LABORATORY MANUAL FOR

AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

A Proposal Presented to the

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Mindanao State University

General Santos City

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for

MEC 175.2: ME Laboratory 3

By:

Benjie G. Brobo

Gerard C. Obial

Justel Aaron F. Sondia

Kennyth Bhovel S. Dalayap

Engr. Aian Rey A. Caladcad

Adviser
Table of Contents
LABORATORY MANUAL FOR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM ........................................... 1
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 3
2. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND ......................................................................................... 3
2.1. The Psychrometric Chart ...................................................................................................... 4
Dry Bulb Temperature (DBT): ................................................................................................ 5
Wet Bulb Temperature (WBT): ............................................................................................... 5
Relative Humidity (RH):.......................................................................................................... 5
Enthalpy: .................................................................................................................................. 5
Dew Point Temperature: .......................................................................................................... 5
Specific Volume: ..................................................................................................................... 6
Humidity Ratio: ....................................................................................................................... 6
Psychrometric Chart Formulas: ............................................................................................... 7
3. OBJECTIVES .......................................................................................................................... 7
4. EXPERIMENTAL SETUP ...................................................................................................... 8
5. LABORATORY APPARATUS ............................................................................................ 10
6. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE ........................................................................................ 10
7. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................................................................................... 11
8. DATA PRESENTATION .................................................................................................. 12
9. GUIDE QUESTIONS ........................................................................................................ 15
1. INTRODUCTION

Air conditioning is the process of removing or adding heat from an enclosed space

to achieve a more comfortable interior environment. In some cases, controlling humidity

of internal air is also involved. Air conditioners, which typically use vapor-compression

refrigeration, work by the exchange of heat when the refrigerant evaporates at low

temperature which is then cycled. The input to the system is in the form of mechanical

energy required to power the compressor. The purpose of this experiment is to calculate

and analyze the air conditioning device and its performance.

2. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

By mass, fresh air is composed of 23% oxygen, 76% nitrogen, and minor amounts

of other gases and vapors. Water vapor is often the most significant of them. Even though

the water vapor concentration is normally relatively low—less than 2%—it nevertheless

has a considerable impact on how quickly moisture evaporates and how quickly heat is

transferred from moist surfaces and materials. Humidity is a colloquial term for the amount

of vapor in the atmosphere.

Air conditioning, by definition, is the process of removing heat from an enclosed

space to achieve a more comfortable interior environment. Air conditioners, which

typically use vapor-compression refrigeration, range in size from small units used within

vehicles or single rooms to massive units that can cool large buildings. The Vapor

Compression Refrigeration Cycle involves four components: compressor, condenser,

expansion valve/throttle valve and evaporator. It is a compression process, whose aim is to

raise the refrigerant pressure, as it flows from an evaporator. The high-pressure refrigerant
flows through a condenser/heat exchanger before attaining the initial low pressure and

going back to the evaporator.

In this activity, the two properties in our objective are, namely, the

refrigeration/refrigerating effect and coefficient of performance (COP).

Refrigerating effect is a term used to describe the amount of heat that is removed

from a space or substance during the refrigeration process. In other words, it is the amount

of cooling that is achieved by a refrigeration system. It can be calculated using the formula:

𝑄𝑒 = ℎ1 − ℎ4

The coefficient of performance is a ratio that describes the efficiency of a system.

It is based on the relationship between the power (kW) inputs to a system compared to the

amount of power that is output. The formula for the COP is:

ℎ1 − ℎ4
𝐶𝑂𝑃 =
ℎ2 − ℎ1

2.1. The Psychrometric Chart

A psychrometric chart is a graphical representation of the thermodynamic

properties of air, such as temperature, humidity, enthalpy, and dew point, used in HVAC

(Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) and other related fields. It is a useful tool for

understanding and analyzing the behavior of moist air and its properties as it undergoes

various heating, cooling, humidification, or dehumidification processes.

 The properties typically measured and displayed on a psychrometric chart include:

Dry Bulb Temperature (DBT):

This is the temperature of the air as measured by a regular thermometer, and it is

plotted along the horizontal axis of the chart. It represents the actual air temperature.

Wet Bulb Temperature (WBT):

This is the temperature measured with a thermometer whose bulb is covered with a

wet wick and exposed to moving air. It represents the lowest temperature to which air can

be cooled by evaporative cooling. It is plotted as diagonal lines or curves on the

psychrometric chart.

Relative Humidity (RH):

This is the ratio of the actual amount of moisture present in the air to the maximum

amount of moisture the air can hold at a given temperature and pressure, expressed as a

percentage. It is plotted as curved lines on the psychrometric chart.

Enthalpy:

This is the total heat content of the air per unit mass, and it includes both the sensible

heat (associated with the air's temperature) and the latent heat (associated with the moisture

content). It is plotted as diagonal lines or curves on the psychrometric chart.

Dew Point Temperature:

This is the temperature at which the air becomes saturated and condensation begins

to form. It is plotted as a horizontal line on the psychrometric chart.

Specific Volume:

This is the volume occupied by a unit mass of air, and it is plotted as diagonal lines

or curves on the psychrometric chart.

Humidity Ratio:

This is the mass of moisture per unit mass of dry air, and it is plotted as diagonal

lines or curves on the psychrometric chart.

Psychrometric Chart Formulas:

Psychrometric charts are used to determine the properties of moist air, such as

temperature, humidity, and enthalpy. Some common formulas used in psychrometric charts

include:

Dew Point Temperature: DPT = Ta - ((100 - RH)/5)

Relative Humidity: RH = (Pv/Ps) x 100

Enthalpy: H = 1.006 x Ta + (0.622 x W)

Where: Ta = Dry bulb temperature

RH = Relative humidity

Pv = Partial pressure of water vapor

Ps = Saturation pressure of water vapor

W = Humidity ratio

3. OBJECTIVES

1. To calculate the theoretical COP of the cycle.

2. To determine the actual COP of the cycle.

3. To compare the actual and theoretical COP of the cycle.

4. To plot the P-h diagram of the system.

4. EXPERIMENTAL SETUP

CONTROL PANEL
POWER METER

START SWITCH

STOP SWITCH

AIR
AIRCONDITIONED
CONDITIONED
SPACE
SPACE

Figure 4.1: Experimental Set-up

EVAPORATOR

LOW PRESSURE CONDENSER

GAUGE

HIGH PRESSURE
GAUGE
EXPANSION
VALVE

COMPRESSOR

Figure 4.2: Components of Air-Conditioner Trainer

➢ Evaporator- is a heat exchanger where the liquid refrigerant evaporates as it absorbs

heat from the air being cooled.

➢ Compressor – it is a device responsible for compressing low-pressure refrigerant

into high-pressure side, which circulates throughout the system.

➢ Condenser – it is where heat transfer occurs resulting to the compressed refrigerant

gas being cooled and condensed into a liquid state.

➢ Expansion valve – it is a constant enthalpy device which regulates the flow of the

refrigerant as well as reduces its pressure before it enters the evaporator.

➢ Power meter – it is a device used to measure the amount of power consumed by

unit. This would be necessary for conducting each trials or iteration of the

experiment.

➢ Pressure gauges - it is a device which determines the amount of pressure that exists

either in low-side and high-side of the system.

CONDENSER

EXPANSION
VALVE

COMPRESSOR

EVAPORATOR

Figure 4.3: Schematic Diagram of Vapor Compression Cycle

5. LABORATORY APPARATUS

➢ Anemometer – it is a device which will be used to measure the velocity of cooled

air.

➢ Thermometer – it will be used to determine the approximate temperature of cooled

air

6. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

1. Place the anemometer and thermometer in the inlet and outlet of air.

2. Turn on the power source and start the air-conditioning trainer until such time that

power meter calibrates with an additional 0.1 kW-hr reading.

3. Start the timer to begin the experiment.

4. Stop and record the timer as the power meter adds another 0.1 kW-hr reading.

5. Consequently, measure the velocity, temperature and relative humidity of the inlet

and outlet air.

6. Record the mass flow rate with respect to the velocity of air.

𝑄 =𝐴 ×𝑣 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝐴 = 22 𝑐𝑚 𝑥 8 𝑐𝑚

𝑘𝑔
𝑚=𝑄 × 𝜌 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝜌 = 1.2 𝑚3

7. Make use of the provided psychrometric chart and measure the enthalpies of the

inlet and outlet air to solve for the refrigerating effect.

8. Record the power consumed of the compressor with respect to the time elapsed.

9. Measure and record the power consumption of the air conditioning unit using a

power meter.

10. Solve for the actual COP using the data gathered.

11. Repeat the steps 3 to 10 for the next three trials.

 12. Make use of the provided Pressure-enthalpy chart of R22 to measure the theoretical

enthalpies of the cycle using the constant high-side and low-side pressures of 250

psi and 100 psi respectively.

13. Solve for the theoretical COP using the data gathered.

7. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn before operating the air

conditioning system to ensure protection against potential hazards. Proper PPE, such

as gloves, safety shoes, and safety glasses, can protect the operator from risks such as

refrigerant leaks, electrical shocks, and moving parts.

2. Any loose or dangling accessories, including necklaces, identification cards, and slings,

should be removed before operating the equipment. These items can get caught in the

moving parts of the equipment, leading to injury or damage to the equipment.

3. Inhalation of refrigerant and lubricant vapor or mist should be avoided at all times.

Exposure to these substances can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. If

accidental discharge occurs, the work area should be ventilated immediately to

minimize the risk of exposure.

4. Never touch any electrical components or wiring without proper training and

equipment. Always turn off the power supply before working on any electrical parts.

5. Always follow manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for proper operation and

maintenance of the air conditioning system.

6. Keep the work area clean and free from any unnecessary clutter or obstacles that may

cause tripping or falling.

7. Keep a first-aid kit nearby and have a plan in case of emergencies.

8. DATA PRESENTATION

Complete the table below.

Temperature Relative
Time Mass (°C) Humidity (%)
Power Velocity
Trial Elapsed Flow Rate
(kW) (m/s)
(secs) (kg/s) Inlet Outlet Inlet Outlet

1 481 0.1 0.031 1.47 25.1 18.3 51 52

2 491 0.1 0.0372 1.76 23.5 17.7 52 52

3 497 0.1 0.0376 1.78 22.4 17.1 53 53

4 503 0.1 0.0355 1.68 21.7 17.0 55 56

Ave. 493 0.1 0.0353 1.6725 23.175 17.525 52.75 53.25

Psychrometric Chart
Pressure-Enthalpy Chart of the Refrigerant R22
9. GUIDE QUESTIONS

Answer the following:

1. Plot the theoretical cycle of the air-conditioning trainer.

2

1
4
3
2. What is the theoretical and actual refrigerating effect?

a. Theoretical refrigerating effect:

From the Ph diagram,

where 𝑃1 = 𝑃4 = 100 psi

state 1 is saturated vapor

𝐵𝑇𝑈
ℎ1 = ℎ𝑔@100 𝑝𝑠𝑖 = 303.125 𝑙𝑏𝑚

state 4 is saturated liquid-vapor

𝐵𝑇𝑈
ℎ4 = ℎ3 = ℎ𝑓@250 𝑝𝑠𝑖 = 237.5 𝑙𝑏𝑚

𝐵𝑇𝑈 𝐵𝑇𝑈
Hence, 𝑄𝑒,𝑡 = ℎ1 − ℎ4 = 303.125 𝑙𝑏𝑚 − 237.5 𝑙𝑏𝑚

𝑩𝑻𝑼 𝒌𝑱
𝑸𝒆 = 65.625 = 152.644 𝒌𝒈
𝒍𝒃𝒎

b. Actual refrigerating effect

 From the Psychrometric chart,

where 𝑇𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 17.525 °𝐶 & 𝑅𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 53.25%

ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 34 kJ/kg

where 𝑇𝑖𝑛 = 23.175 °𝐶 & 𝑅𝐻𝑖𝑛 = 52.75%

ℎ𝑖𝑛 = 46 kJ/kg

𝑘𝐽 𝑘𝐽
Hence, 𝑄𝑒,𝑎 = ℎ𝑖𝑛 − ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 46 𝑘𝑔 − 34 𝑘𝑔

𝑘𝐽
𝑄𝑒,𝑎 = 12 𝑘𝑔

3. Are there any differences between the theoretical and actual power

consumption? If so, is it negligible?

For the theoretical power,

𝑊𝑐,𝑡 = 𝑚(ℎ2 − ℎ1 )

𝐵𝑇𝑈
where ℎ2 = ℎ@𝑆2 =𝑆1 & 250 𝑝𝑠𝑖 = 315.625 𝑙𝑏𝑚

𝐵𝑇𝑈
ℎ1 = ℎ𝑔@100 𝑝𝑠𝑖 = 303.125 𝑙𝑏𝑚

𝑘𝑔 𝐵𝑇𝑈 𝐵𝑇𝑈
𝑊𝑐,𝑡 = 𝑚(ℎ2 − ℎ1 ) = (0.0353 𝑆
)(315.625 𝑙𝑏𝑚
– 303.125 𝑙𝑏𝑚 )

𝑘𝑔 𝐵𝑇𝑈 𝑘𝑔 𝑘𝐽
𝑊𝑐,𝑡 = (0.0353 )(12.5 𝑙𝑏𝑚 ) = (0.0353 )(29.075 𝑘𝑔)
𝑆 𝑆

𝑊𝑐,𝑡 =1.02635 kW

For the actual power,

𝑊𝑐,𝑎 = Energy/time

1 ℎ𝑟
𝑊𝑐,𝑎 = (0.1 kW-hr)/(493 secs × 3600𝑠)

𝑊𝑐,𝑎 = 0.73 𝑘𝑊
 Thus, for the theoretical power, it is calculated to be 1.02635 kW while the

actual power is 0.73 kW. The difference between these two values are about 0.3

kW. Moreover, considering the percent error between the actual and theoretical

values, where

0.73 𝑘𝑊 − 1.02635 𝑘𝑊
% 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 =
1.02635 𝑘𝑊

% 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 0.2887

With 28.87% error and difference of power at 0.3 kW, it is not negligible.

4. Solve for the Ideal and Actual COP.

a. Ideal COP
ℎ1 −ℎ4
𝐶𝑂𝑃𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑙 = ℎ2 −ℎ1

𝐵𝑇𝑈 𝑘𝐽
where ℎ1 = 303.125 = 705.07
𝑙𝑏𝑚 𝑘𝑔

𝐵𝑇𝑈 𝑘𝐽
ℎ2 = 315.625 = 734.144 𝑘𝑔
𝑙𝑏𝑚

𝐵𝑇𝑈 𝑘𝐽
ℎ4 = 237.5 𝑙𝑏𝑚 = 552.425 𝑘𝑔

𝑘𝐽
705.07 −552.425 𝑘𝐽/𝑘𝑔
𝑘𝑔
𝐶𝑂𝑃𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑙 = 𝑘𝐽
734.144 −705.07 𝑘𝐽/𝑘𝑔
𝑘𝑔

𝐶𝑂𝑃𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑙 =5.25

b. Actual COP

𝑚 (ℎ𝑖𝑛 − ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡)
𝐶𝑂𝑃𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 = Energy/time

𝑘𝑔 𝑘𝐽 𝑘𝐽
(0.0353 ) (46 −34 )
𝑆 𝑘𝑔 𝑘𝑔
𝐶𝑂𝑃𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 = 1 ℎ𝑟
(0.1 kW−hr)/(493 secs × )
3600𝑠
 𝐶𝑂𝑃𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 = 0.58

5. Compare the Actual COP to the Ideal COP

The Actual COP (0.58) is significantly lower than the Ideal COP (5.25),

which indicates that the system is not operating at its maximum potential

efficiency. It suggests that there may be inefficiencies in the system such as heat

losses, environmental factors, operating conditions and the likes.

CONCLUSIONS:

From this experiment, we calculated that theoretical COP is 5.25. However, the

actual COP has a value of 0.58, which is unusually less than this. With this, we draw some

conclusions that there might be some inefficiencies in the system. Since, theoretical COP

is designed for ideal conditions, it is expected that the actual COP should be lower. But

with more possible factors for errors such as measurement errors, heat transfer

inefficiencies, equipment limitations and the likes, a far lower expected value of COP has

emerged.