Introduction

to

Vapor Compression Refrigeration System

(VCR)

and

Its COP analysis

Email: sbhusnoor@yahoo.com. Mobile: 9920534514

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. Dept. of Mech. 1

 Refrigeration
1. What is refrigeration ?
 Refrigeration - Cooling of an object and
maintenance of its temp below that of surroundings
 Working substance must alternate b/t colder and
hotter regions
 Most common: vapor compression
 Reverse of power cycle
 Heat absorbed in low temp region and released in high
temp region

Unit of refrigeration--- TR
= 1TR=3.5kW, = 210kJ/min
19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. Dept. of Mech. 2
How does it work?

High Temperature
Reservoir

Heat Rejected

R Work Input

Heat Absorbed

Low Temperature
Reservoir
 How does it work?
Thermal energy moves from left to right through five
loops of heat transfer:

1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
Indoor air Refrigerant Condenser Cooling
loop Chilled
water loop loop water loop water loop

4
(Bureau of Energy Efficiency, 2004)
 Types of refrigeration systems
As per Refrigerant (Heat Exchange media)
1. Air refrigeration
2. Vapor refrigeration

Air Refrigeration ( Rev Carnot, Rev Bryton Or Joule Or Bell Coleman Cycle)
1. Open air
2. Closed OR Dense air

Open Air
Components: compressor , condenser, expander , evaporator
Adv: Air is free. Low Cost, no health hazards
Dis. Adv: higher size of Compressor, Moisture Trapping, Freezing in lines

Closed OR Dense air

Adv: Size of Components is less, Operating Pr. Ratio is reduced, which
increases COP
19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 5
Dept. of Mech.
 Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle
Processes
1. Compression
2. Condensation
3. Expansion
4. Evaporation

COP= net desired effect /

Net work input

= Heat absorbed in
evaperaor /Work in put

= Change in enthalpy of
refrnt. Before and after
evaporation / change in
enthalpy of refrnt. Before
and after compression
19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 6
Dept. of Mech.
Vapour Compression Refrigeration

3
Condenser
High
4 Pressure
Side
Expansion
Device Compressor

1 2 Low
Pressure
Evaporator Side
 Generic Refrigeration Cycle
(reversed Rankine cycle)

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. Dept. of Mech. 8

 Ways to increase the COP of the plant
(with T-S and P-h Diagrams)

1. Wet vapor after compression

2. Dry vapor after compression
3. Saturated vapor before compression
4. Super heated vapor before compression
5. Sub cooling (dry at entry to the compressor i.e. std VCR)

How to calculate Cooling Load

Cooling load = (sensible heat from water + sensible heat of fusion

+ Sub cooled heat of fusion)

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 9

Dept. of Mech.
 Effect of sub cooling and superheating before
Compression

•increases the specific volume of the

1. it reduces flashing of liquid during vapor from v1 to v1’, and also quality of
expansion: gas at inlet
2. Increases refrigeration effect •increases in refrigerating effect from ( h1-
3. Piston displacement and power per h4) to( h1’-h4’)
TR are reduced for all refrigerant. •increase in specific work ( h2-h1) to( h2’-
h1’)
19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 10
Dept. of Mech.
 Effects of increased discharge pressure on the
VCR performance (Short note)
1. Refrigerating effect reduces by an
amount equal to [(h1- h4) - (h1- h4’) ]
i.e. by (h4’-h4) kJ/kg.
2. The mass of refrigerant circulated
per TR increases.
3. Work of compression increases by
an amount (h2’ — h2) kJ/kg, hence,
the compressor power increases per
TR due to increased mass flow and
additional energy supplied in
compression.
4. COP. of the system reduces.
6. Compressor capacity increases
per TR due to increased mass flow 5. Heat rejected in the condenser per
rate of refrigerant though the TR increases due to increased mass
specific volume of refrigerant at flow of refrigerant, therefore, the
entry to compressor remains the condenser size increases.
same.
19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 11
Dept. of Mech.
 Effects of reduced suction pressure on VCR
performance (Short note)
 Reduces net refrigerating effect
by (h1 — h1’) kJ/kg.

 Increases mass flow rate of

refrigerant per TR

 Compressor work increases by

[(h2’ - h1’) - (h2 - h1) ] kJ/kg, hence,
the compressor power increases.

 C .O.P. of the system reduces.

 Heat rejected in the condenser
increases by an amount (h2’ -h2)
kJ/kg.

Compressor capacity increases due to increased specific volume.

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 12
Dept. of Mech.
 What is preferred System ?

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 13

Dept. of Mech.
 Answer:
Sub cool and super heat before suction
(home work, for ph and TS and
calculation)

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 14

Dept. of Mech.
 Liquid –Vapour Regenerative Heat Exchanger

In vapour-liquid heat exchanger the

refrigerant vapour from the evaporator
is superheated in a regenerative heat
exchanger with consequent subcooling
of the liquid from the condenser.
19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 15
Dept. of Mech.
 Analysis of L-V HX
 Since the mass flow rate of the liquid and vapour is same, we have for heat
transfer qN=h1’- h1=h3-h3’
 The degree of superheat (t' – t1) and the degree of subcooling may not be
same as the sp. heats of the vapour and liquid phases are different.
 The effect on the capacity power requirement per unit refrigeration and COP is
q  refrigerat ing effect without heat exchchange r  h1  h 4 

q  refrigerat ing effect with heat exchchange r   h1  h 4  

 
w  specific work without heat exchchange r  h 2  h1 

w  specific work with heat exchchange r   h2   h1 

 
C.O.P  C.O.P. without heat exchchange r  h1  h 4 
h2  h1 
 h  h  

C.O.P  C.O.P. with heat exchchange r   1 4

 h   h  
 2 1

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 16
Dept. of Mech.
 Conclusion on L- V HX

“In particular, it must be stated that superheating

of vapour in a liquid –vapour regenerative
heat exchanger is preferable to superheating
in the suction line itself, as this sub cool the
liquid coming out of the condenser and
thereby increasing the refrigerating effect”.

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 17

Dept. of Mech.
19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 18
Dept. of Mech.
ACTUAL VAPOR-COMPRESSION REFRIGERATION CYCLE
An actual vapor-compression refrigeration cycle differs from the ideal one in
several ways, owing mostly to the irreversibilities that occur in various
components, mainly due to fluid friction (causes pressure drops) and heat transfer
to or from the surroundings. The COP decreases as a result of irreversibilities.
DIFFERENCES
Non-isentropic
compression
Superheated vapor
at evaporator exit
Subcooled liquid at
condenser exit
Pressure drops in
condenser and
evaporator

Schematic and T-s diagram for the actual

vapor-compression refrigeration cycle.
 SELECTING THE RIGHT REFRIGERANT
• Several refrigerants may be used in refrigeration systems such as
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), ammonia, hydrocarbons (propane, ethane, ethylene,
etc.), carbon dioxide, air (in the air-conditioning of aircraft), and even water (in
applications above the freezing point).
• R-11, R-12, R-22, R-134a, and R-502 account for over 90 percent of the market.
• The industrial and heavy-commercial sectors use ammonia (it is toxic).
• R-11 is used in large-capacity water chillers serving A-C systems in buildings.
• R-134a (replaced R-12, which damages ozone layer) is used in domestic
refrigerators and freezers, as well as automotive air conditioners.
• R-22 is used in window air conditioners, heat pumps, air conditioners of commercial
buildings, and large industrial refrigeration systems, and offers strong competition
to ammonia.
• R-502 (a blend of R-115 and R-22) is the dominant refrigerant used in commercial
refrigeration systems such as those in supermarkets.
• CFCs allow more ultraviolet radiation into the earth’s atmosphere by destroying the
protective ozone layer and thus contributing to the greenhouse effect that causes
global warming. Fully halogenated CFCs (such as R-11, R-12, and R-115) do the
most damage to the ozone layer. Refrigerants that are friendly to the ozone layer
have been developed.
• Two important parameters that need to be considered in the selection of a
refrigerant are the temperatures of the two media (the refrigerated space and the
environment) with which the refrigerant exchanges heat.
Innovative Vapor-compression Refrigeration Systems
• The simple vapor-compression refrigeration cycle is the most widely
used refrigeration cycle, and it is adequate for most refrigeration
applications.
• The ordinary vapor-compression refrigeration systems are simple,
inexpensive, reliable, and practically maintenance-free.
• However, for large industrial applications efficiency, not simplicity, is the
major concern.
• Also, for some applications the simple vapor-compression refrigeration
cycle is inadequate and needs to be modified.
• For moderately and very low temperature applications some innovative
refrigeration systems are used. The following cycles will be discussed:
• Cascade refrigeration systems
• Multistage compression refrigeration systems
• Multipurpose refrigeration systems with a single compressor
• Liquefaction of gases
 Cascade Refrigeration Systems
Some industrial applications require moderately low temperatures, and the
temperature range they involve may be too large for a single vapor-compression
refrigeration cycle to be practical. The solution is cascading.

Cascading
improves the
COP of a
refrigeration
system.
Some systems
use three or
four stages of
cascading.

A two-stage cascade refrigeration system

with the same refrigerant in both stages.
Multistage Compression Refrigeration Systems
When the fluid used throughout the cascade
refrigeration system is the same, the heat
exchanger between the stages can be replaced
by a mixing chamber (called a flash chamber)
since it has better heat transfer characteristics.

A two-stage compression refrigeration

system with a flash chamber.
 Multipurpose Refrigeration Systems with a Single
Compressor
Some applications require refrigeration at more than one temperature. A
practical and economical approach is to route all the exit streams from the
evaporators to a single compressor and let it handle the compression process
for the entire system.

Schematic and T-s diagram for a refrigerator–freezer unit with one compressor.
 Liquefaction of Gases
Many important scientific and engineering processes at cryogenic temperatures (below
about 100°C) depend on liquefied gases including the separation of oxygen and nitrogen
from air, preparation of liquid propellants for rockets, the study of material properties at low
temperatures, and the study of superconductivity.

The storage (i.e., hydrogen) and

transportation of some gases (i.e., natural
gas) are done after they are liquefied at very
low temperatures. Several innovative cycles
are used for the liquefaction of gases.

Linde-Hampson system
for liquefying gases.
 Vapor Absorption Cycle

The performance of
ammonia-water system
depends considerably
upon the performance of
analyzer and rectifier
columns.

The analyzer is an open

type counter flow heat
exchanger having baffle
plates to increase the
area of contact between
The rectifier also called dephlegmator is a vapor leaving generator
surface heat exchanger where cooling is and strong aqua
accomplished by an external source and water ammonia entering the
vapour is also eliminated giving around 99.9% analyzer at appropriate
vapour of ammonia. location.
 Comparison Of Simple VAS With VCS
Vapour Compression Cycle Vapour Absorption Cycle
Operates on electricity Operates on electricity or low quality
heat
Higher maintenance due to large number of Lower maintenance
moving parts
Higher operating costs Lower operating costs
Noisy operation due to compressor Noiseless heat exchangers are used
Capacity control possible only in steps Step less capacity control is possible
Possibility of refrigerant leakage high Vacuum conditions means no
leakage of any of the working
fluids
Uses ozone depleting CFCs and HCFCs as Uses water as refrigerant, hence
refrigerants environment friendly
Higher life cycle costs Lower life cycle costs
Lower reliability, hence standby systems Higher reliability, hence standby
are required systems not required.
Drawbacks of simple ammonia-water vapor
absorption system
It requires the separation of
water vapour as much as
practicable in order to avoid the
high operating temperature of
evaporator.

The large amount of

purging of
water in to the absorber.

To meet the above

requirements an analyzer and
rectifier and incorporated with
the generator. Thus an actua
l absorption system comprises
of an analyzer, a rectifier, a
preheater and a precooler in
addition to basic components
 C. O. P. Of An Ideal Vapor Absorption System
Let, heat Q1 is absorbed at T1 from the
evaporator, heat Q2 is discharged in the
condenser and absorber at T2 and heat
Q3 is given in generator at T3. then
Q1 + Q3 = Q2
For reversible system, the initial entropy of
system must be equal to entropy of the
system after the change in its condition.

Q3 Q Q2
+ 1 =
T3 T1 T2
C.O.P = Q1
Q3 From 1 and 2 equations
1 1
  
Q1  Q3   T3 T2  Where; T3>T2>T1.
1 1
   This is coefficient of performance for
 T2 T1 
T  T3  T2  T1 T  T2  T1
all absorption refrigeration systems
 Q3 3   Q3 3  as Q2 is total quantity of heat
T3  T2 T1  T2  T2  T1  T3
Q1 T1 T  T2  discharged in Absorber and
THUS C.O.P.    3
Q3 T2  T1  T3 condenser at temperature T2.
 Electrolux system of refrigeration
Also known as three fluids absorption system
Uses NH3 as a refrigerant, a water as absorbent and H2 as inert
gas for working
The basic
components of
this refrigerator
are:
•Generator
•Absorber
•Heat Exchanger
•Evaporator
•Condenser
•Separator

Advantage: It is noiseless.
Disadvantage: It cannot be used for industrial applications as the
coefficient of performance of the system is low.
Lithium Bromide Absorption Refrigeration
System
 IT uses a solution of lithium
bromide in water.
 Lithium bromide is a
highly hygroscopic salt
and is used as an
absorbent. Water is used
as the refrigerant.
 The system is suitable for
low refrigeration
temperatures. However as
the freezing point of water is
0oC, refrigeration
temperature is kept above
0oC.
 An inhibitor such as lithium
chromate is added to
prevent against the
corrosive action of lithium
bromide.
 Comparison Of Lithium-Bromide System With
Ammonia-Water System
LITHIUM BROMIDE SYSTEM AQUA-AMMONIA SYSTEM
The pure water leaves the generator An analyzer and rectifier are a must
since the salt does not evaporate. for an Ammonia water system.
So the analyzer and the rectifier can
be eliminated.
The pressure difference is so small The pressure difference is much
that the pumping system can be higher and to do away with the
eliminated. The evaporator can be pumping system would require the
put an about 1 metre elevation evaporator to be at an elevation of
compared to the generator. about 90 metres. So a pump less
ammonia system is practically too
complex.
The system is free from bursting, These problems are experienced in
toxicity, leakage, foundation noise the aqua-ammonia system.
and vibration. Maintenance costs
are negligible.
It does not cool below 2oC and has a It can cool below 2oC effectively and
large volume flow. volume flow is not a problem.
 REFRIGERANTS
A refrigerant is any body or REFRIGERANTS
substance which acts as a Primary refrigerants Secondary
cooling agent by absorbing refrigerants
heat from another body or Halo-carbon Brines like
substance through expansion
Refrigerants calcium chloride,
or vaporization. These are
classified into two groups.
sodium chloride
and glycols like
 Primary refrigerants,
which directly take part in propylene glycol,
the refrigeration systems. ethylene glycol
 Secondary refrigerants,
etc.
which are first cooled by Azeotrope refrigerants
primary refrigerant and Inorganic refrigerants
then used for cooling
purposes. Hydro-carbon
refrigerants
 Halo-Carbon Refrigerants Azeotrope Refrigerants
Refrigeran Chemical Chemical Refrig Azeotropic Chemical
t No. Name Formula erant Mixing Formula
No. Refrigerant
R-11 Trichloro mono CCl3 F R-500 73.8 % R12 CCl2F/CH3
fluoro methane and 26.2 % R CHF2
R-12 Dichloro difluoro CCl2 F2 152
metane
R502 48.8 % R22 CHCiF2 / CClF2
R –13 Monochlorot CClF3 and 51.2 % R CF3
rifluro
115
methane
R – 14 Carbontetra CF4 R503 40.1 % R12 CHF3 / CClF3
fluoride and
59.9 % R13
R – 21 Dichloro CHCl2F
Monofluoro R504 48.2 R32 and CH2 F2 / CClF2
methane 51.8 % R15 CF3

The term ‘azeotrope’ refers to a stable mixture of refrigerants whose vapour and
liquid phases retain identical compositions over a wide range of temperatures.
However, these mixtures usually have properties that differ from either of their
components.
 Inorganic Refrigerants Hydro-Carbon Refrigerants
Refrigerant Azeotropic Chemical
No. Mixing Formula Refrigerant Chemical Chemical
Refrigerant No. name formula
R- 717 Ammonia NH3
R – 729 Air R – 170 Ethane C2 H6
R – 744 Carbon CO2 R – 290 Propane C3 H8
dioxide
R – 764 dioxide SO2 R – 600 Butane C4 H10
R – 118 Water H2O R – 1150 Ethylene C2 H4
They posses satisfactory thermodynamic
properties but are highly flammable and
explosive.
 Designation System For Refrigerants
The general chemical formula for the refrigerant, is given by Cm Hn Clp Fq
In which n + p + q = 2m + 2
Where “m” = no. of carbon atoms
 “n" = no. of hydrogen atoms
 ‘P” = no. of chlorine atoms
 ‘q “= no. of fluorine atoms
Refrigerants are internationally designated as ‘R’ followed by certain numbers
such as R-11,R-12,R-114 etc. The number given to the refrigerant has a
special meaning.
 If ’R’ is followed by a two digit number it indicates that the number is derived
from methane base.
 If ‘R’ is followed by a three digit number it represents an ethane base.
 The first digit on the right is the number of fluorine atoms i.e. q
 The second digit from the right is one more than the number of hydrogen
atoms present i.e. n+1.
 The third digit from the right is one less than the number of carbon atoms (if
zero then it is omitted) i.e. m-1.
 Therefore number given to the refrigerant is given by R(m-1) (n-1) (q)
19 May 2021 36
Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. Dept. of Mech.
 Designation System For Refrigerants
Inorganic refrigerants are indicated by adding 700 to the molecular mass of
the compound.
e.g. molecular mass of NH3=17; Therefore designation is R-717 (i.e.700+17)
 To Find Refrigerant Number For:
 1. Dichloro-tetrafluoro-ethane
 Hence,
 No. of chlorine atoms, p=2
 No. of fluorine atoms, q=4
 No. of hydrogen atoms, n=0
 We know that n+p+q = 2m+2
 0+2+4 = 2m+2
 therefore, m=2
 i.e. Number of carbon atoms =2
 Thus the refrigerant no. becomes R(2-1) (0+1) (4) or R-114.

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 37

Dept. of Mech.
Dichloro-difluoro-methane

What is Refrigerant Number ?

 Answer
 Dichloro-difluoro-methane
 Here,
 No. of chlorine atoms, p = 2
 No. of fluorine atoms, q = 2
 No. of hydrogen atoms, n=0
 We know that n+p+q = 2m+2
 0+2+2 = 2m+2
 therefore, m=1
 i.e. Number of carbon atoms =1
 Thus the refrigerant no. becomes R(1-1) (0+1) (2) = R12

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 39

Dept. of Mech.
 To Find Chemical Formula For Given
Refrigerant Number.
R-12
No. of digits = 2. Therefore it is derived from methane base.

The digit ‘2’ represents the no. of fluorine atoms since it is the first digits
from the right.

The no. of hydrogen atoms – 1-1 = 0.To balance the methane, mono-
atoms are required therefore no. of chlorine atoms will be 4-2=2.

The chemical formula is CCl2F2.

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 40

Dept. of Mech.
What is chemical formula for R-114
 Answer
R-114
No. of digits=3. Therefore it is derived from ethane base.

The digit ‘4’ represents the no. of fluorine atoms since it is

the first digit from the right.

The no. of hydrogen atoms = 1-1=0.

To balance the ethane, six mono-atoms are required,

therefore the no. of chlorine atoms is 6-4=2.
Thus the chemical formula is C2Cl2F4.
19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 42
Dept. of Mech.
 Desirable Properties Of Refrigerants
1. Thermodynamic
properties
2. Chemical properties
3. Physical properties

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 43

Dept. of Mech.
 Thermodynamic Properties
Property Desirable Reason
Feature
1. Boiling point Low boiling point 1. If the boiling point of refrigerant is high at
at Atmospheric atmospheric pressure, compressor has to be
pressure. operated at high vacuum. 2. High boiling point at
atmospheric pressure reduces capacity of the
system & lowers operating cost.
2. Freezing point Low 1. Refrigerant should not freeze under required
evaporator temperature. 2. Low freezing point
prevents blocking of passages during flow
through evaporator.
3. Evaporator & Pressure above 1. Pressure positive to prevent leakage of air &
Condenser pressure atmospheric moisture into refrigeration system. 2. Too high
(positive) but not pressure requires robust construction which
too high. requires high initial cost & operating cost.

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 44

Dept. of Mech.
 Thermodynamic Properties (contd.. )

Critical temperature & Higher than 1. Facilitates easy condensation

pressure temperature within of the refrigerant vapour.
condenser.
Latent heat of refrigerant High at evaporator 1. Refrigerating effect is high.
temperature. 2. Weight of refrigerant circulated
in the system is smaller.

Conductivity Large Size of condenser & evaporator

becomes smaller.
Compression Ratio Low 1.Leakage of refrigerant occurs
across the piston due to high
compression ratio.
2.Volumetric efficiency increases.
Volume of refrigerant Small Small size of compressor.
Coefficient of High 1. Lower running cost.
performance 2. More refrigeration effect.
Compression Less Less cooling of compressor
temperature required.
19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 45
Dept. of Mech.
 Chemical Properties
Property Desirable Feature Reason
Flammability Should be inert Refrigerant should not catch fire at high
temperatures.
Toxicity Non toxic Toxic refrigerant is injurious to human
beings.
Effect on oil Should not react with Different lubricating action due to
Lubricating oil. thickening and thinning of fluid.
Should not be soluble in
oil Reduced lubricating strength.
Effect on Should not be affected Some refrigerants (like R-717) spoil
commodity commodities if leakage occurs.
Corrosive Should be inert Refrigerants should not attack or react with
property the materials of the refrigeration system.
Chemical Stable at operating Some refrigerants disintegrate forming non-
stability temperatures. condensable gases which increase
condensing pressure.

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 46

Dept. of Mech.
 Physical Properties
Property Desirable Feature Reason
Specific Low Size of compressor small for same
volume refrigeration capacity.
Specific heat 1. Low specific heat of liquid Increases the subcooling of liquid
2. High specific heat of vapour Decreases super heating of vapour.
Viscosity Low Better heat transfer
Low pumping power.
Odour 1. Advantageous helps detecting leakage of the refrigerant
2. Disadvantageous
Irritating odour causes panic and
headache
Some eatables are highly sensitive to
odours
5. Leakage Low In case of leakage of refrigerant, system
tendency operates at reduced capacity.

In case of leakage of air inside,

refrigeration capacity decreases.
19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 47
Dept. of Mech.
Construction of Psychrometric Chart
 Numericals on VCR System

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 49

Dept. of Mech.
An ideal vapor-compression refrigerant cycle operates at steady state with
Refrigerant 134a as the working fluid. Saturated vapor enters the compressor at -
10°C, and saturated liquid leaves the condenser at 28°C. The mass flow rate of
refrigerant is 5 kg/min. Determine ; The compressor power, in Kw, The refrigerating
capacity, in tons. And The coefficient of performance.
Known: Refrigerant 134a is the working fluid in an ideal vapor-compression
Solution: refrigerant cycle. Operating data are known.

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 50

Dept. of Mech.
2.A vapor-compression refrigeration system circulates Refrigerant 134a at rate of 6
kg/min. The refrigerant enters the compressor at -10°C, 1.4 bar, and exits at 7 bar.
The isentropic compressor efficiency is 67%. There are no appreciable pressure
drops as the refrigerant flows through the condenser and evaporator. The
refrigerant leaves the condenser at 7 bar, 24°C. Ignoring heat transfer between the
compressor and its surroundings, determine;
(a) The coefficient of performance.
(b) The refrigerating capacity, in tons.
(c) The irreversibility rates of the compressor and expansion valve, each in kW
(d) The changes in specific flow availability of the refrigerant passing through the
evaporator and condenser, respectively, each in kJ/kg. Let To = 21oC, po = 1 bar
Solution: Known: A vapor-compression refrigeration system circulates Refrigerant
134a with a known mass flow rate. Data are given at various locations, the
compressor efficiency is specified.

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 51

Dept. of Mech.
19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 52
Dept. of Mech.
19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 53
Dept. of Mech.
On a particular day the weather forecast states that the dry bulb temperature is 37oC, while the
relative humidity is 50% and the barometric pressure is 101.325 kPa. Find the humidity ratio,
dew point temperature and enthalpy of moist air on this day.

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 54

Dept. of Mech.
Moist air at 1 atm. pressure has a dry bulb temperature of 32oC and a wet bulb temperature of
26oC. Calculate a) the partial pressure of water vapour, b) humidity ratio, c) relative humidity,
d) dew point temperature, e) density of dry air in the mixture, f) density of water vapour in the
mixture and g) enthalpy of moist air using perfect gas law model and psychrometric equations.

Calculation of psychrometric properties from p, DBT and WBT:

To fix the thermodynamic state of moist air, we need to know three independent
properties.
The properties that are relatively easier to measure, are:
1. the barometric pressure, dry-bulb temperature and wet-bulb temperature.
2. For a given barometric pressure, knowing the dry bulb and wet bulb temperatures, all
other properties can be easily calculated from the psychrometric equations.
3. The following are the empirical relations for the vapor pressure of water in moist air:

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 55

Dept. of Mech.
Moist air at 1 atm. pressure has a dry bulb temperature of 32oC and a wet bulb temperature of
26oC. Calculate a) the partial pressure of water vapour, b) humidity ratio, c) relative humidity,
d) dew point temperature, e) density of dry air in the mixture, f) density of water vapour in the
mixture and g) enthalpy of moist air using perfect gas law model and psychrometric equations.
a) Using modified Apjohn equation and the values of DBT, WBT and barometric
pressure, the vapour pressure is found to be:
b) The humidity ratio W is given by:

19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 56

Dept. of Mech.
19 May 2021 Prof. S S B. K.J.Somaiya College of Engg. 57
Dept. of Mech.