Chapter 1: The Problem and Its Setting

Introduction
Before the year 1830, due to the lack of ice-storehouses and
iceboxes, few Americans used ice for the refrigeration of food. As these two
methods of preservation become broadly available, people used axes and
saw to harvest ice for their storehouses which is proved to be difficult,
dangerous and certainly did not resemble anything that could be duplicated
on a commercial scale. Artificial refrigeration began when Scottish professor
William Cullen designed a small refrigerating machine in 1755.
He used a pump to create a partial vacuum over a container of
diethyl ether, which has undergone a heating process, absorbing heat from
the surrounding air. It resulted in producing a small amount of ice, but had no
practical application at that time. In 1820, English scientist Michael Faraday
liquefied ammonia and other gases by using high pressure and low
temperatures, and in 1834, an American expatriate to Great Britain, Jacob
Perkins, built the first working vapour-compression refrigeration system. It was
a closed cycle that could operate continuously, I am enabled to use volatile
fluids for the purpose of producing the cooling or freezing of fluids, and yet at
the same time constantly condensing such volatile fluids, and bringing them
again into operation without waste. He said in his patent.
There have been a few studies in connection with this topic,
comparing water to other refrigerants but this research does not only limit to
water as the main subject but also to the different refrigerants readily available
in the software for simulation, common to what industries use, and are still
considered not to do much harm to the environment.
The Mechanical Engineering degree offers a course subject in
refrigeration; under it are the topics about the different refrigerants and
refrigeration cycle. Hence, the purpose of this research is to investigate the
refrigerants used in the refrigeration systems for the aim of improving their
coefficient of performance (COP). In addition, learning the principles of
thermodynamics, heat transfer, temperature to pressure relationship,
1

refrigerants is a pre-requisite before going through the process of this

research.

Conceptual Background
Refrigeration industries including compressor manufacturers,
refrigerant producers and refrigeration system producers have been
investigating

new

refrigerants

and

replacement

refrigerants.

Their

investigations have been generally based on the environmental concerns,

refrigeration capacity and performance, safety, chemical stability under
extreme temperature and pressure conditions in the system, suitability for
materials and refrigeration oil in the system, and reasonable price. Under
these aspects the refrigerants R718, R717, R12, R22, R134a, R152a and
R290 have been investigated. Some of them have been used for many years,

some are current refrigerants, and some have been considered as

replacement refrigerants. (Ali Kilicarslan and Norbert Muller, 18 July 2005)
As Mechanical Engineering students, knowledge of the simple
vapour-compression cycle is deemed important for it is the basis of the study.
The figure below presents an image of a basic simplified cycle.

Fig. 1 Basic Simplified Cycle

Conceptual Framework

Fig. 2 Direction of Research

The flow chart indicated above shows the course of the study.
The first step would be researching about the simple vapour compression
system, different refrigerants. Next step would be determining which
refrigerant would give the highest COP by using the Genetron Properties 1.2
for software basis and formulas from reference books for calculations and
lastly the collecting and recording of results gathered from the research.

Theoretical Background
1.1.1 Vapor-compression

refrigeration

or

Vapor-compression

refrigeration system.
Refrigerant undergoing phase

changes

is

one

of

the

many refrigeration cycles and is the most widely used method for airconditioning of buildings and automobiles. It is also used in domestic and
commercial refrigerators, large-scale warehouses for chilled or frozen storage
of foods and meats, refrigerated trucks and railroad cars, and a host of other
commercial

and

industrial

services. Oil

refineries, petrochemical and

chemical processing plants, and natural gas processing plants are among the
many types of industrial plants that often utilize large vapor-compression
refrigeration systems.
Refrigeration may be defined as lowering the temperature of an
enclosed space by removing heat from that space and transferring it
elsewhere. A device that performs this function may also be called an air
conditioner, refrigerator, air source heat pump, geothermal heat pump or
chiller (heat pump). The figure below shows a single stage refrigeration.

Fig. 3 Typical Single

Stage Vapor

Compression Refrigeration

1.1.2 Pressure Enthalpy Diagram

The pressure-enthalpy diagram or P-H diagram is a tool that all
HVAC and Refrigeration engineers should be able to use proficiently. This
diagram describes the relationship of pressure and enthalpy of a select
refrigerant. In order to properly understand this diagram, it is best to go
through the vapor compression cycle on a P-H diagram.
On the P-H diagram, pressure is indicated on the y-axis and
enthalpy is indicated on the x-axis. Typically enthalpy is in units of Btu/lb and
pressure is in units of pounds per square inch (psi). The upside down U figure
shown on the diagram designates the points at which the refrigerant changes
phase.
Notice that Expansion is a constant enthalpy process. It is drawn
as a vertical line on the P-h diagram. No heat is absorbed or rejected during
this expansion, the liquid just passes through a valve, like water coming out of
a tap. The difference is, that because the liquid is saturated at the start of
expansion by the end of the process it is partly vapour. Point 1 is inside the
curve and not on the curve as described in the Evaporation process. The
refrigerant at the beginning of the vaporization is already partly evaporated.
This depends on the shape of the curve, and the start and end pressures.

Fig. 4 Pressure Enthalpy Diagram

On the other hand the Compression process is shown as a
curve. It is not a constant enthalpy process. The energy used to compress the
vapour turns into heat, and increases its temperature. This tends to raise the
temperature of the vapour, making point 3 moves further and further into the
superheated part of the diagram as compression progresses. Point 3 is
outside the curve and not on the curve as described in the Compression
process. This means that before Condensation can start, the vapour has to be
cooled down.
1.1.3 Refrigerants
"Freon"

is

trade

name

for

family

of haloalkane refrigerants manufactured by DuPont and other companies.

These refrigerants were commonly used due to their superior stability and
safety properties: they were not flammable at room temperature and
atmospheric pressure or obviously toxic as were the fluids they replaced, such
as sulfur dioxide. Haloalkanes are also an order(s) of magnitude more
expensive than petroleum derived flammable alkanes of similar or better
cooling performance. Unfortunately, chlorine- and fluorine-bearing refrigerants
reach the upper atmosphere when they escape. In the stratosphere, CFCs
break up due to UV radiation, releasing their chlorine free radicals. These
chlorine free radicals act as catalysts in the breakdown of ozone through
chain reactions. One CFC molecule can cause thousands of ozone molecules
to break down. This causes severe damage to the ozone layer that shields the
Earth's surface from the Sun's strong UV radiation, and has been shown to
lead to increased rates of skin cancer. The chlorine will remain active as a
catalyst until and unless it binds with another particle, forming a stable
6

molecule. CFC refrigerants in common but receding usage include R-11 and
R-12.

Newer

refrigerants

with

reduced ozone

depletion effect

such

as HCFCs (R-22, used in most homes today) and HFCs (R-134a, used in
most cars) have replaced most CFC use. HCFCs in turn are being phased out
under the Montreal Protocol and replaced by hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),
such as R-410A, which lack chlorine. However, CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs all
have large global warming potential.
Newer refrigerants are currently the subject of research, such
as supercritical carbon

dioxide,

known

as R-744.These

have

similar

efficiencies compared to existing CFC and HFC based compounds, and have
many orders of magnitude lower global warming potential.

The Problem
7

Statement of the Problem

The demand and supply of a refrigeration system that can
produce a significant increase in the efficiency is growing day by day. People
are in a search of new ideas to construct a new refrigeration system or to
improve the current model or design of a refrigeration system.
A refrigerator is a device that transfers heat from a cold body to
a warm body with the aid of an external energy source. To maximize the
refrigeration system's performance, an adequate refrigerant must be used.
This study aims to make a design of a refrigeration system that
will improve its coefficient of performance. The study also aims to build a
refrigeration system that can help minimize the ozone depletion percentage.
Determine the ways to improve the refrigeration system's
coefficient of performance. Analyze on how the refrigeration system affects
the ozone and how can it be treated. Determine what type of refrigerant to be
used in order to achieve a better coefficient of performance while not affecting
the ozone layer.

Significance of the Study

The study will benefit the following:
To the researchers, they will further understand the principles
and theories concerned. In doing the research, they will be able to apply the
learning and skills they gained through their program and apply it into a study
that can help improve the refrigeration system.
To the industry and community, it will help to know the proper
refrigerant to be used in order to achieve a greater coefficient of performance
and it will also help to minimize the use of harmful refrigerants that disturb our
environment.
To the future researches, the study may act as a guide for other
related studies.
8

Scope and Limitations

Scope
The study will involve the design of a refrigeration system that
will improve the Coefficient of Performance (COP) by using an adequate
refrigerant in order to produce a high efficiency rating. For the refrigeration
system, standard vapor compression cycle is used. For the refrigerant, Ref.
718, Ref. 717, Ref. 12, Ref. 22, Ref. 290, Ref. 134a, and Ref. 152a will be
used. The COP will be the main factor to be computed in order to identify what
type of refrigerant is adequate to be used.
Limitation
The study will not cover any other type of cycle for this will
cause inconsistency in the coefficient of performance. The refrigerants being
chosen are the ones that is common in today's industry of refrigeration. No
materials will be needed for it will be only be conducted using a simulation
software for refrigeration system, namely, Genetron Properties Version 1.2.

Definition of Terms

Compressor - is a device that converts power (using an electric motor, diesel

or gasoline engine, etc.) into potential energy stored in pressurized air (i.e.,
compressed air). By one of several methods, an air compressor forces more
and more air into a storage tank, increasing the pressure.
Condenser - is a device or unit used to condense a substance from its
gaseous to its liquid state by cooling it. In so doing, the latent heat is given up
by the substance, and will transfer to the condenser coolant
Evaporator - is a device used to turn the liquid form of a chemical into its
gaseous form. The liquid is evaporated, or vaporized, into a gas.
Refrigeration - a process of moving heat from one location to another in
controlled conditions.
Refrigerant - a substance or mixture, usually a fluid, used in a heat pump and
refrigeration cycle. In most cycles it undergoes phase transitions from a liquid
to a gas and back again.
R12 - (Dichlorodifluoromethane) is a colorless gas usually sold under the
brand name Freon-12, and chlorofluorocarbonhalomethane (CFC) used as a
refrigerant and aerosol spray propellant.
R22

(Chlorodifluoromethane

or

difluoromonochloromethane)

is

hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). This colorless gas is better known as

HCFC-22, or R-22. It is commonly used as a propellant and refrigerant.
R134a - (norflurane) is a haloalkanerefrigerant with thermodynamic properties
similar to R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) but with insignificant ozone
depletion potential.
R152a - (1, 1-Difluoroethane, or DFE) an organofluorine compound with the
chemical formula C2H4F2. This colorless gas is used as a refrigerant, where
it

is

often

listed

as

R-152a

(refrigerant-152a)

or

HFC-152a

(hydrofluorocarbon-152a).
R290 - (CARE 40) is refrigerant grade propane, a natural, or "not in kind",
refrigerant suitable for use in a range of refrigeration and air conditioning
applications.
10

R717 - (Ammonia) has been used in industrial applications since the 1930s
and is generally acknowledged as being the most efficient refrigerant. It has a
low boiling point and is favoured because it is a highly energy efficient
refrigerant.
R718 - (Water vapor or water) is one of the oldest refrigerants being used for
refrigeration applications down to about the freezing of water.
Saturated vapor- A liquid and its saturated vapor are in dynamic equilibrium:
the number of molecules escaping from the liquid and passing into the vapor
phase per unit time is equal to the number of molecules returning to the liquid
during the same interval.
Suction line - is a pipe, hose, or tube that delivers a fluid to the suction or
inlet side of a pump or compressor.
Superheated steam - is an extremely high-temperature vapor generated by
heating the saturated steam obtained by boiling water.
Thermostatic expansion valve - a component in refrigeration and air
conditioning systems that controls the amount of refrigerant flow into the
evaporator thereby controlling the superheating at the outlet of the evaporator
and is often referred to generically as "metering devices".

Chapter 2: Related Literature

11

Chapter 3: Methodology

3.1 Introduction
12

The study is quantitative research. Data from the study is

needed to come up with a value to determine the efficiency of the refrigeration
system. The values will come from the simulated flow values and manually
computed values. The data will be achieved through the formula based from
the book of Stoecker and Jones about refrigeration systems.

3.2 Collection of Data

Each refrigerant will be tested and data must be gathered in
order to compare the results of the experiment. Data can be obtained through
two methods respectively by using a simulation program, Genetron
Properties1.2, and using the formula for manual calculations. Through the
simulation program, the COP or Coefficient of Performance of the refrigeration
system is given directly also the mass flow of the system, cooling capacity
and heating capacity of the refrigeration system. Second method is using the
formula of the standard vapor compression cycle and computing the specific
values of each refrigerant in order to accurately determine and to differentiate
properly the coefficient of performance of the refrigeration system. All data
must be properly organized according to type of refrigerant used. The largest
COP is not the best but one of the best refrigerants that can be used in the
refrigerant cycle.

3.3 Task Description and Schedule

Refrigerants must be divided among group members in order to
be time efficient and acquire the data much faster. At least 1 refrigerant must
be solved within 2-3 days by each student in order to meet the deadline. The
simulation of all refrigerants can be accomplished within 2-3 days of work. An
estimated time of one semester is necessary for the project to be done. To
meet the deadline of submission, the group must work double time especially
during weekends and holidays. Scheduling is deemed important to avoid
conflicts and delays

13

3.4 Cost Estimation

There will be no expenses to be defrayed while making the
research because there will be no materials to be used. The simulation
program can be acquired freely via the internet.

References
http://www.egr.msu.edu/mueller/NMReferences/MuellerKilicarslan2005_IntJE
nergyRes_ComparativeStudyR718.pdf
14

http://www.alephzero.co.uk/ref/vapcomcyc.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vapor-compression_refrigeration
http://www.refrigerants.com/catalog.pdf
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?
q=cache:http://www.ignou.ac.in/upload/Unit%
http://www.iifiir.org/userfiles/file/webfiles/summaries/Refrigerant_classification
_EN.pdf5204-32.pdf
http://www.prenhall.com/divisions/ect/app/stanfield.old/stan_sample.pdf

Appendices
List of Figures
Figure 1

Basic Simplified Cycle

15

Figure 2

Direction of Research

Figure 3

Typical Single Stage Vapor Compression

Refrigeration

Figure 4

Pressures Enthalpy Diagram

Francis Dale T. Cabag-iran

Address: Blk3 Lot10, Mangahan Punta Princesa Cebu City,
Cebu
Contact Number: 4143014 / +639436658939
Email address: franciscobalagtas@yahoo.com
PERSONAL DATA
16

Birth Date:
Gender:
Nationality:
Religion:

October 8, 1995
Male
Filipino
Roman Catholic

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
College
S.Y. 2012 Present

Secondary Education
S.Y. 2008 2012
Elementary Education
S.Y. 2002 2008

Don Bosco Technical College Cebu

Punta Princesa, Cebu City
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical
Engineering - Major in Machine Design
And Manufacturing
Don Bosco Technical College Cebu
Punta Princesa, Cebu City
Don Bosco Technical College Cebu
Punta Princesa, Cebu City

SKILLS, TALENTS AND ABILITIES

Responsible, diligent, hardworking and punctual
Operate: Lathe, Drilling, Milling, Shaper and Welding Machines
Persistent in accomplishing tasks
Learns fast and works with less supervision
Has hands-on experience in CNC or Computer Numeric Control
Has basic working knowledge and hands-on experience in:
o Computer Aided Designing
o Technical Drawing
o Circuit Wizard
o Circuit Maker
Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word and Powerpoint

AFFILIATIONS
Junior Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (JPSME) Cebu Chapter
o Member (SY 2008 present)
o President (DBTC-Chapter SY 2015)
17

Karl Jude De la Torre

Address: #552 Kimba San Roque Talisay City
Contact Number: (032) 272-5519/ 09336548767
Email address: karljudedelatorre@gmail.com
PERSONAL DATA

18

Birth Date:
Gender:
Nationality:
Religion:

September 1, 1995
Male
Filipino
Roman Catholic

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
College
S.Y. 2012 Present

Secondary Education
S.Y. 2008 2012
Elementary Education
S.Y. 2003 2008
S.Y. 2002 2003

Don Bosco Technical College Cebu

Punta Princesa, Cebu City
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical
Engineering - Major in Machine Design
And Manufacturing
Don Bosco Technical College Cebu
Punta Princesa, Cebu City
Don Bosco Technical College Cebu
Punta Princesa, Cebu City
St. Dominic School of Kimba
Kimba Talisay

SKILLS, TALENTS AND ABILITIES

Can work under pressure

Strategic thinking to accomplish task easier
Can operate computer and working machines
Time well-manage
Responsible Person with regards to assigned task

AFFILIATIONS
Junior Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (JPSME) Cebu Chapter
o Member (SY 2008 present)

19

Earl Anthony S. Ibarbia

Address: 24-E Don Pedro Cui St., Cebu City, Cebu
Contact Number: (032) 268-05454/ +639323665343
Email address: ibarbiaearlanthony@yahoo.com
PERSONAL DATA
Birth Date:

August 15, 1995

20

Gender:
Nationality:
Religion:

Male
Filipino
Roman Catholic

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
College
S.Y. 2012 Present

Don Bosco Technical College Cebu

Punta Princesa, Cebu City
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical
Engineering - Major in

Machine Design
And Manufacturing
Secondary Education
S.Y. 2008 2012
Elementary Education
S.Y. 2002 2008

Don Bosco Technology Center

Punta Princesa, Cebu City
St. Marys Academy-San Nicolas
T. Abella St., Cebu City

SKILLS, TALENTS AND ABILITIES

Responsible, diligent, hardworking,
Operate: Lathe, Drilling, Milling, and Welding Machines
Finishes the job on time
Can work under pressure
Has hands-on experience in CNC or Computer Numeric Control
Has basic working knowledge and hands-on experience in:
o Computer Aided Designing
o Technical Drawing
o Circuit Wizard
o Circuit Construction
Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel and Powerpoint

AFFILIATIONS
Fides Publication DBTC
o Writer (SY 2015 present)
Junior Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (JPSME) Cebu Chapter
21

o Member (SY 2008 present)

Khiet Angelo D. La Rosa

Address: Z5-3009 Sangi Tabunok Talisay City, Cebu
Contact Number: (032) 462-2850 / +639333159991
Email address: khietbatchoy@gmail.com
PERSONAL DATA
Birth Date:

May 18, 1995

22

Gender:
Nationality:
Religion:

Male
Filipino
Roman Catholic

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
College
S.Y. 2012 Present

Secondary Education
S.Y. 2008 2012
Elementary Education
S.Y. 2005 2008
S.Y. 2002 2005

Don Bosco Technical College Cebu

Punta Princesa, Cebu City
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical
Engineering - Major in Machine Design
And Manufacturing
Don Bosco Technical College Cebu
Punta Princesa, Cebu City
Don Bosco Technical College Cebu
Punta Princesa, Cebu City
University of San Carlos - North Campus
General Maxilom Ave, Cebu City, Cebu

SKILLS, TALENTS AND ABILITIES

Responsible, diligent, hardworking and punctual
Operate: Lathe, Drilling, Milling, Shaper and Welding Machines
Persistent in accomplishing tasks
Learns fast and works with less supervision
Has hands-on experience in CNC or Computer Numeric Control
Has basic working knowledge and hands-on experience in:
o Computer Aided Designing
o Technical Drawing
o Circuit Wizard
o Circuit Maker
Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word and Powerpoint

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

2012
Technical Excellence Awardee
2010
Best in Electronics Technology
23

AFFILIATIONS
Junior Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (JPSME) Cebu Chapter
o Member (SY 2012 present)

24