Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

Lab Manual

Name: Govind Atwal

Batch: ME-IJK

Group: K

Roll No.: 2k16/ME/062

1
 Table of Contents

Page
S. No. Title Sign. Remarks
No.

To study the window type 3

1 air conditioner

To conduct a performance
test on a vapour
2. 7
compression test rig to
determine actual COP

To conduct a study of
3. 11
water coolers

To conduct a performance
test on an air-conditioning
17
4. test rig to determine
actual COP

To carry a performance
test on the absorption
22
5. refrigeration system using
electric heater.

6. To Study Ice Plant Rig 25

2
 EXPERIMENT 1

AIM

To study the window type air conditioner.

APPARATUS

An open up and disassembled window type air conditioner, set up including

● Compressor
● Evaporator
● Condenser
● Capillary tube
● Fan

COMPRESSOR RATING/SPECIFICATION

Make: Kirloskar Brother Limited (KBL), 230V-50Hz-1D LR445, R22- Code-pse-89 S.R. No.- pse-74432
IS:10617 – (Part 1) – Hermite Compressor – High Temp application

FAN RATING/SPECIFICATION

Capacitor start evaporator run single phase motor, 230V-50Hz, 1400rpm, 40Watt.

Capacitor and Motor rating not Visible.

THEORY

Air conditioning (or AC) is the process of altering the properties of air, primarily temperature and
humidity, to more comfortable conditions. In common use, an air conditioner is a device that lowers the
air temperature and Window type air conditioners are one of the most commonly used and cheapest type
of air conditioners.

The components of window type air conditioners are compressor, condenser, expansion valve or
expansion coil, and the evaporator or the cooling coil, all housed in a single box. There is also a motor
which has shafts on both sides. On one side of the shaft the blower is connected, which sucks hot air from
the room and blows it over the cooling coil, thus cooling it and sending it to the room. On the other shaft
the fan is connected, which blows the air over Freon gas passing through the condenser.

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PARTS OF THE WINDOW AIR CONDITIONERS

• The whole assembly of the window air conditioner can be divided into two compartments:- The room
side, which is also the cooling side and the outdoor side from where the heat absorbed by the room air is
liberated to the atmosphere. In the front of the window air conditioner on the room side there is
beautifully decorated front panel on which the supply and return air grills are fitted (the whole front panel
itself is commonly called as front grill). The louvers fitted in the supply air grills are adjustable so as to
supply the air in desired direction. There is also one opening in the grill that allows access to the control
panel or operating panel in front of the window air conditioner.

The various parts of the window air conditioner can be divided into following categories:

• Refrigeration system,

• Air circulation system,

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• Ventilation system,

• control system,

• Electrical protection system.

The REFRIGERATION SYSTEM of the window air conditioner comprises of all the important parts of
the refrigeration cycle. These include the compressor, condenser, expansion valve and the evaporator. The
refrigerant used in most of the window air conditioners is R22. The compressor used in the window air
conditioners is hermetically sealed type, which is portable one. This compressor has long life and it
carries long warranty periods. The condenser is made up of copper tubing and it is cooled by the
atmospheric air. The condenser is covered with the fins to enable faster heat transfer rate from it. The
capillary tubing made up of various rounds of the copper coil is used as the expansion valve in the
window air conditioners. Just before the capillary there is drier filter that filters the refrigerant and also
removes the moisture particles, if present in the refrigerant.

Like condenser, the evaporator is also made up of copper tubing of number of turns and is covered with
the fins. the evaporator is also called as the cooling coil since the rooms air passes over it and gets cooled.
Just in front of the evaporator there is air filter fitted in the front panel or front grill. As the room air is
absorbed, it is first passed over the filter so that it gets filtered. The filtered air is then blown over the
cooling coil and the chilled air is passed into the room. The refrigerant after leaving the cooling coil
enters the accumulator where it is accumulated and then it is again sucked by the compressor for
recirculation over the whole cycle.

The air circulation system of the window air conditioner comprises of the following parts.

1) Blower : This is the small blower that is fitted behind the evaporator or cooling coil inside the
assembly of the window air conditioner system. The blower sucks the air from the room which first
passes over the air filter and gets filtered. The air then passes over the cooling coil and gets chilled. The
blower then blows this filtered and chilled air, which passes through the supply air compartment inside
the window air conditioner assembly. This air is then delivered into the room from the supply air grill of
the front panel. AIR CIRCULATION SYSTEM

2) Propeller fan or the condenser fan : The condenser fan is the forced draft type of propeller fan that
sucks the atmospheric air and blows it over the condenser. The hot refrigerant inside the condenser gives
up the heat to the atmospheric air and its temperature reduces.

3) Fan Motor : The motor inside the window air conditioner assembly is located between the condenser
and the evaporator coil. It has double shaft on one side of which the blower is fitted and on the other side
the condenser fan is fitted. This makes the whole assembly of the blower, the condenser fan and the motor
highly compact.

The air moving inside the room and in the front part of the air conditioner where the cooling coil is
located is considered to be the room air. When the window AC is started the blower starts immediately
and after a few seconds the compressor also starts. The evaporator coil or the cooling gets cooled as soon
as the compressor is started. The blower behind the cooling coil starts sucking the room air, which is at
high temperature and also carries the dirt and dust particles. On its path towards the blower, the room air
first passes through the filter where the dirt and dust particles from it get removed.

The air then passes over the cooling coil where two processes occur. Firstly, Due to this the temperature
of the room air becomes very low, that is the air becomes chilled. Secondly, due to reduction in the

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temperature of the air, relative humidity reduces. This air at low temperature and low humidity is
sucked by the blower and it blows it at high pressure. The chilled air then passes through small duct
inside the air conditioner and it is then thrown outside the air conditioner through the opening in the front
panel or the grill. This chilled air then enters the room and chills the room maintaining low temperature
and low humidity inside the room.

The cool air inside the room absorbs the heat and also the moisture and so its temperature and moisture
content becomes high. This air is again sucked by the blower and the cycle repeats. Some outside air also
gets mixed with this room air. Since this air is sent back to the blower, it is also called as the return room
air. In this way the cycle of this return air or the room air keeps on repeating.

TERMINOLOGY (For Evaluation)

1) COP(co efficient of performance)

COP = (Desired Effect/ Work Input)
2) SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)

SEER = (BTU of cooling output during normal annual usage/Total Energy input in W-H)

[SEER = 3.792*COP]

Above terminologies are used for performance evaluation of air conditioners..

ADVANTAGES

● Window ac don’t need such complex installation.

● We can install these units all by ourself.
● More economical and efficient.
● Can be fitted in any kind of windows with small adjustments.
● They are portable.

LIMITATIONS OF WINDOW AC

● No humidity control though it carrier out dehumidification.

● Most of the window ac conditioners do not provide heating for winters.
● No provision for humidification in window ac conditioner.
● Outside temperature above 40 degree c can cause derating of the conditioner.
● Cover big part of window and cut down sunlight and natural ventilation.

CONCLUSION

Various components and processors involved with the window type air conditioner set up in the
laboratory is studied.

DISCUSSION

● No measured /measurable observation and subsequent calculation are made as set is only display
type
● Specification of Motor/ Blower is not visible
● Double capillary expansion thread are impressive

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 EXPERIMENT-2

Aim of the experiment

To conduct a performance test on a vapour compression test rig to determine actual COP.

Theory
The purpose of the experiment is to find the co-efficient of performance of the existing set up by two
means. In one method, temperature and pressure at various points is measured. From these values the
enthalpy at different locations is determined from the R-134. From these enthalpy values the COP is
determined.

Figure 1: Vapour compression refrigeration system

The above COP is validated by calculating the tem of water circuit in line with the evaporator and
condenser. From this COP is determined and then compared. A simple vapour compression cycle consists
of following processes:

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 Figure 2 Schematic diagram of VCRS

1. Process 1-2: it is theoretically isentropic compression. It involves suction line, compressor,

delivery line, and the thermostatic low- high pressure cut-off switch. Actually it is polytropic
compression as actually there will be losses.
2. Processs 2-3: it is theoretically constant pressure heat rejection through condenser. Practically
pressure, may vary a little. It includes the copper tube aluminum in condenser, the delivery and
liquid line.
3. Process 3-4: it’s an iso-enthalpic throttling process.
4. Process 4-1: it is constant pressure evaporation process involving evaporator, expansion line,
suction line and switch.

5.
Figure 3 P-h and T-s Diagram

From the T-S diagram of VCRS

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QO = mw.Cpw..(TO – T1)

Where QO is cooling effect (watt), mw is evaporator cooling water mass flow rate and Cpw is specific heat
of water. TO and T1 are temperature @ evaporator water inlet and outlet respectively.

Qe = mwe.Cpw..(TO – T1)

Where Qe is heating effect (watt), mwe is condenser cooling water mass flow rate and Cpw is specific heat
of water. TO and T1 are temperature @ condensor water inlet and outlet respectively.

W is the work done by the pump. Therefore

COPR = QO /W = QO / Qe - QO

COPR = h1 – h4/ h2-h1

Therefore for the heat pump the COP is given by

COPH = h2 – h3/ h2-h1

Where h1, h2, h3 and h4 are enthalpy @ compressor inlet, outlet and evaporator inlet, outlet respectively.

Observations:

S.no Evaporator Condensor Reservoir( Evap outlet Cond. Energy Reading

flow rate water rate deg C) temp outlet meter Duration
(lph) (lph) (degC) temp reading (min)
(degC)

1 28 29 25 21 31 0.1 15

2 25 27 26 21 31 0.12 15

By calculations using required formulae of heat pump anf refigeration cop is calculate as per follows;-
Reading1 COP(HP)=2.02 BY Reading 2COP(HP)=1.306

COP(REF)=1.3 COP(REF)=1.209

Average COP(R)=1.25

Average COP(hp)=1.754

Sn. T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 P1 P2 P3 P4 V q

1 23.1 27.1 4.7 22.9 44.5 35.8 29.4 27 102 24 105 226 2.46

2 23.2 27.4 5 22.9 45.5 37 28 27 102 24 106 226 2.45

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Hence cop average calculated is

COP(HP)=4.49

COP(R)=3.951

Conclusion
From the water circulation the average cop of refrigeration is calculated as 1.25 And heat pump is1.754

Similarly for refrigeration circuit the average cop pf refrigertion is3.45 And thst of heat pump is 4.949.

Discussion
While evaluating COP from the refrigerant circuit it was considered as a simple saturated VCR cycle. But
as per the observation data of cycle is not a simple saturated one. Hence the average COP differed visibly
large from the water circuit.

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 EXPERIMENT III

AIM
To conduct a study of water coolers

1. Introduction
A water dispenser, known as water cooler (if used for cooling only), is a machine that cools and
dispenses water with a refrigeration unit. It is commonly located near the restroom due to closer
access to plumbing. A drain line is also provided from the water cooler into the sewer system.
Water coolers come in a variety of form factors, ranging from wall-mounted to bottle filler water
cooler combination units, to bi-level units and other formats. They are generally broken up in two
categories: point-of-use (POU) water coolers and bottled water coolers. POU Water coolers are
connected to a water supply, while bottled water coolers require delivery (or self-pick-up) of water in
large bottles from vendors. Bottled water coolers can be top-mounted or bottom-loaded, depending
on the design of the model.

2. Types of Water Coolers

2.1. Evaporative Coolers
Evaporative coolers, also called swamp coolers, provide energy-efficient alternatives to cool
houses in dry regions. There are several types of evaporative coolers including the following:
Direct evaporative cooler: This type of cooler often called a swamp cooler uses a blower to force
air through a permeable water-soaked pad. As the air passes through the pad, it is filtered, cooled,
and humidified.

Figure 1. Schematic of an Evaporative Cooler

2.1.1. Evaporative cooling systems

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 Evaporative coolers are used in residential and smaller systems in dry, hot climates. These
systems operate by evaporating water into air and thereby cooling it. Air gives up heat (the
latent heat of vaporization) at the rate of roughly 2.3 MJ/kg (~ 1,000 Btu/lb) of water
evaporated, depending on the temperature of evaporation. The process takes place along a
line of constant wet bulb temperature and therefore the ambient wet bulb temperature is the
lower limit on cooling that can be achieved. In actual practice, saturated conditions are
avoided. Evaporative systems use less energy than refrigerated systems but require larger
flows of outside air to provide adequate cooling (since cool air temperatures tend to be
higher). One recent innovation is indirect cooling by an evaporative cycle.
2.1.2. Design considerations
● Water use
In arid and semi-arid climates, the scarcity of water makes water consumption a concern in
cooling system design. From the installed water meters,420938 L (111,200 gal) of water were
consumed during 2002 for the two passive cooling towers at the Zion National Park visitors'
center. However, such concerns are addressed by experts who note that electricity generation
usually requires a large amount of water, and evaporative coolers use far less electricity, and
thus comparable water overall, and cost less overall, compared to chillers.
● Shading
Allowing direct solar exposure to the media pads increases the evaporation rate. Sunlight
may, however, degrade some media, in addition to heating up other elements of the
evaporative cooling design. Therefore, shading is advisable in most applications.
2.1.3. Mechanical systems
Apart from fans used in mechanical evaporative cooling, pumps are the only other piece of
mechanical equipment required for the evaporative cooling process in both mechanical and
passive applications. Pumps can be used for either recirculating the water to the wet media
pad or providing water at very high pressure to a mister system for a passive cooling tower.
Pump specifications will vary depending on evaporation rates and media pad area. The Zion
National Park visitors' center uses a 250 W (1/3 HP) pump.
2.1.4. Exhaust
Exhaust ducts and/or open windows must be used at all times to allow air to continually
escape the air0conditioned area. Otherwise, pressure develops and the fan or blower in the
system is unable to push much air through the media and into the air-conditioned area. The
evaporative system cannot function without exhausting the continuous supply of air from the
air-conditioned area to the outside.
By optimizing the placement of the cooled-air inlet, along with the layout of the house
passages, related doors, and room windows, the system can be used most effectively to direct
the cooled air to the required areas. A well-designed layout can effectively scavenge and
expel the hot air from desired areas without the need for an above-ceiling ducted venting
system. Continuous airflow is essential, so the exhaust windows or vents must not restrict the
volume and passage of air being introduced by the evaporative cooling machine.
One must also be mindful of the outside wind direction, as, for example, a strong hot
southerly wind will slow or restrict the exhausted air from a south-facing window. It is
always best to have the downwind windows open, while the upwind windows are closed.

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2.2. Storage Type Water Cooler
This type of cooler has all the parts that are used in a normal fridge that we use in our home. The
basic parts being the compressor (usually a hermetically sealed compressor), condenser (usually
air cooled condensers), expansion device, and an evaporator (the space where water is to be
cooled). The refrigerant flows from the compressor to the condenser where the high pressure
refrigerant vapor is converted into high pressure liquid refrigerant. From the condenser, the liquid
refrigerant flows through the expansion device where the high pressure refrigerant is converted
into low pressure, low temperature liquid refrigerant
In this type of cooler, the evaporator coils are soldered on to the outer surface of the walls of the
storage tank. The water level of the storage tank may be maintained by a float valve. In this type
of cooler, the disadvantage is that the time taken to bring the temperature down to the set value is
more (i.e. the cooler will have to work for a long time since the mass of water in the tank is
more). The thermostat senses the temperature of water and stops the machine when the set
temperature has been achieved.
When water is drawn from the cooler for drinking, an equal amount of water is being admitted in
to the tank. When the temperature of the water increases more than the set point, the machine
starts its cycle automatically.

Figure 2. Storage-type Water Cooler.

2.3. Instantaneous Type Water Cooler

In general the instantaneous type of water coolers consists of two separate cylindrically wound
coils. One coil is for the refrigerant and the other for water. They may be made of copper or
stainless steel tubes. Usually both the coils are entwined and bonded together by soldering. The
water is cooled by the refrigerant by conduction in the evaporator. The instantaneous type coolers
may be further classified as:
● Bottle type
● Pressure type

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 ● Self-contained remote type.

2.3.1. Bottle Type

The water that is to be cooled will be stored in a bottle or reservoir. These are usually 25
liters bottles placed on top of the unit. A faucet is used to minimize the wastage of water. The
drip receptor receives water that is not used and sends it to the drainage. When we operate the
faucet, the water flows from bottle to the water coil through flow regulator. Now as the water
travels through the coil, it loses its latent heat to the refrigerant in the evaporator coil there by
reduction in water temperature is achieved. A thermostat is placed at the end of the water coil
to the compressor start and stop according to the water temperature. This type of cooler may
be used in hospitals, shops, home, etc. (The water cooler illustrated at left also provides
heated water.)

Figure 3. Bottle Type Water Cooler.

2.3.2. Pressure Type

In this type of cooler, water is supplied under pressure. The city water enters the cooler at the
rear of the cooler. It is cooled initially in a pre-cooler. The waste water passing through the
drainage line is also cool; hence this drainage pipe is wrapped around the fresh water pipe for
pre-cooling thus reducing the cooling load for the cooler. The pre-cooled water is then taken
to the storage chamber, where the refrigerant gains heat from the water. The outlet for water
is taken from the bottom of the storage tank which may be a bubbler or a self-closing valve.
A thermostat is used to control the temperature of water in the pipe to maintain a particular
set point.

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 Figure 4. Pressure Type Water Cooler.

2.3.3. Self-Contained Remote Type

This system consists of a mechanical refrigeration system, the water being cooled by the
cooler which is remote from the desired drinking place. This remote cooler supplies cold
water to the desired drinking place. The thermostat is clamped onto water pipe at its outlet in
an instantaneous type water cooler. The flow rate must be adjusted to match its capacity. If
rate of flow is more, the cooler will not bring down the temperature of water to the set point
and also it results in high evaporator temperature which in turn leads to high suction pressure
of the compressor which may adversely affect the compressor motor.
2.4. Capacity of water coolers
The cooling of load for the water cooler(Q) is obtained as
𝑄 = 𝑀. 𝑐. (𝑇1 − 𝑇2 )

Where,
𝑀 =rate of water consumption
𝑐 =specific heat of water
𝑇1 =inlet temperature of water
𝑇2 =outlet temperature of water

3. Conclusion
We have done a detailed study on the water coolers it types and all the basic design considerations.

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4. Discussion
Evaporative cooling is especially well suited for climates where the air is hot and humidity is low.
Evaporative cooling strategies that involve the humidification of the air should be implemented in
dry condition where the increase in moisture content stays below recommendations for occupant's
comfort and indoor air quality.
The system can be made more effective by using a material of high heat transfer rate in place of
conventional coils that we use for now

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 EXPERIMENT -IV

AIM

To conduct a performance test on an air-conditioning test rig to determine actual COP

APPARATUS REQUIRED

Air-conditioning test rig containing:

i. Evaporator
ii. Condenser
iii. Compressor
iv. Thermostatic expansion valve
v. Capillary
vi. Standard ball and gate valves
vii. Digital temperature indicator indicating temperature and/or number of points across the system
viii. Pressure gauge of four locations
ix. Digital energy meter in kWh
x. Silica drier
xi. Solenoid valve
xii. Fuse and circuit breaker

COMPRESSOR SPECIFICATION

Make: Emerson
Model: Ke1467 HAG
IS:1067 part-2, High temperature application
R-134a, Serial – DKK 3860I
Electrical Circuit – estr
(180-260)V, 1p, 50Hz
Start capacitor – (80-100)mF @275V ac
Relay – KAR p5641 OTC MTRP 5641

THEORY

The purpose of the experiment is to determine the coefficient of performance of the air-conditioning test
ruig by using thermostatic expansion valve and capillary tube one at each time.

As shown in the figure 4a, the test setup consists of all elements of a vapour compression refrigeration
cycle. Besides this it contains a number of additional elements discussed below:

17
 Fig 4a: Line diagram of an air-conditioning test rig

i. Filter/Dryer: It contains silica gel to soak moisture in the condensed refrigerant

ii. Thermostatic expansion valve: It is a throttling device with a feedback connecting to compressor
iii. Capillary tube: Another throttling device.
Refrigerant is either passed through the thermostatic expansion device or the capillary tube one at a time.
So there are two COP i.e one with thermostatic expansion valve and the other with a capillary
tube
iv. Blower: It is directed towards the evaporator. It creates forced convection of cold environment
from evaporator to the air-conditioned space
v. Charging Line: It is the line through which fresh refrigerant is fed into the compressor when
refrigerant level inside the circuit declines.

The basic thermodynamic cycle for the given air-conditioning rig remains the same as explained in Fig.
1(b) of Experiment-1. The various processes remains the same as explained in Experiment-2.

After the system is allowed to run and stabilize pressure, temperature and energy meter readings are taken
at all designated points. First using thermostatic expansion valve and then using capillary one at a time.

From the denoted pressures and temperatures the following enthalpies are determined from R-134a chord.

i. Enthalpy at pressure inlet

ii. Enthalpy at compressor exit
iii. Enthalpy at condenser exit

𝐸𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑝𝑦 𝑎𝑡 (𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑡 − 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑡)

𝐶𝑂𝑃 =
𝐸𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑝𝑦 𝑎𝑡 (𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑡 − 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑡)

PROCEDURE

i. System is switched on and allowed to operate for 15 minutes

18
 ii. Time is noted and the energy meter reading of the compressor is taken
iii. Pressure, temperature, voltage, and current is noted from the respective devices
iv. First the capillary tube root is blocked and valves taken the thermostatic expansion device
using valve V3
v. Then the procedure is repeated by blocking the thermostatic expansion valve and allowing the
refrigerant to pass the capillary
vi. All values are noted
vii. System is shut down

OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS:

Sl
To T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 P1 P2 P3 P4 V I
No.

(oC) (psi) (Volt) (Amp)

01 20 25 20.1 16.7 -2.5 8.9 45.4 25.4 7.2 7 21.5 23 234 3

02 20 25.2 20.5 17.4 -1.8 9.2 48.8 25.8 7.1 7 21 28 234 3

Table 4a: Through thermostatic expansion valve

(i) For S.No ‘1’ From R-134a chart

At -2.5oC and 0.476 bar

H4 = 397.5 kJ/kg

At 45.4oC and 1.564 bar

H6 = 397.5 kJ/kg

At 25.4oC and 1.462 bar

H7 = 397.5 kJ/kg

ℎ4 − ℎ7 397.5 − 233.5
𝐶𝑂𝑃 = 𝐶𝑂𝑃 = 𝐶𝑂𝑃 = 5.77
ℎ6 − ℎ4 425.9 − 397.51

(ii) For S.No. ‘2’ From R-134a chart

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At -1.8oC and 0.476 bar
H4 = 396.2 kJ/kg

At 48.8oC and 1.7 bar

H6 = 427.6 kJ/kg

At 25.8oC and 1.428 bar

H7 = 230.5 kJ/kg

ℎ4′ − ℎ7′ 396.2 − 230.5

𝐶𝑂𝑃 = 𝐶𝑂𝑃 = 𝐶𝑂𝑃 = 5.27
ℎ6′ − ℎ4′ 427.6 − 396.2

Thus, average COP of the cycle through the thermostatic expansion valve is 5.52

Sl
To T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 P1 P2 P3 P4 V I
No.

(oC) (psi) (Volt) (Amp)

01 20.5 25.5 30.5 17.5 -1.4 9.6 51.6 26.2 7.2 7.05 21.05 28 234 3

02 20.3 25.4 20.5 17.5 -1.6 9.3 51.1 20.4 7.1 7 21.05 35 234 3

Table 4b: Through capillary tube

(i) For S.No. ‘1’ From R-134a chart

At -1.4oC and 0.476 bar

H4 = 397.5 kJ/kg

At 51.6oC and 1.964 bar

H6 = 445 kJ/kg

At 26.4oC and 1.4314 bar

H7 = 235.9 kJ/kg

ℎ4 − ℎ7 397.5 − 235.9
𝐶𝑂𝑃 = 𝐶𝑂𝑃 = 𝐶𝑂𝑃 = 3.23
ℎ6 − ℎ4 445 − 395.6

(ii) For S.No. ‘2’ From R-134a chart

At -1.6oC and 0.476 bar

H4 = 394.4 kJ/kg

At 51.6oC and 2.38 bar

H6 = 447.8 kJ/kg

20
At 26.4oC and 1.4314 bar
H7 = 235.9 kJ/kg

ℎ4′ − ℎ7′ 394.4 − 235.9

𝐶𝑂𝑃 = 𝐶𝑂𝑃 = 𝐶𝑂𝑃 = 2.968
ℎ6′ − ℎ4′ 447.8 − 394.4

Thus, average COP of the cycle through the thermostatic expansion valve is 3.099

CONCLUSION

Average COP of the system through thermostatic expansion is found to be 5.52 and that through the
capillary tube is found to be 3.099.

DISCUSSION

COP of the system can also be determined by measuring the air-conditioning effect inside the conditioned
space and the energy consumption by the compressor.

21
 EXPERIMENT No. 5

• Aim: To Study Absorption Refrigeration System using Electric Heater

• Theory:

Absorption Refrigeration System

An absorption refrigerator is a refrigerator that uses a heat source (e.g., solar energy, a fossil-fueled flame,
waste heat from factories, or district heating systems) to provide the energy needed to drive the cooling
process. The principle can also be used to air-condition buildings using the waste heat from a gas turbine
or water heater. Using waste heat from a gas turbine makes the turbine very efficient because it first
produces electricity, then hot water, and finally, air-conditioning (called cogeneration/ trigeneration).
Absorption refrigerators are commonly used in Recreational Vehicles (RVs), campers, and caravans
because they can be powered with propane fuel, rather than electricity.

o Principle:
Common absorption refrigerators use a refrigerant with a very low boiling point (less than −18 °C (0 °F))
just like compressor refrigerators. Compression refrigerators typically use an HCFC or HFC, while
absorption refrigerators typically use ammonia or water and need at least a second fluid able to absorb the
coolant, the absorbent, respectively water (for ammonia) or brine (for water).
1 Evaporation: A liquid refrigerant evaporates in a low partial pressure environment, thus
extracting heat from its surroundings (e.g. the refrigerator's compartment). Because of the low partial
pressure, the temperature needed for evaporation is also low.
2 Absorption: The second fluid, in a depleted state, sucks out the now gaseous refrigerant, thus
providing the low partial pressure. This produces a refrigerant-saturated liquid which then flows to the
next step:
3 Regeneration: The refrigerant-saturated liquid is heated, causing the refrigerant to evaporate out.
a. The evaporation occurs at the lower end of a narrow tube; the bubbles of refrigerant gas push the
refrigerant-depleted liquid into a higher chamber, from which it will flow by gravity to the absorption
chamber.
b. The hot gaseous refrigerant passes through a heat exchanger, transferring its heat outside the system
(such as to surrounding ambient-temperature air), and condenses at a higher place. The condensed
(liquid) refrigerant will then flow by gravity to supply the evaporation phase.

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 o Arrangement:
The arrangements of the components are shown in the fig. The strong ammonia solution is heated in the
generator by the application of external heat source and NH3 vapor is removed from the solution. The
water vapor carried with NH3 vapor is removed in the separator. The dry vapor of ammonia is condensed
passing through the condenser with the help of external cooling source. This liquid ammonia flows under
gravity into the evaporator and evaporates at low pressure in the pressure in the presence of H2 and
maintains the low temperature in the evaporator by absorbing its latent heat from the evaporator. The
mixture of NH3 and H2 vapor is then passed into the absorber from the bottom.
The weak solution of aqua ammonia flows into the absorber coming out from separator at the top. The
weak ammonia solution comes in intimate contact with NH3 and H2 vapor in the absorber and becomes
strong in NH3 by absorbing ammonia vapor. The hydrogen being insoluble in water is separated and
flows back into the evaporator. The strong solution leaving the absorber enters into the generator again
and the cycle is repeated.

o Working:
Liquid NH3 evaporates in the presence of hydrogen. It is non corrosive to the metals and insoluble in
water.The inert gas is confined to the low side of system only to the evaporator and absorber. The total
pressure in the low side of the system remains constant. The liquid NH3 evaporates in the evaporator at
its partial pressure. The total pressure in the high side of the system (condenser and generator) is the
pressure of ammonia only. The pressure throughout the system, low side as well as high side, is
maintained constant. Therefore it is also known as constant pressure refrigeration system. As the pressure
throughout the system is constant circulation is maintained by heating of strong solution, producing a
bubble pump action.

o Performance Improvement
Actually several refinements have been added to increase the efficiency and improve the performance. A
liquid heat exchanger is used for the weak solution going to the generator. The analyzer and rectifier are
added to remove the water vapor that may have formed in the generator. A reserve hydrogen vessel is
added to give the same efficient operation under variable load conditions.
The major advantage of this system is that it doesn’t require electric power either to run a pump or a
compressor, only heating is sufficient to run the unit.

o General Operating Conditions

Total System Pressure: 14 to 20 atm

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Partial Pressure of Ammonia in
a. Condenser : 14 to 20 atm
b. Generator : 14 to 20 atm
c. Absorber : 2 to 7 atm
d. Evaporator : 2 to 7 atm
Temperature in
a. Condenser : 35 to 55 oC
b. Generator : 80 to 110 oC
c. Absorber : 35 to 55 oC
a. Evaporator : 0 to 15 oC
Strong Solution Concentration: 0.4 to 0.65 Kg NH3 /Kg Solution
Weak Solution Concentration: 0.3 to 0.5 Kg NH3 /Kg Solution

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 EXPERIMENT VI
Aim:
To Study Ice Plant Rig

Introduction:
Refrigeration is the process of removing heat from where it is not wanted. Heat is removed from food to
preserve its quantity and flavour. It is removed from room air to establish human comfort. Therefore, as
heat is removed, a space or material becomes colder. The more heat is removed, the colder it becomes the
Ice Plant Test. Rig designed by us works on simple vapour compression refrigeration cycle and uses
R134a or R 404 A as a refrigerant. The system is designed such that students can observe and study ice
formation process without any confusion. It is also useful to understand working of vapour compression
system, due to its sophisticated yet simple performance and controls.
The first procedure of ice making is Pull down test. This process would enable to lessen the time of actual
ice formation. The pull down test is done with the cooling of the secondary refrigerant in the tank, brine,
lowering its temperature to at least -4 to -5 degrees Celsius. There are still different factors considered in
the Pull down test and this procedure has its independent cooling load calculation.

Theory:
Ice manufacturing is a process used for producing refrigeration effect to freeze liquid water in chilling
tanks placed in rectangular tank which is filled by brine solution. A proper definition of refrigeration is to
remove heat energy from a system so substance gets colder than surrounding. An ice plant test rig is
based on same principle as a simple refrigeration system. An ice plant test rig system consists of different
parts like compressor, evaporator, expansion device, evaporator, chilling tank etc. R134a or R404a is
generally used due to its ecofriendly properties. Brine solution is used as a secondary refrigerant to
increase cooling effects.
Ice Plant: Ice plant works on vapor compression refrigeration. This refrigeration cycle is approximately
a Rankine cycle run in reverse. A working fluid (often called the refrigerant) is pushed through the system
and undergoes state changes (from liquid to gas and back). The latent heat of vaporization of the
refrigerant is used to transfer large amounts of heat energy, and changes in pressure are used to control
when the refrigerant expels or absorbs heat energy.

Principle of Refrigeration: Refrigeration is defined as the production of temperature lower than those of
the surrounding and maintains the lower temperature within the boundary of a given space. The effect has
been accomplished by non-cyclic processes such as the melting of ice or sublimation of solid carbon

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dioxide. However, refrigeration effect is usually produced by transferring heat from a low temperature
source to a high temperature source by spending mechanical work. To produce this effect requires certain
machinery; hence, the method is called mechanical refrigeration. The working media of such machines
are called refrigerants. The ability of a substance to change from a liquid to a vapor under certain pressure
and temperature conditions is physical phenomenon called refrigeration cycle. In order for substance to
boil from liquid to a vapor or gas, it must absorb heat ; in the absorption of the heat ,the vaporizing
substance cools the material, whether it be air or water from which the heat is absorbed.

There are three main circuits of working medium in ice plant:

Refrigeration circuit: Ammonia as working medium which actually produces the cold by changes its
phase at different location Cooling water circuit: Cooling water as working medium to remove the heat of
condenser Brine circuit: Brine solution as working medium which transfers the cold from ammonia to
water filled cans where ice is to be formed.
Working
~Low pressure and low-temperature Ammonia coming out from the throttle valve is vaporized by taking
the latent heat from the brine. Hence brine gets cooled which is circulated in the brine circuit to freeze the
water and forming an ice from water.
~This cooled brine further absorbs the heat from water and converts water

Apparatus used in ice plant:

An ice plant components generally used are compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, chilling
Tank, refrigerant accumulator and pressure gauge ,volt meter ammeter etc. The ice plant test rig system is
designed to determine the thermal stability based on temperature as well as its evaluate the mixture and
chemical analysis of vapor and liquid phase. The ice plant works on vapor compressor refrigeration cycle.
It comprises of four important parts.
a. Hermetically sealed compressor: In semi-hermetic compressors, the compressor and motor driving
the compressor are integrated, and operate within the pressurized gas envelope of the system. The motor
is designed to operate and cooled by the vapor being compressed. A semi-hermetic uses a large cast metal
shell with gasket covers that can be opened to replace motor and pump components. The primary
advantage of a semi-hermetic is that there is no route for the gas to leak of system. Fig shows small
hermetically sealed compressor unit Fig Small hermetically sealed compressor unit Specification of
compressor.

Figure: Condenser

b. Condenser: Condenser is an important component of refrigeration system. In a typical refrigerant

condenser, the refrigerant enters the condenser in a superheated form. It is first de-superheated and then
condensed by rejecting heat to an outside medium. The refrigerant may leave the condenser as a saturated
or a sub-cooled liquid, depending upon the temperature of the external medium and design of the
condenser.

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c. Expansion device: It’s also called as metering or throttle device. Its located between high pressure and
low pressure side .in refrigeration system there is different type of expansion devices are used. Such as
thermostatic expansion valve and capillary tubes are used. In thermostatic expansion valve it consist of 1.
Capillary tube
2. Feeler bulb
3. Adjustable spring
4. Bellows
5. Screw
d. Evaporator Evaporator is used to convert the low pressure and low temperature liquid into low
temperature evaporative refrigerant. Long bare tube or finned type pipe is used as evaporator. The liquid
present inside the tube cools the secondary refrigerant. The function of the evaporator is to absorb heat
from the surrounding location or medium which is to be cooled, by mean of a refrigerant. The
temperature of the boiling refrigerant in the evaporator must always be less than that of the surrounding
medium so that heat flows to the refrigerant. The evaporator becomes cold and remains cold due to the
following two reasons:
~The temperature of the evaporation coil is low due to the low temperature of the refrigerant inside the
coil.
~The low temperature of the refrigerant remains unchanged because any heat it absorbs is converted to
latent heat as boiling proceeds.

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF ICE PLANT TEST RIG

Figure shows the schematic diagram of ice plant test rig system generally its works on the principle of
vapor compression system. As diagram shows it consist of hermetically sealed compressor. After that
condenser is located where change of phase is takes place. And after that there is expansion device is
located where high pressure refrigerant changes in low pressure refrigerant and the evaporator is used to
change the liquid refrigerant into evaporative refrigerant .in this ice plant test rig system we’re going to
use R143a as primary refrigerant and brine solution used as secondary refrigerant. The tank is coated with
wooden frame. Tank consists of cans inside it. Primary refrigerant absorb latent heat from brine solution
and produces ice.

Figure Schematic Diagram of Ice Plant Test rig

Precautions:
~Run the unit in good ventilated space.
~ Please check level of brine in tank before starting plant.
~Before loading ice cans, ensure that the brine temp. is 273K & then load ice cans.

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~Do not frequently open the door of brine tank.
~ Do not run plant empty for long time.
~Always use the soft water.
~Operates all switches gently

Conclusion & Discussions:

The objective of his practical was to just study the ice plant test rig and its components out of the
research work are to observe the coefficient of performance of myself. The refrigerant is a heat carrying
medium which during their cycle in the refrigeration system absorbs heat from a low temperature system
and discards the heat to a higher temperature system. In the present days, many new refrigerants including
halo carbon compounds, hydrocarbon compounds are used for refrigeration applications is considered to
be the most preferred substitute for water cooler, since the refrigerant has less global warming potential
and zero ozone depletion potential. Hence, various observations and results obtained from the
experimental investigations a show that is a better substitute for other refrigerants on the basis of COP.
Meanwhile, the quest for better refrigerants continues. Seeing new refrigerants, natural refrigerants appear
to be the best choice in the long run.

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