UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN KIMIA

THERMOFLUIDS LABORATORY
(CGE 536)

GROUP MEMBERS

EXPERIMENT
DATE PERFORMED
SEMESTER
PROGRAMME
GROUP

: AMIRA BINTI KORMAIN

(2014851022)
FARHAN HAIRI BIN KASIM
(2014204678)
MOHD ZAIDI BIN MOHD RADZALI (2014678172)
NURULTHAQIFAH BINTI BAHARUM (2014870248)
: REFRIGERATION UNIT
: 22ND MAY 2015
: 3
: EH 243
: GROUP 8

No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
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Title
Abstract/Summary
Introduction
Aims/Objectives
Theory
Apparatus
Procedures
Result
Calculations
Discussion
Conclusion
Recommendations
References
Appendices
TOTAL MARKS
Remarks:

Allocated Marks (%)

5
5
5
5
5
10
10
10
20
10
5
5
5
100

Marks

Checked by:
Date:
TABLE OF CONTENT
Contents
Abstract
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Theory
4.0 Apparatus
5.0 Experimental Procedures

Pages
3
4
4
47
78
8-9

6.0 Results
7.0 Sample Calculations
8.0 Discussion
9.0 Conclusion
10.0 Recommendations
11.0 References
12.0 Appendices

10 13
13 15
15 16
17
17
17
17

ABSTRACT
The aim for this experiment are divided into three because in this experiment, it has three sub
experiment. The objective for the first experiment is to determine the power input, heat
output and coefficient of performance of a vapour compression heat pump system hence its
name. The objective for the second experiment is to produce the performance of heat pump
over range of source and delivery temperatures. The objective for the third experiment are to
plot the vapour compression cycle on the p-h diagram and compare with the ideal cycle and
to perform energy balances for the condenser and compressor. For all the experiment, cooling
water flow rate was adjusted to 40 % but for the second experiment, the cooling water is
increase and decrease by 10%. For the first experiment, the power input was 160W while the
2

heat output of the system was 195.07W. This increase in power give the coefficient
performance of 1.219. For the second experiment, three different flow rate of the cooling
water were used which are 30%, 40% and 50%. The power input reading at flow rate at those
flow rates are 159W, 160W and 161W respectively. For the last experiment, the vapour
compression cycle on the p-h diagram is plotted at the discussion section. When the plotted
diagram is compared with the ideal cycle diagram, it can be seen that the diagram is almost
similar. As the conclusion, all objectives given in this experiment were successfully achieved.

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The SOLTEQ Mechanical Heat Pump (Model: HE165) has been designed to provide a
practical and quantitative demonstration of a vapor compression cycle. Refrigerators and heat
pumps both apply the vapor compression cycle, although the applications of these machines
differ, the components are essentially the same. The Mechanical Heat Pump is capable of
demonstrating the heat pump application where a large freely available energy source, such
as the atmosphere is to be upgraded for water heating.
Heat pump technology has attracted increasing attention as one of the most promising
technologies to save energy. Areas of interest include heating of buildings, recovery of
3

industrial waste heat for steam production and heating of process water for instance, cleaning
and sanitation.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
As there are three experiments conducted in the whole experiment, the objectives
might be differing for each of them. The first experiment undergoes by the purpose of to
determine the power input, heat output and coefficient of performance of a vapor
compression heat pump system hence its name. Besides that, the second experiment of
production of heat pump performance curves over a range of source and delivery
temperatures having an objective to produce the performance of heat pump over range of
source and delivery temperatures. On the contrary, experiment number three which is the
production of vapor compression cycle on p-h diagram and energy balance study is handled
to fulfill the purpose of to plot the vapor compression cycle on the p-h diagram and compare
with the ideal cycle and to perform energy balances for the condenser and compressor.
3.0 THEORY
A heat pump is a mechanism that absorbs heat from waste source or surrounding to produce
valuable heat on a higher temperature level than that of the heat source. The fundamental idea
of all heat pumps is that heat is absorbed by a medium, which releases the heat at a required
temperature which is higher after a physical or chemical transformation.

During operation, slightly superheated refrigerant (R-134a) vapor enters the

compressor from the evaporator and its pressure is increased. Therefore, the temperature rises
and the hot vapor will then enters the water cooled condenser. Heat is given up to the cooling
water and the refrigerant condenses to liquid before passing to the expansion valve. Upon
passing through the expansion valve, the pressure of the liquid refrigerant is reduced. This
may cause the saturation temperature to fell to below that the atmospheric. Thus, as it flows
through the evaporator, there is a temperature difference between the refrigerant and the
water being drawn across the coils. The resulting heat transfer lead to the boil of the
refrigerant and as it leaving the evaporator, it become slightly superheated vapor which ready
to return back to the compressor. The temperature at which heat is delivered in the condenser
and the evaporator is controlled by the water flow rate and its inlet temperature.
4

Figure 1: Schematic diagram for Mechanical Heat Pump

Most of heat pumps system operates on the principle of the vapor compression cycle.
In this cycle, the circulating substance is physically separated from the heat source and heat
delivery, and is cycling in a close stream, hence called closed cycle. The following
processes take place during the heat pump processes:
1. In the evaporator, the heat is extracted from the heat source to boil the circulating
substance;
2. The circulating substance is then compressed by the compressor to raise its pressure
and temperature;
3. The heat delivered to the condenser;
4. The pressure of the circulating substance (working fluid) is reduced back to the
evaporator condition in the throttling valve.

Figure 2: The closed loop compression cycle

There are four (4) basic processes or changes in the condition of the refrigerant occur
in a Vapor Compression Heat Pump Cycle.
1. Compression Process
The refrigerant at the pump suction is in gas at low temperature and low pressure. In
order to be able to use it to achieve the heat pump effect continuously, it must be
brought to the liquid form at a high pressure. The first step in this process is to
increase the pressure of the refrigerant gas by using a compressor. Compressing the
gas also results in increasing its temperature.
2. Condensing Process
The refrigerant leaves the compressor as a gas at high temperature and pressure. In
order to change it to a liquid, heat must be removed from it. This is accomplished in a
heat exchanger called the condenser. The refrigerant flows through one circuit in the
condenser. In the other circuit, a cooling fluid flows (normally air or water), at a
temperature lower than the refrigerant. Therefore, heat is transferred from the
refrigerant to the cooling fluid and as the result; the refrigerant condenses to a liquid
state at the expansion valve where the heating shall takes place.
3. Expansion Process
At the expansion valve, the refrigerant which is in the liquid state at a relatively high
pressure and temperature flows to the evaporator through a restriction called the flow
control device or expansion valve. The refrigerant loses pressure going through the

restriction. The pressure is so low that a small portion of the refrigerant flashes
(vaporizes) into a gaseous. In order to vaporize, it must gain heat (which it takes from
that portion of the refrigerant that did not vaporize).
4. Vaporizing Process
The refrigerant flows through a heat exchanger called the evaporator. The heat source
is at a slightly higher temperature than the refrigerant, therefore heat is transferred
from it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant boils because of the heat it receives in the
evaporator and by the time it leaves the evaporator, it is completely vaporized. The
refrigerant has thus returned to its initial state and is now ready to repeat the cycle, in
a continuous manner.
4.0 APPARATUS
The SOLTEQ Mechanical Heat Pump (Model: HE165) is a bench top unit with all
components and instrumentations mounted on the sturdy base. The heat pump consists of a
hermetic compressor, a water-cooled plate heat exchanger, a thermostatic expansion valve
and a water heated plate heat exchanger. The arrangements of the components are in a
manner similar to many domestic air-water heat pumps where they are visible from the front
of the unit.

Figure 1: Unit construction for Mechanical Heat Pump (Model: HE165)

1. Pressure Switch
7

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Receiver Tank
Compressor
Condenser
Pressure Transmitter
Control Panel
Evaporator
Refrigerant Flow Meter

9. Water Flow Meter

5.0 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
General Start-up Procedures
1. The unit and all instruments were checked to make sure they were in proper
condition.
2. Both water source and drain were checked to ensure that they were connected. Then
the water supply was opened and the cooling water flow rate was set at 1.0 LPM.
3. The drain hose at the condensate collector was checked to make sure it was
connected.
4. The power supply was connected and switch on the main power was switched on,
followed by main switch at the control panel.
5. The refrigerant compressor was switched on. The unit was considered ready for
experiment once the temperature and pressures were constant.
General Shut-down Procedures
1. The compressor, main switch and power supply were switched off.
2. The water supply was closed and it was ensured that the water was not left running.
Experiment 1: Determination of power input, heat output and coefficient of
performance
1. The general start-up procedures were performed.
2. The cooling water flow rate was adjusted to 40%.
3. The system was allowed to run for 15 minutes.
4. All necessary readings like Cooling Water Flow Rate, Cooling Water Inlet
Temperature, Cooling Water Outlet Temperature, and Compressor Power Input were
recorded.

Experiment 2: Production of heat pump performance curves over a range of source and
delivery temperatures
1. The general start-up procedures were performed.
2. The cooling water flow rate was adjusted to 80%.
3. The system was allowed to run for 15 minutes.
4. All necessary readings were recorded
5. The experiment was repeated with reducing water flow rate so that the cooling water
outlet temperature increases by about 1C.
6. The experiment was then repeated at different ambient temperature.
Experiment 3: Production of vapour compression cycle on p-h diagram and energy
balance study
1. The general start-up procedures were performed.
2. The cooling water flow rate was adjusted to 80%.
3. The system was allowed to run for 15 minutes.
4. Readings like refrigerant flow rate, refrigerant pressure, refrigerant temperature,
cooling water flow rate, cooling water inlet temperature and compressor power input
were recorded.
6.0 RESULTS
Experiment 1: Determination of power input, heat output and coefficient of performance
Table 1: Data obtained and calculated for Experiment 1
Cooling Water Flow Rate, FT1 (%)
Cooling Water Flow Rate, FT1 (LPM)
Cooling Water Inlet Temperature, TT5 (oC)
Cooling Water Outlet Temperature, TT6
(oC)
Compressor Power Input, W
Heat Output, W
COPH

40.0
2.0
28.1
29.5
160.0
195.07
1.219

Experiment 2: Production of heat pump performance curves over a range of source and delivery
temperatures
Table 2: Data obtained and calculated for Experiment 2
9

Test
Cooling Water Flow Rate, FT1
Cooling Water Flow Rate, FT1
Cooling Water Inlet Temperature, TT5
Cooling Water Outlet Temperature, TT6
Compressor Power Input
Heat Output
COPH

%
LPM
o
C
o
C
W
W
-

1
30
1.5
29.1
30.8
159.0
177.65
1.117

2
40
2
28.1
29.5
160.0
195.07
1.219

3
50
2.5
27.4
28.7
161.0
226.42
1.406

Performance Curve of Power Input & Output versus Water Outlet Temperature
250
200
150
Power Input and Output (W)

Power input
Heat output

100
50
0
28.5 29 29.5 30 30.5 31

Cooling water outlet temperature (oC)

Figure 1: Performance curves for power input and output versus temperature of water delivered

Performance curve of COPH versus Water Outlet Temperature

1.6
1.4
1.2
1
COPH

0.8

COPH

0.6
0.4
0.2
0
28.5

29

29.5

30

30.5

31

Cooling water outlet temperature (oC)

10

Figure 2: Performance curves for power input and output versus temperature of water delivered

Experiment 3: Production of vapour compression cycle on p-h diagram and energy balance study
Table 3: Data obtained and calculated for Experiment 3
Refrigerant Flow Rate, FT2
Refrigerant Flow Rate, FT2
Refrigerant Pressure (Low), P1
Refrigerant Pressure (High), P2
Refrigerant Temperature, TT1
Refrigerant Temperature, TT2
Refrigerant Temperature, TT3
Refrigerant Temperature, TT4
Cooling Water Flow Rate, FT1
Cooling Water Flow Rate, FT1
Cooling Water Inlet Temperature, TT5
Cooling Water Outlet Temperature, TT6
Compressor Power Input

%
LPM
Bar (abs)
Bar (abs)
o
C
o
C
o
C
o
C
%
LPM
o
C
o
C
W

60.8
0.77
1.8
6.8
25.6
63.1
28.2
21.5
40.0
2.0
28.1
29.5
160.0

p-h diagram of R-134a

0.8
0.7

0.68

0.68

0.6
0.5
Pressure (MPa)

0.4
0.3
0.2

0.18

0.18

0.1
0
50

100

150

200

250

300

350

h (kJ/kg)

Figure 3: p-h diagram of R-134a obtained from calculation

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Table 4: Enthalpy values for each point

h1
h2
h3
h4

242.86 kJ/kg
301.79 kJ/kg
87.40 kJ/kg
87.41 kJ/kg

7.0 SAMPLE CALCULATIONS

Using sample data from Experiment 1:

Cooling water flowrate , LPM =

cooling water flowrate ( )

5 LPM
100

40
5=2 LPM
100

Heat output=

COP H =

2.0 L 1kg 1 min 4180 J

( 29.528.1 ) K=195.07 W
min 1 L 60 sec kg . K

Heat output 195.07 W

=
=1.219
Power input
160 W

Using sample data from Experiment 3:

Refrigerant flowrate , LPM=

Refrigerant flowrate ( )
1.26 LPM
100

60.8
1.26=0.77 LPM
100
=180 kPa=0.18 MPa

Ref rigerant pressure ( Low )=1.8

100000 Pa

=680 kPa=0.68 MPa

Refrigerant pressure ( High )=6.8

100000 Pa

Using the saturated refrigerant-134a table from Appendix 1:

12

h1 @ 0.18 MPa =242.86 kJ /kg

Table 5: Interpolation of data for 0.68 MPa saturated refrigerant-134a

P (MPa)
0.65
0.68
0.70

h (kJ/kg)
85.26
87.40
88.82

h3 @ 0.68 MPa =87.40 kJ / kg

Table 6: Interpolation of data for 21.5oC saturated refrigerant-134a
T (oC)
20
21.5
22

x gas =

hf (kJ/kg)
79.32
81.44
82.14

hfg (kJ/kg)
182.27
180.94
180.49

Hg (kJ/kg)
261.59
262.38
262.64

h3h g 87.40262.38
=
=0.967
hf h g 81.44262.38

h4 @21.5 C =hf + (1x ) h fg =81.44+ ( 0.033 ) 180.94=87.41 kJ / kg

Using the superheated refrigerant-134a table from Appendix 2:
Table 7: Interpolation of data for 0.68 MPa superheated refrigerant-134a
P (MPa)
0.60
0.68
0.70

h@60oC (kJ/kg)
299.98
298.73
298.42
T (oC)
60.0
63.1
70.0

h60 C@ 0.68 MPa =

h@70oC (kJ/kg)
309.73
308.61
308.33
h (kJ/kg)
298.73
301.79
308.61

0.700.68
( 298.42299.98 )298.42=298.73
0.700.60

h60 C @ 0.68 MPa=298.73 kJ /kg

13

h2 @ 63.1 C ,0.68 MPa =301.79 kJ /kg

Energy balance on the condenser:

Refrigerant mass flow rate=

3.04 L 1min 0.001m3 9.058 kg

min
60 sec
1L
m3

0.4589 x 103 kg /s
3

0.4589 x 10 kg 1000 J (
Heat transfer refrigerant=

301.7987.40 )
s
kg
98.38 J / s

Heat transfer the cooling water=

2 L 1 L 1min 4180 J

( 29.528.1 )
min kg 60 sec kg . K

195.07 J /s=195.07 W
Energy balance on the compressor:

Power input=160 W

Heat transfer the refrigerant=

0.4589 x 103 kg 1000 J (

301.79242.86 )
s
kg

27.04 W
Heat loss surroundings=16027.04=132.96 W

8.0 DISCUSSION
The first experiment was conducted to calculate the performance of a vapor compression heat pump
system. The power input of the heat pump obtained was 160 W while the heat output of the system
was 195.07 W. This increase in power is due to vapor compression heat pump cycle which involves 4
different processes; compression, condensation, expansion, and vaporization. At the vaporization
process, it receives heat from other sources, and the refrigerant is then subcooled at the condenser and
allows it to remove heat to the intended medium. This increase in power gives the coefficient
performance of 1.219. This would indicate that for each Watt of electrical energy supplied, 1.219 W of
heat energy is supplied to the medium to be heated. (Radermacher, 2005)
In the second experiment, three different flow rates in percent were used which is 30%, 40%,
and 50%. As the flow rate decrease, the cooling water outlet temperature increases whereas the power
14

input, heat output, and COPH decreases. The flow rate at 50%, 40%, and 30% gives the power input
reading of 161, 160, and 159 W respectively, heat output of 226.42, 195.07, and 177.65 W
respectively, and COPH of 1.406, 1.219, and 1.117 respectively. The heat output in relation to flow
rate can be expressed as:

q=

h
c p dt

Where q is the volumetric flow rate, h is heat output, c p is the specific heat capacity, is density, and
dt is temperature difference. This equation shows the linear relationship between heat output and flow
rate. This in turn directly affects the COP H as the lower heat output will yield lower COPH. (Flow
Rates in Heating System)
The third experiment encompasses the four processes in the heat pump. The compression
process increases the pressure of refrigerant which also cause an increase in temperature. This
elevates the refrigerant into superheated state. Then, the condensation process removes the heat,
causing a decrease in temperature. The expansion valve then reduces the pressure, causing a small
portion of the refrigerant to flashes into gas. This creates a mixture of liquid and gas refrigerant. The
mixture then undergoes the vaporization process at the evaporator to receive heat energy and all
refrigerant completely vaporizes and the cycle repeats. Figure 3 shows the p-h diagram of the r-134a.
The enthalpy calculated at h1, h2, h3, and h4 are 242.86, 301.79, 87.40, and 87.41 kJ/kg respectively.
These values create a p-h diagram almost similar to the ideal cycle: (Haile, 2002)

Figure 4: Ideal vapor-compression cycle of heat pump

9.0 CONCLUSION

15

Overall, this experiment is considered success as the power input, heat output and coefficient
of performance of a vapour compression heat pump system has been determined. For the first
experiment, the power input of the heat pump obtained was 160 W while the heat output of
the system was 195.07 W. Increase in power gives the coefficient performance of 1.219. For
the second experiment, as the flow rate decrease, the cooling water outlet temperature
increases whereas the power input, heat output, and COPH decreases. The flow rate at 50%,
40%, and 30% gives the power input reading of 161, 160, and 159 W respectively, heat
output of 226.42, 195.07, and 177.65 W respectively, and COPH of 1.406, 1.219, and 1.117
respectively. The third experiment, the enthalpy calculated at h1, h2, h3, and h4 are 242.86,
301.79, 87.40, and 87.41 kJ/kg respectively. These values create a p-h diagram almost similar
to the ideal cycle.
10.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Make sure that equipment is properly set up as it will affect the reading. Ask help
from the lab assistant if required.
2. Allow the system to run for 15 minutes each time before the experiment is conducted.
3. Maybe the efficiency of the equipment should be monitored frequently as some of the
readings obtained are a bit off than what we are supposed to obtain.
4. Do a trial experiment before conducting the real experiment in order to detect if there
is any error or whether the equipment is functioning well or not.
5. Make sure that the water flow rate is in stable condition as unstable water flow would
affect the readings.
11.0 REFERENCES
1. Radermacher, R., & Hwang, Y. (2005). Vapor compression heat pumps with refrigerant
mixes. Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis.
2. Haile, J. M. (2002). Lectures in Thermodynamics: Macatea Productions.
3. Flow Rates in Heating System. (n.d.). Retrieved 27th May 2015 from
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/water-flow-rates-heating-systems-d_659.html

4. Thermofluids Laboratory Manual

12.0 APPENDICES

16