TITLE PAGE

Name of institution and department

Title and number of the experiment

Group number, group member names and their contribution

The date the experiment was performed

The date the report is due

Table of Contents
1. Abstract....................................................................................................................................5

2. Nomenclature...........................................................................................................................6

3. Introduction..............................................................................................................................6

4. Theory......................................................................................................................................9

5. The Refrigeration Cycle Components....................................................................................10

6. Procedure................................................................................................................................14

7. Calculations............................................................................................................................15

8. Discussion..............................................................................................................................19

9. Conclusion..............................................................................................................................20

References......................................................................................................................................21
List of Figures
Y

Figure 1: Refrigeration Cycle........................................................................................................10

Figure 2:Cooling Components Completing the Cycle...................................................................11

Figure3: Apparatus........................................................................................................................14

Figure 4: Enthalpy-Pressure Diagram...........................................................................................18

List of Tables and Graphs
Table 1: Nomenclature....................................................................................................................6

Table 2: Calculated values.............................................................................................................16

 1. Abstract
This laboratory was created to look at how air flow affects a cooling cycle. The same system was used

until the lowest and highest air flow rates could not be maintained. The cycle performance coefficient

falls as the air flow increases. However, the experiment's data reveal a considerable inaccuracy due to

the use of a pressure enthalpy diagram in the study. The findings reflect the measurement value of the

COP for difference condenser pressure, heat transfer in the evaporator and condenser, compressor

pressure ratio and heat transfer for differential condenser pressure, and total heat transfer based on the

methodology section of the report.

 2. Nomenclature

Symbol Meaning Name

P Low Evaporator pressure Bar
P High Condenser pressure Bar
h Specific enthalpy kJ/kg
Wcomp,a Specific actual work to compressor kJ/kg
Wcomp,s Specific isentropic work to compressor kJ/kg
QH Specific heat transfer to air kJ/kg
QL Specific heat transfer to refrigerant kJ/kg
η Isentropic efficiency of compressor Percentage
COP Coefficient of performance Unitless

Table 1: Nomenclature

3. Introduction
The cooling cycle's job is to remove and release excess heat from a single spot. The coolant is pumped

through a closed cooling system to accomplish this. The coolant would be dissipated to the surrounding

media if the system was not closed; however, because it is closed, the same coolant is always used, as it

is removed and released during the cycle. In addition, the closed cycle has other purposes. Because the

refrigerant is liquid in some parts of the cycle and gas or vapor in others, it prevents contamination and

regulates flow.

Let's have a look at how the key components react during a basic cooling cycle. In the cycle, there are

two pressures: "low side" evaporation (low pressure) and "high side" condensation (high pressure).

Two dividing points separate these pressure ranges: the metering device for managing coolant flow and

the compressor for vapor compression.

The measuring device serves as the beginning point for the cycle's travel. A thermal expansion valve, a

capillary tube, or any other piece of equipment can control the flow of low-pressure, low-temperature

refrigerant into an evaporator or cooling coil. As the expanding coolant goes through the evaporator, it

evaporates (changes state) to remove heat from the substance or area where the evaporator is located.
The coolant "boils" and evaporates, changing to vapour, as heat is transferred from the warmer material

to the evaporator, which is cooled in the system by the evaporation of the coolant. This is similar to the

transition that occurs when a pail of water is heated on the stove and transforms into steam, but the

coolant is boiled at a much lower temperature.

This low-pressure, low-temperature steam now pulls the compressor into a high-temperature, high-

pressure steam. The heat absorbed in the evaporator is released by the compressor, which sends it to the

condenser. Because the coolant vapour is warmer than the air passing through the condenser (air-

cooled type) or the water flowing over the condenser (water-cooled type), it passes through the cooling

air or water.

The liquid coolant now travels through a tiny hole or aperture in the metering device, where pressure

and temperature drop, before entering the evaporator or cooling spindle. The refrigerant sprays as it

reaches the large aperture of the evaporator tube or belt, ready to begin another cycle.

The cooling system, like highways, requires specific ways to connect critical elements such as the

evaporator, compressor, condenser, and metering device. The system is completed by tubing or "lines,"

which prevent the coolant from flowing into the atmosphere. The supply line connects the evaporator

or cooler to the compressor, while the hot gas or discharge line connects the compressor to the

condenser. The liquid line connects the condenser to the measuring device (Thermal expansion valve).

Some systems feature a receiver located directly after the condenser and before the measurement

device, where the coolant is kept until the evaporator is required to remove the heat.

Cooling cycle components and variants come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are at least a half-

dozen different types of compressors, ranging from reciprocating, piston, screw, and centrifugal

impeller designs, but they all serve the same purpose: to compress heat-loaded steam into high-

temperature steam.
The same may be said for the condenser and evaporator surfaces. They can be bare pipes or finned

condensers and evaporators that use an electrically powered fan or a condenser pump to pump water

through a water-cooled condenser.

A number of metering devices are available to control the liquid chiller in the evaporator, depending on

the size, refrigerant utilised, and its usage.

The mechanical cooling system described above is fundamentally the same whether it's a home

refrigeration system, low temperature freezer, comfort air conditioning system, industrial chiller, or

commercial cooling equipment. The coolants will differ greatly, as will the size of the equipment, but

the functioning and cooling cycle will remain the same. As a result, if you understand the main actions

that occur inside the cooling mechanical cycle, you should be able to understand how a cooling system

operates.[ CITATION 21063 \l 1033 ]

4. Theory
Thermodynamic pump cycles or cooling cycles are conceptual and mathematical models for thermal

pumps, air conditioning, and cooling systems. A heat pump is a mechanical device that allows heat to

be transferred from one location (the "source") to another (the "sink" or "heat sink") at a higher

temperature. If the purpose is to warm up a heat sink, a heat pump is referred to as a "warmer," but if

the goal is to chill the heat source, it is referred to as a "refrigerator" or "cooler" (as in the normal

operation of a freezer). In any case, the operating principles are very similar. Heat is moved from a cold

to a warm environment. [2]

Cooling is an important part of both residential and commercial food handling. In the late 1800s, the

invention of the first modern refrigerator signalled the beginning of a golden age in food preservation.
New technologies have improved this even more, resulting in the production of over 1 billion

refrigerators globally today.

Refrigerators are primarily used to keep food chilled in both businesses and homes. Refrigerators are

necessary because food stays fresher for longer, decreasing waste in both households and businesses.

They also help businesses increase revenue by preserving food quality for longer periods of time and

allowing chefs to create their best dishes.

More food production, which is extremely destructive under normal conditions, has raised the demand

for storage systems that avoid waste and undesired loss.[ CITATION 21061 \l 1033 ]

5. The Refrigeration Cycle Components

A refrigerator's mechanical components make it simple to reach and maintain cold temperatures. These

are the parts that allow the cooling cycle to continue. For the intended effects, these components are

extremely specialised.

The evaporator, compressor, condenser, valve expansion / measuring or throttling unit, and valve

expansion / measuring or throttling unit are all included. A refrigerant, a substance that provides

cooling, must also be utilised in the fridge. The coolant must pass through all of these components and
be altered to achieve the required temperatures in each.

Figure 1: Refrigeration Cycle

Here are the cooling components completing the cycle.

 Figure 2:Cooling Components Completing the Cycle

Compressor

Their job is to control the flow of coolant by acting as both a motor and a pump. This allows the

refrigerant to be pressurised and the volume of the refrigerant to be lowered.

Both commercial and household coolers use five different types of compressors. Reciprocal, revolving,

screwing, centrifuge, and scrolling are some of them. The reciprocating compressor is the most often

used refrigerator in both residential and commercial kitchens.

Condenser

The coolant is condensed in the condenser. The coolant is heated and pressurised before it enters the

condenser. The coolant is then cooled by making it liquid in the condenser. There are three types of

condensers available.

Air-cooled. This can be found in small refrigerators such as those used at home. When the amount of

refrigerant is minimal, they are ideal. Because it has copper or aluminium coils at the back of the

refrigerator, the air cooled condenser is also known as a coil condenser. The coils improve the coolant's

surface.
Furthermore, air-cooled condensers are separated into two. The convection condenser used to

refrigerate the refrigerant with a natural air flow and the forced convection condenser used by a fan to

pull in cold air.

Capacitors that are cooled by water. These are used in large facilities that require a lot of coolant. They

use water to keep the coolant cool. They make use of water. In addition, there are three types of water-

cooled refrigerants.

When the tube in-tube or double-pipe type Shell and coil type Shell and tube type is used, water-cooled

systems perform better in higher ambient temperatures. Capacitors that evaporate. In an ice plant, this

is a combination of water-cooled and air-cooled condensers. As a result, they benefit from both

condensers.

Valve Expansion

The refrigerant pressure and temperature are reduced with the use of the expansion valve. A cooling

effect is produced by the quick decrease in pressure and temperature.

In order to meet the load requirements, the expansion valve also limits the amount of coolant

consumed. In this case, the load is the products in the refrigerator that need to be chilled. Expansion

valves come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

• A constant pressure or automatic throttling valve for the capillary tube is included.

• Float Valve for Expansion Thermostatic Evaporator

Heat is absorbed by the evaporator and transferred to the cooler. It acts as a heat transfer medium

between the stored items (load) and the coolant. In most cases, the evaporator is the coldest part of the

refrigerator or freezer.
The coolant is cold and flows at a slower rate in this case to absorb as much heat as feasible. When heat

is absorbed, it heats up and turns into a gas. To absorb additional heat from the load, the coolant is

vaporised. The warm, gaseous coolant is pushed back into the compressor. [4]
 6. Procedure
The experiment was as follows:

1. Turn on the main switch (to the left). Close the fan by pushing the disc as far to the left as possible.

This is one example.

2. Close the fan by moving the disc to the left as far as feasible. This is one instance.

3. In the table, record the scale temperature and pressure measurements. 1. Keep track of air temps and

humidity levels.

4. Turn on the fan and compressor, then

take temperature and pressure readings

every two and a half minutes.

5. To achieve a stable condition, repeat

step 4 once more (approx. 15 minutes).

6. Take note of the air entry and the

temperature and humidity outflow once a

steady condition has been reached.

7. Make a note of the first and final

readings.
Figure3: Apparatus
8. Adjust the correct disc, the right disc,

to open the fan as rapidly as possible.

9. Keep track of the temperature and pressure readings.1. Turn on the main switch (to the left).

10. Record the air intake and when a steady state is achieved. Temperature and humidity outflow.
11. Turn off the main switch, the fan and compressor. Turn off the power source and erase any

condensation.

7. Calculations
Initial value of High-Pressure Gauge = 75 psi

Initial value of low-Pressure Gauge = 80 psi

Room Temperature = 78.2 F

 After 15 mins

High Pressure = 200 psi

Low Pressure = 35 psi

Temperature at the surface of the fins = 119 F

Temperature at condenser = 63.5 F

Phase at the inlet of condenser = gas

Phase at the exit of condenser = mixture

Phase at the inlet of Evaporator = Water

Phase at the exit of Evaporator = Gas

Calculated Values

h1 403
h2 430
h2s 421
h3 249
h4 249
Wcomp,a 27
Wcomp,a 19
η 61%
qH 186
qL 154
COP 5.32
Table 2: Calculated values

Resuls:

A. Work of compressor per unit mass of refrigerant

Win = h2 – h1

Win = 430 – 403

Win = 430 - 403

Win = 27 kJ/Kg

B. Heat transfer to environment per unit mass of refrigerant

QH = h2 – h3

QH = 430 – 249

QH = h2 – h3

QH = 181 kJ/Kg

C. Heat transfer to refrigerant from air per unit mass of refrigerant

QL = h1 – h4
QL = 403 – 249

QL = 154 kJ/Kg

D. Coefficient of performance (COPR)

QL
COPR =
Win

154
COPR =
27

COPR = 5.70

E. Coefficient of performance (COPR, Max)

QL
COPR, Max =
Win

154
COPR, Max =
19

COPR, Max = 8.10

Figure 4: Enthalpy-Pressure Diagram

 250

200

150
P

100

50

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Time

8. Discussion
Before the airflow of the fan was altered, you can see that a steady state had been attained. Toward the

end, each number reaches a magnificent plateau. The compressor heat output could be one reason for

this temperature to continue to rise. As long as the air is at a higher temperature, the condenser boosts

its temperature and hence its pressure when the air intake rises. As a result, the enthalpy of the

refrigerant rises on the throttling valve, resulting in higher pressure after the throttling valve and

consequently higher pressure on the evaporator. As a result, the high and low cycle pressures rise, and

the cycle moves closer to the P-h diagram.

Another effect of increased airflow is a rise in total temperature over the course of the cycle. When the

fan is turned on, the temperature rises. As a result, because the temperature differential between the

coolant and the cold source is lower, heat transfer to refrigerant, qL, is reduced. As a result, the
performance coefficient of the system will decrease. An increase in enthalpy in general is another effect

of rising temperatures.

The experimental data for the enthalpies in this lab indicate considerable inaccuracies, and thus

computed values. The use of the pressure enthalpy diagram is largely to blame for this. Despite the fact

that the temperatures and pressures of the equipment are relatively accurate, each number must be

calculated using a P-h diagram. Because each enthalpy is an estimate, this leads to compounding errors.

Every estimated number derived from these enthalpies can thus vary significantly, even if the

estimations are all extremely close to their true values.

9. Conclusion
The basic mechanics of air conditioning, such as cooling and dehumidification, as well as the simple

cooling cycle, were studied in this lab. With an unrestricted air flow, the coefficient of cooling

performance fell. The thermodynamic efficiency of the cycle improved as the air flow was increased.

This is because the temperature of the cold reservoir reduced when we opened the value to let more air

in. The cooling process was aided by outside air, which improved thermodynamic efficiency.

Within the laboratory, approximate enthalpies corresponding to observed pressures were a source of

error. The experimental enthalpies were plotted on a pressure-enthalpy diagram. This lab was

incredibly valuable in determining how much thermal efficiency may change simply by opening the

valve to outside air. In this laboratory, there was no way for an operator to make a mistake because the

majority of the time was spent recording data.

References

[1] [Online]. Available: https://berg-group.com/engineered-solutions/the-science-behind-refrigeration/.

[Accessed 21 06 2021].
[2] [Online]. Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_pump_and_refrigeration_cycle. [Accessed

21 06 2021].
[3] [Online]. Available: https://www.studocu.com/en-za/document/university-of-cape-

town/thermodynamics-for-nuclear-power-stations/practical/299503602-experiment-6-refrigerator-

1/4697231/view. [Accessed 21 06 2021].

[4] 20 06 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.fridgefreezerdirect.co.uk/knowledgebase/latest-

news/commercial-refrigeration-101-how-does-the-refrigeration-cycle-work.