ME4382 [Refrigeration and Air-conditioning] Department of Mechanical Engineering – University of Moratuwa

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITY OF MORATUWA

Batch : 18 Course : BSc Eng Hons

Session : 2022- S7 : Refrigeration and Air
Module Title
Module Code : ME - 4382 Conditioning
: Refrigeration and Air
Lab. Code : ME - 4382 Laboratory
Conditioning
Practical No. : 02 : Test on Vapor Compression
Practical Title
Refrigeration
Coordinator : Dr. M.A. Wijewardane Facilitator(s) : Mr. Wimukthi Senarathne

Introduction:

A simple refrigeration cycle consists of compressor, Condenser, Evaporator, Pressure reducing

valve (Refrigerant control) and liquid receiver. Heat is absorbed by the working fluid from the
evaporator at a lower pressure and is rejected to outer atmosphere through a condenser at an elevated
refrigerant pressure and temperature. Pressure of refrigerant vapor leaving the evaporator is
elevated up to the required condenser pressured with the use of a compressor.

Pressure reducing valves are used to reduce the refrigerant pressure when it flows from the
condenser to the evaporator. There are six main types of refrigerant control valves as mentioned
below.

Automatic Expansion Valve Thermostatic Expansion Valve

Capillary Tube Thermal-Electric Expansion Valve
Low Pressure Side Float Valve High Pressure Side Float Valve

Performances and applications of above mentioned pressure control valves are slightly different to
each other. They have their own advantages and disadvantages depending on the application.

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding Simple Refrigeration Cycle.

• Evaluate the performances of Expansion Valves involved in a simple refrigeration cycle.

Apparatus:

1. Basic Refrigeration Training Unit (Imperial TU-100)

2. Thermometers
3. Thermo-Anemometer (Electronic Air Velocity and Temperature Measuring device)
4. Stop Watch

Instructions:

Model TU-100 Basic Refrigeration Training Unit incorporates three different metering devices in
its circuit. Each type of valve requires a slight variation in startup.

Lab Sheets Page 1 of 4 2022

 ME4382 [Refrigeration and Air-conditioning] Department of Mechanical Engineering – University of Moratuwa

Air Conditioning Mode

Basic starting procedure using thermal expansion valve (TXV)

1. Open following valves: TXV, HP-1, HP-4, ACO, ACI, LRI.

2. Back seat liquid receiver king valve (LRK)
3. Close remaining valves
4. Turn the power ON
5. Evaporator fan should be on LOW speed. It may be necessary to adjust fan to approximately half
speed.
6. Turn condenser fan on HIGH
7. Turn compressor ON

The sight glass should be clear with no bubbles. High pressure will be 150 psig to 200 psig. Low
pressure will be 20 psig to 40 psig. Liquid refrigerant should be visible in the receiver sight glass.

Capillary tube Application

1. Close TXV
2. Open CTV valve slowly until refrigerant is visible in top sight glass.

Automatic Expansion Valve

1. Close TXV
2. Open AEV valve .Refrigerant will follow immediately through top sight glass.

Theory:

Refrigeration effect is calculated by measuring the air flow in the Evaporator duct and temperature.
Amount of heat pumped out to the surrounding is calculated by measuring the air flow in the
Condenser duct and its temperature.

Lab Sheets Page 2 of 4 2022

 ME4382 [Refrigeration and Air-conditioning] Department of Mechanical Engineering – University of Moratuwa

Refrigeration effect
COP of Refrigeration Cycle =
Compressor work done

Heat rejectedby the Condenser

COP of Heat Pump Cycle =
Work done

COP (Heat Pump) = COP (Refrigeration) + 1

Testing Procedure:

1. Arrange the suitable electrical connections and the valves

2. Allow the refrigerant to flow, when the capillary tube in action

3. Maintain the refrigerant flow by adjusting the valve manually which is placed on the high-
pressure liquid line

4. Allow sufficient time for the system to reach the steady state condition and take the readings

5. Take temperature and pressure readings at different fan speeds of evaporator

6. Take temperature and pressure readings for different types of valve at the same fan speeds
considered before.

Calculation:

For each valve, calculate the;

1. 𝐶𝑂𝑃 of Refrigeration Cycle at each instant.

Discussion:

1. Discuss the importance of accumulator and receiver for a vapor compression refrigeration
cycle.

2. Discuss the variation in COP at different load conditions and different expansion valves

3. Discuss about the different types of metering devices used, details about the principal class
they belong and compare the pros and cons of both the TXV (Thermostatic expansion valve)
and AEV (Automatic expansion valve).

4. Comment on the accuracy of the calculations and suggest improvements for better accuracy.

5. Discuss the benefits of a metering device that adjusts with varying loads (compared to
capillary tube).

6. Discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of using Ammonia (NH3) as a refrigerant
instead of R134a.

7. What are the limitations of using NH3 in commercial refrigeration units?

Lab Sheets Page 3 of 4 2022

 ME4382 [Refrigeration and Air-conditioning] Department of Mechanical Engineering – University of Moratuwa

Observation Sheet
Name :
Index No :
Practical :
Name of Instructor :
Date :

Automatic Thermostatic
Capillary Tube
Expansion Valve Expansion Valve
High Low High Low High Low
1 Ambient temperature
2 Low pressure
3 High pressure
4 Air temperature of evaporator
5 Air temperature of condenser
6 Air velocity from the evaporator
7 Cross sectional area of the duct
8 Compressor work input

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