floor 11.357
0.25 x (17-2) =38750.06
3444.45 ft2 x 3 halls x
Roof 12.719
0.28 x (17-2) = 43400.07
Heat Convection,Q̇ (kW) Q̇ reflected x 0.2

1200 W/m2 x 0.5m2 x 10 x 3

Window (Noon) 3.6
halls = 10.5

Total Heat Gain (kW) 69.371

Table 8: 0% Lighting Used (Case III)

18
Figure 4: Heat Gain for case 3

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QUESTION 3

List THREE practical engineering measures that can be applied to reduce the thermal load of
the lecture halls? (CO1)

• Utilize green roofs with vegetation to reduce heat absorption and heat transfer.
Utilizing green roofs with plants may assist to minimise heat absorption and heat
transmission. Green roofs are roofs that are partially or completely covered with vegetation,
such as grasses, bushes, and other plants. Vegetation on the roof serves to minimise the
amount of heat that is received from the sun, as well as the amount of heat that is transported
from the roof to the interior of the structure. Vegetation on a roof also aids in cooling the
structure by reducing the quantity of water that pools there via evaporation. In addition to
lowering the amount of rainwater that runs off a building, green roofs assist to enhance air
quality and lower pollution levels.

• Install insulation in the walls and roof of the lecture hall to reduce heat transfer from
the outside environment.
Insulating the walls and roof of a lecture hall creates an extra barrier between the inside and
outdoors, so decreasing the amount of heat lost or gained. Insulation prevents the movement
of heat through the walls and roof, reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain a
comfortable temperature inside the lecture hall. Condensation, which may cause mould and
mildew development, can be avoided by installing insulation on the roof and walls. To make
the classroom more conducive to learning, insulation may be used to lessen the impact of
outside noise.

• Install double-glazed windows to minimize solar gain and reduce heat loss.
Putting in double-paned glass may assist to lessen heat loss and cut down on solar heat
absorption. To create double-glazed windows, two pieces of glass are positioned one within
the other, with a gap in between filled with air or gas. Since this area serves as an insulating
barrier against heat transfer, it helps to keep the lecture hall's interior temperature more
consistent and requires less energy to maintain a comfortable climate. Additionally, the
double panes of glass may lessen the amount of sunlight that enters the structure, reducing
the amount of energy required to cool the classroom during the warmer months.

20
QUESTION 4
For the highest case of thermal load in Section A, plot the air temperature profile exiting the
lecture halls if the initial room air temperature is 24OC and the total air flow rates from all the
halls varies at 5,000 to 20,000 liters per minute. (CO2)

The case 2 with 50 percent attendance has the largest thermal load, which is 90.801 kW.

𝑄 = ṁℎ 𝐶𝑝ℎ (𝑇ℎ,𝑖𝑛 − 𝑇ℎ,𝑜𝑢𝑡 )

𝑄
𝑇ℎ,𝑖𝑛 = 𝑇ℎ,𝑜𝑢𝑡 + ( )
ṁℎ 𝐶𝑝ℎ

𝑇ℎ,𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 24℃
𝑘𝐽
𝐶𝑝ℎ = 1.005
𝑘𝑔. 𝐾

Sample Calculation
𝑄
𝑇ℎ,𝑖𝑛 = 𝑇ℎ,𝑜𝑢𝑡 + ( )
ṁℎ 𝐶𝑝ℎ
90.801
𝑇ℎ,𝑖𝑛 = 24 + ( )
83.33 𝑋 1.005
𝑇ℎ,𝑖𝑛 = 25.0842℃

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 ṁℎ , 𝑘𝑔/𝑠 𝑇ℎ,𝑖𝑛 , ℃
83.33 25.0842
100 24.9035
116.67 24.7744
133.33 24.6776
150 24.6023
166.67 24.5421
183.33 24.4928
200 24.4517
216.67 24.4170
233.33 24.3872
250 24.3614
266.67 24.3388
283.33 24.3189
300 24.3012
316.67 24.2853
333.33 24.2711
Table 9: Air temperature profile

Exit Temperature Profile

25.2000
25.0842
25.1000

25.0000
24.9035
24.9000
24.7744
Temperature, ℃

24.8000
24.6776
24.7000
24.6023
24.6000 24.5421
24.4928
24.5000 24.4517
24.4170
24.3872
24.3614
24.3388
24.4000 24.3189
24.3012
24.2853
24.2711
24.3000

24.2000
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Air Flow Rate, 𝑘𝑔/𝑠

Figure 5: Graph air flow rate versus exits temperature

22
PART B: AIR HANDLING UNIT (AHU)
**Answer as attached

QUESTION 1
If the chilled water supply (CWS) is fixed at 100 liters per minute, compare the profile on the
variations of the chilled water return (CWR) and exit air temperatures of both heat exchangers
when the air flow rate is constant at 1000 liters per minute and the inlet air temperature to the
heat exchanger varies between 20oC to 30oC. The maximum limit of the NTU for all selected
heat exchangers is 3. Discuss the effect of heat exchanger types to the exit air temperature that
is to be returned to the lecture halls. (CO3).

To conclude, shell and tube heat exchangers and plate and frame heat exchangers are
two potential alternatives that might be used in the air handling unit (AHU). Many different
kinds of heat exchangers could be used in the AHU. Plate and frame heat exchangers use thin
plates separated by gaskets to transfer heat between two fluids, whereas shell and tube heat
exchangers use tubes to transport heat between the two fluids. Shell and tube heat exchangers
are sometimes known as "shell and tube" heat exchangers.

The CWR and exit air temperature changes will depend on the type of heat exchanger
used if the CWS is maintained at a constant rate of 100 liters per minute and the airflow rate is
maintained at a constant rate of 1,000 liters per minute. When the temperature of the air coming
into the CWR rises, the temperature inside the CWR also rises, but the temperature of the air
leaving the CWR drops. Many factors, including the heat transfer coefficient of the heat
exchanger, the specific heat capacity of the fluids, and the flow rates of the fluids will determine
the precise magnitude of these temperature shifts.

The effectiveness of the heat exchanger will determine how much of an impact the type
of heat exchanger will have on the temperature of the air that is returned to the lecture halls.
When the air temperature at the heat exchanger's intake remains constant, a more efficient heat
exchanger will produce cooler exhaust air than one that is less efficient. A heat exchanger with
a lower efficiency will produce hotter exhaust air than one with a higher efficiency. The
Number of Transfer Units (NTU) maximum limit for the specified heat exchangers will also
affect the efficiency of the heat exchanger, with a higher NTU resulting in a heat exchanger
that is more efficient than one with a lower NTU.

23
QUESTION 2

For the better heat exchanger in the case above, if the CWS temperature increases by 1oC, what
is the temperature change to the exit air temperature? (CO2)

To conclude, in the event that the CWS temperature for the more effective heat
exchanger rises by 1 degree Celsius, the variation in the temperature of the exit air will be
determined by the specific heat capacities and flow rates of the fluids, in addition to the heat
transfer coefficient of the heat exchanger. It is only possible to estimate the temperature change
accurately by having these specific quantities at one's disposal.

**Answer as attached

24
PART C: CHILLER SYSTEM

QUESTION 1
Select 2 working refrigerants for the system (other than R134a) and explain the reasons of
selection based on safety and thermal properties. (CO1).

Chilled water or liquid is circulated through process equipment using chillers. Water
chillers are commonly used to cool items and machinery in a variety of applications such as
injection moulding process, tool and die cutting, food and beverage, chemicals, lasers, machine
tools, semiconductors, and more. An industrial chiller's job is to transfer heat from one area
(often process equipment or a product) to another (usually the air outside the manufacturing
facility). A chemical component known as a refrigerant is found in process chillers. There are
many different types of refrigerants and applications depending on the temperatures necessary,
but they all operate on the same basic concept of compression and phase change of the
refrigerant from a liquid to a gas and back to a liquid. The refrigeration cycle is the process of
heating and cooling the refrigerant and converting it from a gas to a liquid and back. Nowadays,
R-134a is the most common and suitable refrigerant to be used in chiller systems. R-134a is a
hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) used in residential, commercial, and industrial refrigeration systems,
air conditioning systems, liquid refrigeration systems, and heat pumps. R-134a is utilized in
big chillers and by automobile and agricultural producers.

Other than that, there are other refrigerants that could be used for the chiller system
instead of R-134a that contributes in term of safety and thermal property purpose. Firstly, a
refrigerant named R410 refrigerant. R410A refrigerant is a high-efficiency, non-ozone-
depleting HFC (hydro fluoride carbon) combination. R410A refrigerants are chlorine-free and
have no ozone depletion potential, making them environmentally preferable to typical CFC
(chlorofluorocarbon) refrigerants. As a result, it helps to keep the atmosphere healthier while
still providing great cooling capacity and efficiency. This type of refrigerant is also non-
flammable and has a higher cooling capacity than other HVAC refrigerants. Furthermore,
because R410A has a higher pressure than most other typical HVAC refrigerants, it is more
efficient at transmitting heat from one place to another. This means that R410A is a lot more
efficient refrigerant than many other types of HVAC refrigerants, which contributes to lower
energy expenditures.

25
 Next, another refrigerant that could be used in the chiller system is the R744 refrigerant.
When used as a natural refrigerant in the refrigeration and air conditioning business, the
designation R744 refers to CO2. R744 CO2 has excellent thermodynamic properties and offers
substantial benefits over traditional and alternative refrigerants. This gas has high thermal
conductivity and high gas-phase density, which results in good heat transfer in evaporators,
condensers, and gas coolers. CO2 as a refrigerant is owing to its low environmental impact as
compared to HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), which are under threat from current laws (F-gas).
CO2 has no effect on the ozone layer (Ozone Depletion Potential ODP = 0) and has a low
impact on global warming (Global Warming Potential GWP = 1), with this final figure used to
calculate the GWP of other gases.

26
QUESTION 2
If the refrigerant exits the evaporator as a saturated vapor, select the suitable operating
pressures for the chiller. Explain the reasons for the selected pressures. Then, compare the COP
of the chiller system for both coolants assuming a compressor efficiency of 90%. (CO2)

**Answer as attached

27
QUESTION 3
Compare the estimated cost for running the chiller system for 30 days, 24-hour operation
schedule using the two different coolants (based only on the compressor work input – assume
the coolants flow at 700 litres per hour) under steady conditions. Apply the Malaysian daylight
electrical tariff for the cost calculations. (CO3)

Refrigerant 410A

Win = 𝑚̇(ℎ2 − ℎ1 ) = 0.1519 (437.78 − 423.1) = 2.23 𝑘𝑊

𝐸 = 𝑊𝑖𝑛 × 𝑡 = 2.23 × 24 = 53.52 𝑘𝑊ℎ

𝐸30 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠 = 𝐸 × 30 = 1605 𝑘𝑊ℎ

Figure 6: Bill Estimation for Refrigeration R410A

28
Refrigerant R744

Win = 𝑚̇(ℎ2 − ℎ1 ) = 0.1519 (443 − 429.65) = 2.028 𝑘𝑊

𝐸 = 𝑊𝑖𝑛 × 𝑡 = 2.028 × 24 = 48.67 𝑘𝑊ℎ

𝐸30 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠 = 𝐸 × 30 = 1460.063 𝑘𝑊ℎ

Figure 7: Estimation Bill for Refrigerant R744

The figures above, shows the estimated bill for both refrigerant which is R410A and R744 in
a month. The used of refrigerant R744 in chiller system approximately has lower value of bill
in a month of power consumption than refrigerant R410A. This shows that the consumption of
R744 for chiller system is not only has a low impact in global warming but contributes in
cutting cost of power consumption too.

29
PART D: WET COOLING TOWER

QUESTION 1
Plot the variations in cooling water supply temperature to the condenser and the heat absorption
rate at the condenser when the relative humidity of the inlet air varies from 50% to 100%RH.
Assume the air flow rate is constant at 60 liters per minute. (CO3)

Value of Enthalpy, h is gain from psychrometric chart by referring to 𝑇1,𝑖𝑟=28 ℃ and

Relative Humidity, 𝑅𝐻1 (%). Since 𝑇2, water = 34 ℃ is saturation, so the Relative Humidity
is constant 100%.

30
Figure 8: Psychrometric chart

31
Results:

T1,air = 28 °C T2,water = 34 °C Cooling Water

Heat
Relative Relative Supply
Enthalpy 1, h1 Enthalpy 2, Absorption
Humidity, Humidity, Temperature,
(kJ/kg) h2(kJ/kg) Rate, Q (kJ)
RH1 (%) RH2 (%) T1,air (°C)
50 58.38 100 122.65 0.0831 33.9940
60 64.53 100 122.65 0.0751 33.9946
70 70.79 100 122.65 0.0670 33.9952
80 77.07 100 122.65 0.0589 33.9957
90 83.37 100 122.65 0.0508 33.9963
100 89.74 100 122.65 0.0426 33.9969

Table 10: Results Obtained

Cooling Water Supply Temperature vs Heat Absorption Rate

33.9975
Cooling Water Supply Temperature, T1,air (°C)

33.997 33.9969

33.9965
33.9963
33.996
33.9957
33.9955
33.9952
33.995

33.9945 33.9946

33.994 33.9940

33.9935

33.993

33.9925
0.0426 0.0508 0.0589 0.0670 0.0751 0.0831
Heat Absorption Rate, Q (kJ)

Figure 9: Cooling Water Supply Temperature vs Heat Absorption Rate

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 Cooling Water Supply Temperature and Heat Absorption
Rate against Relative Humidity

33.9975 0.0900
Cooling Water Supply Temperature, T1,air (°C)

33.997 0.0800
33.9965

Heat Absorption RateQ (kJ)

0.0700
33.996
0.0600
33.9955
0.0500
33.995 Cooling Water
0.0400 Supply
33.9945 Temperature,
0.0300 T1,air (°C)
33.994
Heat
33.9935 0.0200 Absorption
Rate, Q (kJ)
33.993 0.0100

33.9925 0.0000
50 60 70 80 90 100
Relative Humidity (%)

Figure 10: Cooling Water Supply Temperature and Heat Absorption Rate against Relative Humidity

33
QUESTION 2
Explain the reasons why cooling towers are a necessary sub-system in district cooling air-
conditioning systems. (CO1)

District cooling air conditioning systems rely heavily on cooling towers for efficient
operation, since they transfer excess heat from the chilled water network to the surrounding
air. Evaporation is then used to remove the heat from the cooling tower, which is more efficient
than releasing the heat to the atmosphere by cooling coils or any other way. As an added bonus,
cooling towers enable the use of chilled water at lower temperatures, which may cut down on
overall power requirements. A proper heat-mass ratio in the system is maintained by using
cooling towers to keep the chilled water and condensate at the suitable temperatures.

Water is sprayed at high pressure through the tower, dispersing the building's excess
heat. The falling water is able to be pushed forward by air currents because to the tower's open
sides. Air passing through a liquid causes the liquid to warm and causes part of the water to
evaporate. From the tower's peak, a cloud of fog-like dissipation carries away the heat and
water flow. Water used for cooling is collected at the tower's base and recirculated via pipes
within the structure. Large-scale air conditioning is made possible by cooling towers in regions
with high land and/or water costs or in where the use of single-return cooling water is prohibited
by regulations.

Industrial cooling towers are an integral feature of many refrigeration systems and may
be found in a wide variety of settings, including power plants, chemical operations, steel mills,
and many manufacturing enterprises. As an added bonus, commercial cooling towers may offer
pleasant cooling for large commercial buildings such as airports, schools, hospitals, and hotels.
Power plants, refineries, petrochemical plants, treatment plants, natural gas plants, food
processing plants, and other industrial facilities use industrial cooling towers to remove
absorbed heat from circulating cooling water systems. These towers may be larger than HVAC
systems.

Demand for manufactured products and the global population as a whole have both
grown substantially in recent decades. Therefore, businesses are under pressure to crank out
more products every day, which raises the temperature generated during manufacturing.
Maintenance-free cooling is essential for the continued functionality of equipment and
processes in heat-generating industries. Putting up a cooling tower in an industrial setting is
the best, most effective, and cheapest way to deal with this much heat.

34
CONCLUSION

This report's completion marks the successful completion of the assigned task. The group does
the necessary calculations for the thermal load analysis, AHU, chiller system, and wet cooling
tower. The significance of these results lies in the fact that we were able to determine the
thermal load of each hall, the value of heat transfer of the heat exchanger, the value of COP
between two refrigerants, and the cost for the chiller system to run for 30 days. Finally, the
change in the condenser's absorption rate due to changes in the relative humidity of the
incoming air from 50% to 100% was computed.

35
REFERENCES

Marrone, M. (2021, October 25). Common Refrigerants Used in Chillers Ι. Cold Shot

Chillers. https://waterchillers.com/blog/post/types-of-refrigerant-used-in-chiller-plant

Air Conditioner Refrigerant. (n.d.). Air Conditioning Systems. https://www.airconditioning-

systems.com/air-conditioner-refrigerant.html

Berhad Malaysia, M. (n.d.). Bill Calculator. Welcome to myTNB Portal.

https://www.mytnb.com.my/residential/understand-your-bill/bill-calculator

-, I. (2022, August 30). R744 refrigerant. INTARCON. https://www.intarcon.com/en/r744-

refrigerant/

BuildOps. (2022, November 26). R410 Refrigerant. https://buildops.com/commercial-

construction/r410-refrigerant/

Payne, W. V., & O’Neal, D. L. (1999). Multiphase flow of refrigerant 410A through short

tube orifices. Refrigeration Service Engineer Society.

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