Department of Chemical Engineering

College of Engineering
Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan

Thermodynamic Analysis Project

Refrigeration and Liquefaction

(Vapor-Compression Refrigeration Cycle)
In partial fulfillment to the requirements of the course

CHE 29
Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics

by

Cagulada, Cherie Mae C.

Guegue, Rick Jay
Padel, Vince Nixau
Nangkil, Julieto (No Contribution)

BS ChE – 3

to

Engr. Jayhiel S. Malila, MS

Course Instructor

December 17, 2022

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sections Page Number

Theoretical Background 1

Introduction 1

Analysis of Vapor-Compression Refrigeration Cycle 3

Schematic Diagrams 3

Property Determination (T,P,S,H,V) 7

Problem 11

Requirement 12

Solution 12

Summary of Answers 24

Individual Reflections 25

References 29
 THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Introduction
In nature, a process of heat transfer, in which heat moves from high-temperature to low-temperature
regions, takes place naturally. Refrigeration, which is the process of transferring heat from a low-temperature
zone to a high-temperature one, is one of the main applications of thermodynamics. This calls for specialized
equipment such as air conditioners, chillers (heat pumps), air source heat pumps, and refrigerators (Lumen
Learning. (n.d.). They use cycles known as refrigeration cycles to run their operations. Refrigerators are cyclic
machines, just like heat engines, and the working fluids employed in the refrigeration cycles are referred to
as refrigerants. The vapor-compression refrigeration cycle, in which the refrigerant is compressed while in
the vapor phase and is alternatively evaporated and condensed, is the most widely used refrigeration cycle.
The purpose of refrigeration for food is to retard deterioration by micro-organisms, chemical and
physical processes. By cooling at temperatures just above freezing it is possible to achieve a limited
extension of storage time which is often sufficient for safe distribution and marketing. By freezing to
temperature as low as -30ᴼC, deterioration can be slowed down further, and this increases the storage time.
Refrigeration has applications in diverse industries, such as manufacturing chemicals, petroleum, refineries,
paper, and pulp industries. The discussions below show how vapor-compression refrigeration cycle is created
and its mechanism.

Fig 1. Reversed Carnot Cycle (Cengel, 2015)

It has been established that Carnot Cycle is a totally reversible cycle that consists of two reversible
isothermal and two isentropic processes. Reversing the cycle does also reverse the directions of any heat
and work interactions. Fig.1 shows the Reversed Carnot Cycle. A refrigerator or heat pump that operates on
the reversed Carnot cycle is called a Carnot refrigerator or a Carnot heat pump.
Procedures 1-2 and 3-4, two isothermal heat transfer processes, are straightforward to implement
because keeping the pressure constant automatically stabilizes the temperature of a two-phase mixture at

CHE 29 – Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics Page 1

the saturation value. However, in actual use, procedures 2-3 and 4-1 cannot be closely approximated. This
is since processes 2-3 and 4-1 both entail the expansion of high-moisture-content refrigerant in turbines,
which calls for a compressor that can handle two phases. Therefore, we conclude that the reversed Carnot
cycle is not a realistic representation of refrigeration cycles and cannot be approximated in practical systems.

Fig 2. Ideal Vapor-Compression Refrigeration Cycle (Cengel, 2015)

By entirely vaporizing the refrigerant before it is compressed and substituting the turbine for a
throttling device, such as an expansion valve or capillary tube, many of the impracticalities related to the
reversed Carnot cycle can be removed. It is known as the perfect vapor-compression refrigeration cycle when
this cycle occurs. The vapor-compression cycle is the most used refrigeration cycle for refrigerators, air
conditioners, and heat pumps. Based on Fig.2, among its four processes are:
1→2 Isentropic compression in a compressor
2→3 Constant-pressure heat rejection in a condenser
3→4 Isenthalpic Process (Throttling in an expansion device)
4→1 Constant-pressure heat absorption in an evaporator

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Analysis of Vapor-Compression Refrigeration Cycle
1. Schematic Diagram

a. Refrigeration Cycle
𝑄
4 3
Condenser

Throttle/Expansion Compressor 𝑊
Valve

1 2
Evaporator

b. Modified Refrigeration Cycle (with Countercurrent Heat Exchanger)

𝑄
5
Condenser

4
3

Heat
Exchanger 𝑊

Compressor
6 2

Throttle/Expansion
Valve
1
Evaporator

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 c. Pressure-Enthalpy Diagram for Refrigeration Cycle
Critical

Subcooling

Condensation
4’ 3 3’
4

ln P Expansion
Compression
1 2
1’ 2’
Evaporation
Superheat

Saturated
Mixture Region
or Wet Region

d. Temperature-Entropy Diagram for Refrigeration Cycle

3’

3
Subcooling
Condensation
4’ Compression
T 4
Expansion
2’
1 2
1’
Evaporation Superheat

Saturated
Mixture Region
or Wet Region

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Line 1 → 2

A liquid refrigerant evaporating at constant T and P absorbs heat, producing the refrigeration effect.

Line 2 → 3

The vapor produced is compressed via a compressor. The compressor works by compressing the
vapor refrigerant to become high-pressure and high-temperature vapor which will cause it to become
superheated vapor. In the T-S diagram, for an isentropic process (constant entropy), this line will occur as
a straight line. However, for an actual compression process, this is sloping in the direction of increasing
entropy reflecting inherent irreversibilities.

Line 3 → 4

At this higher T and P, the refrigerant is cooled and condensed with rejection of heat to the
surroundings.
Line 4 → 1

Liquid from the condenser expands to its original pressure. In principle, this can be carried out in a
turbine from which work is obtained. However, for practical reasons it is usually accomplished by throttling
through a partly open control valve. The pressure drop in this irreversible process results from fluid friction in
the valve. The throttling process occurs at constant enthalpy (isenthalpic process). When using a turbine
instead of a throttle valve, the expansion process is isentropic.

NOTE: Superheated states with an apostrophe (i.e., 2’,4’,…) results when the simple refrigeration cycle is
modified (e.g., addition of heat exchanger).

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 2. Equations

For the following equations, potential and kinetic energy changes are neglected and the
schematic diagram for simple vapor-compression refrigeration cycle is used as basis for the heat
balances. The same theory would still apply for modified refrigeration cycle, only the subscripts will
change.

a. Refrigerating Effect, 𝑸𝒄
The heat absorbed in the evaporator per unit mass of refrigerant.
𝑄 =𝐻 −𝐻

b. Heat rejected, 𝑸𝑯
The heat released by the condenser per unit mass of refrigerant

𝑄 =𝐻 −𝐻

c. Work of compression, 𝑾
Work done necessary for heat removal.

𝑊 =𝐻 −𝐻

d. Coefficient of Performance
It is the ratio of the amount of heat removed at the lower temperature to the work done to
remove heat.
output cooling effect 𝑄 𝐻 −𝐻
𝜔= = = =
input work done by compressor 𝑊 𝐻 − 𝐻

e. Rate of circulation of refrigerant, 𝒎̇

𝑄̇
𝑚̇ =
𝐻 −𝐻

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 3. Property Determination (𝑻, 𝑷, 𝑺, 𝑯, 𝑽)
A P-H chart is a figure with a vertical axis of absolute pressure and a horizontal axis of specific
enthalpy. It is an important diagram used frequently for a performance calculation of a refrigerating
machine. A P-H chart is made respectively for a specified refrigerant.
For 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a):

CHE 29 – Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics Page 7

 E. W. Lemmon, M.O. McLinden, and D.G. Friend also tabulated the specific volume, enthalpy, and
entropy of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane at the saturated liquid and vapor lines.

CHE 29 – Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics Page 8

 Vapor-compression refrigeration cycle has a wide variety of application in the industry. They are
utilized in the majority of freezer, refrigerators, air conditioning systems. They also have practical applications
as heat pumps, an electrically powered VCR cycle to heat an enclosed space by transferring heat energy.
Some industrial plants such as Natural gas plants, petroleum refineries, and petrochemical plants use VCR
cycle.
A case study conducted by Shireesha (2015) increase the performance of VCR cycle using fan. To
increase the performance, it is required to decrease the compressor work and the effects of refrigerating
should increase. Generally, the purpose of the compressor in the VCR cycle is to elevate the pressure of the
refrigerant. However, at high pressures leaves the compressor with relatively high velocity which may cause
splashing of the liquid and damage to the condenser by erosion. So, improvement of the system is too
important for reduced power for same refrigerating effect. Also, pressure drop is considered as a constant
enthalpy process. However, constant enthalpy process causes a decrease in the evaporator cooling capacity
due to energy loss. To reduce the energy loss, an ejector can be used to generate the isentropic condition.
Moreover, a fan is introduced to the evaporator for improve performance.
In the study, the cold mixture is then routed the tubes in the evaporator. A fan circulates the warm
air in the enclosed space across the tubes carrying the cold refrigerant liquid and vapor mixture. The warm
air is then evaporating the liquid part of the cold refrigerant mixture. At the same time, the circulating air is
cooled to lower the temperature of the space to the desired temperature. The evaporator is where the
circulating refrigerant absorbs and removes heats which is rejected by the condenser. To complete the
refrigerant cycle, the refrigerant vapor from the evaporator is again a saturated vapor and is routed back into
the compressor.

Fig.3 Diagram of VCR Cycle with fan

A detailed process is also presented in the case study. In the Fig 4 presented below, the vapor travels
at point 1 to 2 through part of the condenser which removes superheat due to the cooling. At point 3 and 4,
the vapor travels through a condenser, which is in isobaric condition. The vapor is then condensed into a

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saturation liquid. Between points 4 and 5, the saturated liquid passes through the expansion valve and the
pressure drop decrease abruptly. Moreover, this result to a adiabatic flash evaporation, which is an
isenthalpic process, and auto-refrigeration. In point 5 and 1, the cold refrigerant travels through the tube in
the evaporator where it is totally vaporized by the warm air which is circulated by the fan introduced. The
evaporator operates at essentially constant pressure and boils of all the available liquid after adding 8 K of
superheat to the refrigerant as a safeguard for the compressor to not pump the liquid. To complete the cycle,
the refrigerant returns to the compressor inlet. The study concluded that the introduction of the fan is effective
because the compressor work is decreased due to the pressure drop.

Fig.4. T-s Diagram

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PROBLEM
A refrigerator with tetrafluoroethane (Table 9.1, Fig. F.2) as refrigerant operates with an evaporation temperature of -
25°C and a condensation temperature of 26°C. Saturated liquid refrigerant from the condenser flows through an
expansion valve into the evaporator, from which it emerges as saturated vapor.
(a) For a cooling rate of 5 kJ/s, what is the circulation rate of the refrigerant?
(b) By how much would the circulation rate be reduced if the throttle valve were replaced by a turbine in which
the refrigerant expands isentropically?
(c) Suppose the cycle of (a) is modified by the inclusion of a countercurrent heat exchanger between the
condenser and the throttle valve in which heat is transferred to vapor returning from the evaporator. If liquid
from the condenser enters the exchanger at 26°C and if vapor from the evaporator enters the exchanger at -
25°C and leaves at 20°C, what is the circulation rate of the refrigerant?
(d) For each of (a), (b), and (c), determine the coefficient of performance for isentropic compression of the vapor.
Schematic Diagrams:

Figure (a)

Figure (b)

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 Figure (c)
Requirement:
(1) Rate of circulation of the refrigerant in For Figures (a), (b), (c).
(2) Coefficient of performance for the isentropic (constant S) compression. For Figures (a), (b), (c).
Solution:
a. Rate of circulation of the refrigerant for figure (a)
𝑄̇
𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛: 𝑚̇ =
𝐻 −𝐻

PH-Diagram

The refrigerant enters the evaporator as a saturated liquid-vapor mixture and leaves as a saturated vapor.

CHE 29 – Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics Page 12

From PH chart (Figure F.2) or Table 9.1 of Van Ness 8 th Ed.
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 383.45
𝑘𝑔
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 𝐻 = 235.97
𝑘𝑔
Evaluating

𝑘𝐽
5
𝑚̇ = 𝑠
𝑘𝐽
(383.45 − 235.97)
𝑘𝑔
𝒌𝒈
𝒎̇ = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟑𝟑𝟗
𝒔

b. Rate of circulation of the refrigerant for figure (b)

𝑄̇
𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛: 𝑚̇ =
𝐻 −𝐻

PH-Diagram

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 TS-Diagram

From the PH (Figure F.2) or Table 9.1 of Van Ness 8th edition:
First, we are going to find the property values at state 2
𝑃 = 𝑃 = 0.11 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑘𝐽
𝑆 = 1.746
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 383.45
𝑘𝑔
𝑇 = −25°𝐶
Second, finding property values at state 4
𝑃 = 0.7 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑘𝐽
𝑆 = 1.14
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 235.97
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑇 = 26°𝐶
Finally, finding property values at state 1. Note that from the PH and TS diagram, 𝑃 = 𝑃 , 𝑆 = 𝑆 , 𝑇 = 𝑇 . This
will be our basis for finding H1.
𝑃 = 𝑃 = 0.11 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑘𝐽
𝑆 = 𝑆 = 1.14
𝑘𝑔 ∙ 𝐾
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 230
𝑘𝑔

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 𝑇 = 𝑇 = −25℃
Evaluating,

𝑘𝐽
𝑄̇ 5
𝑠
𝑚̇ = =
𝐻 −𝐻 𝑘𝐽
(383.45 − 230)
𝑘𝑔
𝒌𝒈
𝒎̇ = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟑𝟐𝟔
𝒔

C. Rate of circulation of the refrigerant for figure (c)

𝑄̇
𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛: 𝑚̇ =
𝐻 −𝐻

PH-Diagram

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 TS- Diagram

Enthalpy Balance on HX:

𝐻 +𝐻 = 𝐻 +𝐻
From the PH diagram 𝐻 = 𝐻 ,
𝐻 +𝐻 = 𝐻 +𝐻
From the PH chart (Figure F.2) or Table 9.1 of Van Ness 8 th edition:
First, we are going to find the property values at state 2
𝑃 = 0.11 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑘𝐽
𝑆 = 1.746
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 383.45
𝑘𝑔
𝑇 = −25°𝐶
Second, finding property values at state 3. Note that 𝑃 = 𝑃 from the diagram.
𝑃 = 𝑃 = 0.11 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑘𝐽
𝑆 = 1.88
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 420
𝑘𝑔
𝑇 = 20°𝐶
Finally, finding property values at state 5
𝑃 = 0.7 𝑀𝑃𝑎

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 𝑘𝐽
𝑆 = 1.14
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 235.97
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑇 = 26°𝐶
Substituting, 𝐻 , 𝐻 , 𝐻 to enthalpy balance and solving for 𝐻
𝐻 +𝐻 = 𝐻 +𝐻
𝐻 = 𝐻 +𝐻 −𝐻
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = (235.97 + 383.45 − 420)
𝑘𝑔
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 199.42
𝑘𝑔
Solving 𝑚̇
𝑘𝐽
5
𝑚̇ = 𝑠
𝑘𝐽
(383.45 − 199.92)
𝑘𝑔

𝒌𝒈
𝒎̇ = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟐𝟕𝟐
𝒔

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D. Coefficient of performance for the isentropic (constant s) compression, for Figure (a)
𝑄 𝐻 −𝐻
𝐶𝑂𝑃 = 𝜔 = =
𝑊 𝐻 −𝐻

PH-Diagram

TS-Diagram

From PH chart (Figure 7.2) or Table 9.1 of Van Ness 8 th Ed:

First. we are going to find the property values at state 2
𝑃 = 0.11 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑘𝐽
𝑆 = 1.746
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 383.45
𝑘𝑔
𝑇 = −25°𝐶

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 Second, finding property values at state 4.
𝑃 = 0.7 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑘𝐽
𝑆 = 1.14
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 235.97
𝑘𝑔
𝑇 = 26°𝐶
Third, finding property values at state 3. Note that 𝑆 = 𝑆 and 𝑃 = 𝑃
𝑃 = 0.7 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑘𝐽
𝑆 = 1.746
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 420
𝑘𝑔
𝑇 = 30°𝐶
Evaluating
𝐻 −𝐻
𝜔=
𝐻 −𝐻
Since 𝐻 = 𝐻 ,
𝐻 −𝐻
𝜔=
𝐻 −𝐻
𝑘𝐽
(383.45 − 235.97)
𝑘𝑔
𝜔=
𝑘𝐽
(420 − 383.45)
𝑘𝑔
𝝎 = 𝟒. 𝟎𝟑𝟓

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E. Coefficient of performance for the isentropic (constant s) compression, for figure (b)
𝑄 𝐻 −𝐻
𝐶𝑂𝑃: 𝜔 = =
𝑊 𝐻 −𝐻

PH- Diagram

TS- Diagram
From PH chart (Figure F.2) or Table 9.1 of Van Ness 8 th Ed:
First, we are going to find the property values at state 2
𝑃 = 0.11 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑘𝐽
𝑆 = 1.746
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 383.45
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑇 = −25°𝐶

CHE 29 – Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics Page 20

 Second, finding property values at state 4.
𝑃 = 0.7 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑘𝐽
𝑆 = 1.14
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 235.97
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑇 = 26°𝐶
Third, finding property values at state 3. Note that 𝑆 = 𝑆 and 𝑃 = 𝑃
𝑃 = 0.7 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑘𝐽
𝑆 = 1.746
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 420
𝑘𝑔
𝑇 = 30°𝐶
Finally, finding property values of State 1. Note that from the PH and TS diagrams, 𝑃 = 𝑃 , 𝑆 = 𝑆 , 𝑇 = 𝑇 . This
will be our basis for finding H1.
𝑃 = 0.11 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑘𝐽
𝑆 = 1.14
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 230
𝑘𝑔
𝑇 = −25°𝐶
Evaluation:
𝐻 −𝐻
𝜔=
𝐻 −𝐻
𝑘𝐽
383.45 − 230
𝑘𝑔
𝜔=
𝑘𝐽
420 − 383.45
𝑘𝑔
𝝎 = 𝟒. 𝟏𝟗𝟖

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F. Coefficient of performance for the isentropic (constant s) compression, for figure (c)
𝑄 𝐻 −𝐻
𝐶𝑂𝑃 = 𝜔 = =
𝑊 𝐻 −𝐻

PH-Diagram

TS Diagram
Enthalpy Balance on HX:
𝐻 +𝐻 = 𝐻 +𝐻
From the PH diagram 𝐻 + 𝐻 ,
𝐻 +𝐻 = 𝐻 +𝐻

From PH chart (Figure F.2) or Table 9.1 of Van Ness 8 th Ed:

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 First, we are going to find the property values at state 2.
𝑃 = 0.11 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑘𝐽
𝑆 = 1.746
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 383.45
𝑘𝑔
𝑇 = −25°𝐶
Second, finding property values at state 3. Note that 𝑃 = 𝑃 from the diagram.
𝑃 = 𝑃 = 0.11 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑘𝐽
𝑆 = 1.88
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 420
𝑘𝑔
𝑇 = 20°𝐶

Third, finding property values at state 5.

𝑃 = 0.7 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑘𝐽
𝑆 = 1.88
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 235.97
𝑘𝑔
𝑇 = 26°𝐶
Fourth, finding property values at state 4. Note that 𝑆 = 𝑆 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑃 = 𝑃
𝑃 = 0.7 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑘𝐽
𝑆 = 1.88
𝑘𝑔 𝐾
𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = 467
𝑘𝑔
𝑇 = 81°𝐶
Solving H1:
𝐻 +𝐻 = 𝐻 +𝐻
𝐻 = 𝐻 +𝐻 −𝐻

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 𝑘𝐽
𝐻 = (235.97 + 383.45 − 420)
𝑘𝑔
𝒌𝑱
𝑯𝟏 = 𝟏𝟗𝟗. 𝟗𝟐
𝒌𝒈
Evaluating CO
𝐻 −𝐻
𝜔=
𝐻 −𝐻
𝑘𝐽
(383.45 − 199.42)
𝑘𝑔
𝜔=
𝑘𝐽
(467 − 420
𝑘𝑔
𝝎 = 𝟑. 𝟗𝟏𝟓𝟓

SUMMARY OF ANSWERS:

(a) 𝑘𝑔
𝑚̇ = 0.0339
𝑠

(b) 𝑘𝑔
Circulation Rate 𝑚̇ = 0.0326
𝑠

(c) 𝑘𝑔
𝑚̇ = 0.0272
𝑠

(a) 𝜔 = 4.035
(b) 𝜔 = 4.198
Coefficient of Performance
(c) 𝜔 = 3.9155

CHE 29 – Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics Page 24

INDIVIDUAL REFLECTIONS
Vince Nixau Padel

Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics may be a challenging course. But I have developed some values and change
my attitudes in taking this course. I learned how to organize my solution in answering the word problem. Our instructor
taught us to make a step-by-step approach in answering. This course also taught me to draw the schematic diagram
clearly since this could you visualize the problem. I also remember the equations and processes in making my solution
because of the assignments given which we will redo the problem found in the book. So, when taking exams and
quizzes, it is not that hard to analyze the problem because we already practiced that on our assignments. My time
management was also developed in this course because of the deliverables. I must do my tasks ahead of time so that
I can also my tasks from the other courses.

One of the highlights that made me pursue the upcoming semester is learning the concepts of this course. I can say I
have gained enough knowledge for the next semester, especially I will take the Solution Thermodynamics, the
continuation of this course. I excited and yet nervous for the Solution Thermodynamics course. But as I have said, I
have gained enough knowledge in this course and that is my assurance that I can surpass the upcoming semester.

Rick Jay Guegue

Chemical Engineering Thermodynamic 1 was, for the most part, a fun ride for me. I think this is because I love
thermodynamics even before starting this course. It amazes me when the mind-boggling concepts that this course has
is applied to practical real-life applications. Everything just clicks for me when the thermodynamic concepts meet the
application. However, it was not at all purely an experience full of joy for me. I am the type of student that wants to take
his time because that way I learn using my full potential and appreciate the course even more. The high magnitude of
workload this course had in terms of problem sets and assignments has compromised the type of student that I am. It
felt like I was being forced to learn which translates to me being forced to love the course. If my previous
thermodynamics courses were the early stages of a healthy romantic relationship (talking stage, friendship, and
courtship) where I fell in love, this course was not at all anything that proceeds these stages. It was toxic. Most of the
time I enjoyed it but there are also times that it was truly exhausting.

Cherie Mae Cagulada

After knowing I would take up ChE Thermodynamics for this sem, I was nervous because seniors told us this
was the subject where students usually have a tough time and that many students fail this subject. Even upon hearing
those stories, I still had optimistic hopes that I would be able to pass this subject.

There were a lot of things that I learned from Thermodynamics. Especially about the volumetric properties
where a system undergoes different processes to get the work or heat done by or on that system. I also greatly

CHE 29 – Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics Page 25

appreciate the 2nd law of thermodynamics since back then, refrigeration and aircon were an application of the 2 nd law
however, I was not able to see the principle or mechanism significantly behind it because it was a reverse cycle, but
being able to see the step-by-step process behind it made me appreciate the things we have around us.

For this course, I was forced to discipline myself due to the overwhelming workload of the currently enrolled
subjects. I had to schedule my day on what to work on so that I could pass the requirements on time at the same time
so that I will still be able to study. For this journey, I am grateful that I took this subject face-to-face because, after
exams or problem sets, there are people to whom I can talk, something that diverts my attention from sulking and
overthinking about my performance. Overall, if I had to take the semester online, I would go insane. Additionally, due
to the complexity of this course, I had to ask for help from my classmates on how to attack or approach specific
problems, especially in problem sets. It is good to try on my own, but it is never wrong to ask for help from someone.
Through this course, I could see my weaknesses based on how I present and arrange my solutions so they will be
coherent, challenging me to change some of my patterns and behaviors for the better. There were countless times
when I have doubted myself, unsure about the answers I wrote down during exams; however, I know I tried my best to
understand this subject even though many things are going on within and other subjects.

Due to the applications and beauty of the thermodynamics processes, I appreciate it. I think that is enough to
go on the following semesters learning more about them despite it becoming more and more complex.

CHE 29 – Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics Page 26

References:
2022, from Lumenlearning.com website: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/atd-austincc-physics1/chapter/15-5-
applications-of-thermodynamics-heat-pumps-and-refrigerators/
25, 2022, from https://engineering.humboldt.edu/resources/equipment-handbook/refrig

Ch, S. M., Ch, N., Samala, D., B., S. K., & Garre, P. (2015, April 1). A review: Increase in performance of vapour

Ch, S.M., Ch, N., Samala, D., B, S.K., & Garre, P. (2015). A Review: Increase in Performance of Vapour Compression

compression refrigeration system using fan. International Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Retrieved December 16, 2022, from https://www.neliti.com/publications/257961/a-review-increase-in-
performance-of-vapour-compression-refrigeration-system-usin#cite

Dhankhar, P. (n.d.). A Study on Refrigeration. Ijsr.net. Retrieved November 25, 2022, from

https://www.ijsr.net/archive/v3i5/MDIwMTMyMDQx.pdf

Lumen Learning. (n.d.). Applications of thermodynamics: Heat pumps and refrigerators. Retrieved December 16,
Refrigeration System Using Fan. International Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 2.

School of Engineering. Vapor Compression Refrigeration System | School of Engineering. (n.d.). Retrieved November

CHE 29 – Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics Page 27