Thermodynamics Lab

Air University
Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Institute of Avionics and Aeronautics
(IAA)

Thermodynamics Lab
ME-234L

Lab Manual

Name AU ID

AQIB HUSSAIN 220933

ALI NAQI 220915
UMAIR HASSAN 220867
ASIM CHEEMA 220876

Section: B

Submitted To:
SIR SHAHID

Thermodynamics Lab 1
 Experiment # 07

Objective:

To observe the basic refrigeration cycle.

Method:

By monitoring the transient changes in temperatures and pressuresat different points along the
cycle when the volume flow rate is changed. Note that this experiment requires continuous
recording of sensor outputs.

Equipment Required:

ET 411 C Basic Cycle Refrigeration Trainer / PC

ET 411 C Basic Cycle Refrigeration Trainer / PCis a fully functional model of a typical
refrigerationsystem. The unit consists of components commonly found in refrigeration
technology. Instruction using this model provides a high degree ofpractical relevance.
The model serves as an example of a typical circuitprocess. The system includes a number of
manometers, thermal sensors and watt meters, whichpermit the state of the refrigerant to be
directly readand interpreted. Special emphasis can be placedon the expansion element of this
refrigeration system: in addition to a thermostatic expansion valve, the unit has three different
sizes of capillarytubes, which can be compared to one another.
Evaporators and liquefiers are transparent so thatthe refrigerant can be examined in its phase
transitions.
The refrigerant used is environmentally friendlyR1 34a.

1 - Movable frame 7 - Capillary tubes, length: 0.5 m, 1 m, 2 m

2 - White control panel 8 - Evaporator with fan
3 - Compressor, semi-hermetic 9 - Collector for refrigerant
4 - Liquefier with fan 10 - Control and display panel
5 - Flowmeter 11 - Filter drier
6 - Expansion valve

11 11

1 2
Tempe Temper
rautre autre

4
Temper Temper
autre3 autre

10 Evapor
atorF
Condens
erF an

Pow Compr
 7

6
10
5

Unit design

SYSTEM COMPONENTS:

• Compressor:
The compressor is a fully encapsulated pistoncompressor
which has been specially designed forthe refrigerant R 134 a.
It has two pressure gauges (Pressostats) that switch the
compressor off when pressure is excessively high on the
pressure side or whenpressure is too low on the intake side.
If it should become necessary to empty or fill thesystem with refrigerant,
the procedure must becarried out properly using the compressor
fillingvalve.

• Liquefier (condenser):

The condenser is designed as a finned tube liquefier with a very

large surface area. The tubes aretransparent in order make it
possible to observethe changes in the state of the refrigerant. The
fluidflows through the condenser and releases thermalenergy to the
ambient air via the large surfacearea. The release of heat can be
increased by afan, which blows the cooling air through the
finnedtubes. The potentiometer on the control panel canbe adjusted
for this purpose.

• Volumetric flow meter:

The system has a v olumetricflowmeter which isdesigned as a variable-area flowmeter. With

thisparticular type, normally a conical measuring body(1) "floats" in the fluid
flow and moves higher or loweralong the graduated scale (2) 2 ,(depending on
the flow.The flow rate can be read on the scale.
When reading the flow rate it must be noted thatany air bubbles in the 1
volumetric flowmeter willcorrupt the result.

• Expansion valve:
The refrigerant expands in the expansion valve. This causes the temperature of
the refrigerant to drop.To ensure that the refrigerant leaves the evaporator in a
slightly superheated state, the outlet temperature of the evaporator is
determined by atemperature sensor, and the expansion valve controls the flow rate of the
refrigerant. For this reasonit is known as a thermostatic expansion valve.

• Capillary tubes:

Three capillary tubes of various lengths are alsoprovided for the expansion of the
refrigerant:length = 2 m (1), 1 m (2), 0.5 m (3). In contrast tothe expansion valve the expansion is
uncontrolled,i.e. it occurs without changing the cross-section ofthe flow. Capillary tubes are
generally used forcooling with low requirements, because they areinexpensive and have a very
simple design. Thevalves (1) - (4) must be opened or shut, dependingon the desired use.

• Evaporator:
The evaporator is designed as a finned tube evaporator, a part of which
is made of glass in orderto facilitate examination.A fan can be added by
means of a potentiometer.This improves the efficiency of the
evaporator byincreasing the absorption of heat from the air.The evaporator outlet leads to the
intake side ofthe piston compressor, where the compressionbegins again.

• Collector:
The Trainer is equipped with a refrigerant collector(3). It is filled and emptied via the two valves
(1)and (2). This makes it possible to empty or overfillthe system, and to examine the results.
The collector is located in the bypass between thepressure and intake of the compressor.

Procedure:
Setup:
Ensure the refrigeration trainer is properly connected to the PC for continuous data recording.
Check that all sensors are calibrated and functioning correctly.
Initial State:
Start by noting down the initial temperature and pressure readings at various key points in the
refrigeration cycle (e.g., compressor inlet and outlet, condenser inlet and outlet, evaporator inlet
and outlet).
Ensure the system is stable and at an equilibrium state before proceeding.
Adjust Flow Rate:
Gradually adjust the volume flow rate within the system. Start with small increments to observe
gradual changes in the cycle.
Record the transient changes in temperature and pressure at each specified point in the cycle as
the flow rate is modified.
Observations:
Monitor the behavior of the refrigerant at different stages of the cycle. Pay special attention to
phase transitions (evaporation and condensation) and any variations in pressure and temperature.
Note any deviations from expected values or irregularities in the cycle's performance.
Comparison:
Compare the effects of using different sizes of capillary tubes or the thermostatic expansion valve
within the refrigeration system.
Observe and document differences in the cycle's efficiency, pressure-temperature relationships,
and the refrigerant's behavior with varying components.
Data Analysis:
Analyze the recorded data to identify correlations between flow rate variations and changes in
temperature and pressure.
Draw conclusions regarding the system's performance and the impact of component variations on
the refrigeration cycle.

Experimental results:

Observation Length Volume Temperature (°C) Pressure (kPa)

No. of Flow Rate
capillary (liter/sec) T1 T2 T3 T4 P1 P2
tube (m)

1 0.5
2 1.0 18.3 C 53.5 C 36.7 C 6.9 C 3.3 bar 10.5 bar
3 1.5

Observation Wc QL QH Co-efficient
No. (kJ/K) (kJ/K) (kJ/K) of
performance
â
1
2 30 200 180 6.67
3

Conclusion:
Summarize the observations, noting the relationship between flow rate adjustments and changes
in the refrigeration cycle.
Discuss any findings regarding system efficiency, effectiveness of different components, and the
overall behavior of R134a refrigerant in the system.
Source of Error:
Sensor Accuracy: Inaccurate or poorly calibrated sensors can lead to incorrect readings of
temperature and pressure, affecting the observed data.

System Leakage: Even minor leaks in the refrigeration system can alter pressure and temperature
readings, impacting the cycle's behavior.

Variations in Environmental Conditions: Changes in ambient temperature or humidity can

influence the system's performance, causing discrepancies in observed data.

Human Error: Mistakes in data recording, manipulation of system settings, or improper handling
of equipment can introduce errors.

Heat Transfer Losses: Insufficient insulation or heat transfer between components can affect the
refrigeration cycle's efficiency and observed data.

Physical Applications:

The experiment to observe the refrigeration cycle has several practical applications:

HVAC System Optimization: Understanding the behavior of refrigerants in a cycle helps in

designing and optimizing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for efficient
cooling or heating purposes in buildings or vehicles.

Refrigeration System Design: Insights gained from the experiment aid in designing and
improving refrigeration systems used in food storage, transportation, and industrial cooling
processes, enhancing their efficiency and performance.

Environmental Impact Analysis: Studying the use of environmentally friendly refrigerants like
R134a contributes to assessing and developing more eco-friendly cooling technologies, reducing
the environmental impact of refrigeration systems.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Observing the cycle's behavior assists in diagnosing issues
within refrigeration systems, enabling better maintenance and troubleshooting practices for
improved functionality.
Academic and Research Purposes: This experiment serves as an educational tool for students and
researchers to comprehend the fundamental principles of refrigeration cycles and their practical
implications.