BENG TECH IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY 262S

REFRIGERATION
CYCLE

Lusanda Duma
223052337
Date of Practical:03 October 2023
Submission Date: 17 October 2023
ABSTRACT

This experiment explores the fundamental principles and practical aspects of the refrigeration
cycle, a key thermodynamic process used in various cooling and air conditioning systems. The
experiment aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cycle’s components and its
operations as well as assess the efficiency of the AMATROL T7082 Thermal Systems Trainer.
Additionally, heat duties for both the condenser and the evaporator, and the compressor power,
are calculated using data obtained from the experiment.
Two expansion devices were used: the capillary tube and thermostatic expansion valve. The
thermostatic expansion valve was the better option compared to automatic expansion valve
because it is more sensitive and accurate as it responds to the actual heat transfer. In this
experiment, a R-134a refrigerant is used and water is used as the cooling medium. From the
data collected, calculations of mass flow rate, heat duties, compressor power and coefficient of
performance (COP) are made. A high COP value that was calculated indicated effective cooling
with minimum energy required.
The experiment was conducted only once due to time constraints. This influences the reliability
and accuracy of the results as there is no other data or results to compare to. The

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INTRODUCTION
The refrigeration cycle is a fundamental and essential thermodynamic process employed in
various cooling systems and air conditioning units to maintain lower temperatures within
enclosed spaces. This practical cycle operates on the principles of heat transfer, compression,
and expansion, and it is critical in maintaining the comfort of our homes, preserving food in
refrigerators, and supporting various industrial processes.
The refrigeration cycle consists of four components: evaporator, compressor, condenser, and
expansion valve. The evaporator absorbs heat from the surroundings, transforming the
refrigerant into a low-pressure, low-temperature gas. The compressor increases the refrigerant's
pressure and temperature, causing it to transition into a high-pressure, high-temperature gas.
The condenser releases the heat, releasing it into the atmosphere. The expansion valve
reduces the refrigerant's pressure and temperature, reverting it to a low-pressure state.
The continuous circulation of the refrigerant through these four components allows heat to be
extracted from the cooled space and released into the surrounding environment, allowing the
contained room to retain the desired lower temperature. This cyclic and extremely efficient
mechanism is the foundation of contemporary refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
The refrigeration cycle is adjusted and managed in practical applications such as refrigeration
units and air conditioners to maintain the required temperature within the enclosed space. This
is frequently accomplished using sensors, a thermostat, and a compressor motor that regulates
the flow and pressure of the refrigerant, guaranteeing effective cooling and temperature
management.

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EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
1. Located the power switch and ensured it was turned off.
2. The mode switch was set on STANDBY.
3. The dual pressure controller was checked to ensure it was at the recommended
conditions.
4. The thermostatic expansion valve was open.
5. The power switch was turned on.
6. The temperature controller was checked to ensure that it was set properly.
7. The flow meter was turned fully clockwise to fully open it.
8. The mode switch was turned to cooling position.
9. The trainer was left for 20 minutes to operate to steady conditions.
10. Recordings of temperature and pressure at the 4 stages were recorded.

Figure1:AMATROL T7082 Thermal System Trainer Set Up

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RESULTS

Temperature (°C) Gauge Pressure (bar) Absolute Pressure (bar)

TS1=5 PS1=2.5 3.513
TS2=41 PS2=9 10.013
TS3=37 PS3=9.1 10.113
TS4=4.5 PS4=3 4.013
Table 1: Data recorded from experiment.
The following specific enthalpies were obtained from the textbook: ‘Thermodynamics: An
Engineering Approach’.
h1=232.955 kj/kg
h2=271.74 kj/kg
h3=103.82 kj/kg
h4=58.58 kj/kg
Calculations
Volumetric Flowrate=0.348ft3/hr =2.737×10-6 m3/s
Specific Volume= 0.8041×10-3 m3/kg
1. Mass Flow Rate
̇ 𝑣̇
𝑚=
𝑣
2.737 × 10−6
𝑚̇ =
0.8041 × 10−3

𝑚̇ = 0.0034 𝑘𝑔/𝑠
2. Heat Duty of Evaporator
𝑄𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 𝑚̇(ℎ1 − ℎ4 )

= 0.0034(232.955 − 58.58)

= 0.59 𝐾𝑤
3. Heat Duty of Condenser
𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑟 = 𝑚̇(ℎ3 − ℎ2 )

= 0.0034(103.82 − 271.74)

= −0.57 𝐾𝑤
4. Compressor Power
𝑤̇ = 𝑚̇(ℎ2 − ℎ1 )
𝑤̇ = 0.13 𝐾𝑊

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 5. Coefficient of Performance
𝑅𝑒𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡
𝐶𝑂𝑃 =
𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑟 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘
ℎ1 − ℎ4
𝐶𝑂𝑃 =
ℎ2 − ℎ1
232.955 − 58.59
=
271.74 − 232.955
= 4.49

DISCUSSION
According to the obtained data from Table 1, a significant temperature and pressure difference
is observed between compressed vapor and condensed vapor. The low-pressure vapor was
compressed to a high pressure and subsequently increased the temperature of the vapor. The
high-pressure vapor then condenses and loses its heat to the water (cooling medium). This
observed temperature difference is crucial for efficient heat transfer and cooling. The evaporator
produced a noticeable cooling effect while the condenser rejected heat efficiently.
The specific enthalpy of the refrigerant increased significantly in the compressor and decreased
in the condenser. These changes are indicators that heat transfer took place within the cycle.
Based on the calculations, a COP of 4.49 was obtained. This is an indication that the system
provides effective cooling with minimal energy input, which is essential to reducing energy
consumption and operational costs.
Superheat was observed to be low. This observation was made by analyzing the temperature
difference between the vapor temperature and the temperature measured at the evaporator
outlet. This is an indication that the refrigerant was in the desired state throughout the cycle.
For the experiment, the thermostatic expansion valve was open, and the automatic expansion
valve was closed. The thermostatic expansion valve was the better option compared to
automatic expansion valve because it is more sensitive and accurate as it responds to the
actual heat transfer. Furthermore, it helps reduce losses in the cycle, thus improving system
efficiency. Therefore, the results obtained from this practical are highly likely to be accurate.

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CONCLUSION
The experiment performed provided a great insight into the operation, efficiency, and relevance
of the refrigeration cycle. The results showed that significant temperature difference should be
observed, which reflects efficient heat transfer and cooling. The high COP is a crucial indicator
of energy efficiency in refrigerants using R-134a as a refrigerant. Due to many factors, including
external environmental conditions and equipment limitations, it is important to note that real
world systems may not always achieve ideal conditions.
This experiment serves a foundational purpose of comprehending the refrigeration cycle, which
has many applications in engineering and everyday life. Further research and improvement in
system design and control can contribute to enhanced efficiency and environmental
sustainability in refrigeration and cooling technology.

REFERENCES
Cengel, YA, Boles MA. “Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach” 8th edition, 2015,
McGraw-HillEducation
Kaushik, S. C. et al. (2017) Finite Time Thermodynamics of Power and Refrigeration Cycles.
1st ed. 2017. [Online]. Cham: Springer International Publishing. Accessed on: 15 October 2023
Seckin, C. (2018) Thermodynamic analysis of a combined power/refrigeration cycle:
Combination of Kalina cycle and ejector refrigeration cycle. Energy conversion and
management. [Online] 157631–643. Accessed on: 12 October 2023.