LAB SHEET

TITLE: REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

OBJECTIVES:

i. To understand the Flow circuit and equipment components in a Refrigeration

System

ii. To study the effect of varying cooling water flow/heater power/motor speed on
the refrigeration system

THEORY:

Vapor Compression Refrigeration System Principles

Figure 1: Vapor Compression Refrigeration System Principles

The labeled components are:

1. Condenser
2. Compressor
3. Expansion Valve
4. Evaporator
Four basic processes or changes in the condition of the refrigerant occur in a Vapor
Compression Refrigeration Cycle. These four processes shall be illustrated in the most
simplistic way with the aid of above schematic sketch.

i) Expansion Process (t3 -> t4)

At Point (3), the refrigerant is in liquid state at a relatively high pressure and
temperature. It flows to (4) through a restriction called the flow control device or
expansion valve. The refrigerant loses pressure going through the restriction. The
Pressure at (4) is so low that a small portion of the refrigerant flashes (vaporizes) into
a gaseous. In order to vaporize, it must gain heat (which it takes from that portion of
the refrigerant that did not vaporize), thus cooling the mixture and resulting in a low
temperature.

ii) Vaporizing Process (t4 -> t1)

The refrigerant flows through a heat exchanger called the EVAPORATOR. The fluid
to be cooled is at a slightly higher temperature than the refrigerant, therefore heat is
transferred from it to the refrigerant producing the cooling effect desired. The
refrigerant boils because of the heat it receives in the evaporator. By the time it leaves
the evaporator (4) it is completely vaporized.

iii) Compression Process (t1 -> t2)

Leaving the evaporator, the refrigerant is a gas at a low temperature and low Pressure.
In order to be able to use it again to achieve the refrigerating effect continuously, it
must be brought back to the conditions at (3)…i.e. liquid at a high Pressure. The first
step in this process is to increase the Pressure of the refrigerant gas by using a
COMPRESSOR. Compressing the gas also results in increasing its temperature.
iv) Condensing Process (t2 -> t3)

The refrigerant leaves the compressor as a gas at high temperature and Pressure. In
order to change it to a liquid, heat must be REMOVED from it. This is accomplished
in a heat exchanger called the CONDENSER. The refrigerant flows through one
circuit in the Condenser. In the other circuit, a cooling fluid flows (air or water), at a
temperature LOWER than the refrigerant. Heat is therefore transferred from the
Refrigerant to the Cooling fluid and as a result, the refrigerant condenses to a liquid
state (3). The refrigerant has thus returned to its initial state and is now ready to repeat
the cycle, in a continuous manner.

APPARATUS

Figure 2: Unit Construction FOR Refrigeration Laboratory Unit (Model: RF 01)

1. Evaporator
2. Pressure Transmitter
3. Pressure Switch
4. Water Flowmeter
5. Temperature Sensor
6. Compressor
7. Expansion Valve
8. Indicator and Switches
9. Sight Glass
10. Plate Condenser
11. Filter Drier

The SOLTEQ Refrigeration Laboratory Unit (Model: RF 01) uses Refrigerant R-134a,
Open Type Hermetic Compressor. The unit is further driven by a 3:10, Speed ratio,
from a 3 phase, 1 hp Motor. The Compressor Speed can be varied, thereby, varying
the refrigerant flow. The variation is controlled via Motor Speed. The Motor Speed is
controlled via an inverter unit. The Motor is mounted on a double ended shaft and
bearings. The Motor is allowed to sway and react, according to the torque required to
drive the Compressor.

The compressor delivers the gaseous refrigerant through the plate condenser. Here,
heat transfer takes place between cooling water and the gaseous refrigerant. The heat
transfer effect changes the refrigerant into Liquid state, as it leaves the condenser. A
refrigerant flowmeter now registers the amount of liquid refrigerant flowing through
the circuit. The liquid refrigerant then passes into a thermostatic expansion valve.
Whilst passing through the expansion valve, the refrigerant changes to saturation state
where both liquid and gaseous states occur. It begins to absorb heat from heater in the
evaporator. Heat generated from the heater in the evaporator, which then transfers to
the refrigerant. The refrigerant leaves the evaporator as gas and is then re-compressed
by the compressor, and the cycle repeats itself.

Temperature sensors are located at all salient points in the circuit. Pressure
transducers are located on both the suction and discharge Side of the compressor.
These are also used to determine the pressure line of the refrigerant. Two pressure
switches are installed for safety Control. It shut down the motor when pressure goes
to low or high. A micro switch is located at the safety cover, which in turns controls
the inverter. There are 2 power transducers to measure the motor power and heater
power. A speed sensor is installed to measure the rotational speed of the motor. All
the readings of temperatures, pressure, powers, speed, flowrate and torque are
displayed on the computer.

Specifications

a) Open Type Compressor

Refrigerant : R-134a
Bore : 40 mm
Stroke : 30 mm
No. of Cylinders : 2
Swept Volume : 4.52 m3/hr 1000 RPM
Pulley Size : 260 mm

b) AC Motor

Rated Power : 1 HP
Rated Speed : 1500 RPM
Pulley Size : 70 mm

c) Expansion Valve

Refrigerant : R-134a
Type : Thermostatically controlled
Orifice : No. 00

d) Evaporator

Variable Load Heater : Max. 1500 Watt

No. of Heaters : 2 unit

e) Condenser

Type : Plate Heat Exchanger

Nominal Surface : 0.2 m2
Plate Material : 316L stainless steel/copper brazed
f) Instruments

Electronic sensors for condenser and evaporator pressures, refrigerant and cooling
water flowrates, evaporator and motor power input, motor speed and temperatures at
various locations The motor torque is determined by means of a load cell

g) Overall dimensions

Height : 2.00 m
Width : 1.50 m
Depth : 0.75 m

Instruction:

1. According to the given objectives, students are required to design an experiment

with an appropriate procedure.
2. At the end of the experiment, students need to calculate:
i. The heat transfer at the evaporator and the condenser
ii. The coefficient of performance for the refrigeration system, the motor
shaft and motor power
iii. The volumetric efficiency of the compressor