Table of content

page
abstract

introduction

objective

theory

apparatus

procedure

result and calculation

discussion

17

conclusion

18

recommendation

18

references

18

appendices

19

Abstract
A refrigeration apparatus was used to evaluate the performance of a refrigeration cycle.

Four experiments need to be done to get the good result. From the first experiment, heat output
and coefficient of performance of a vapor compression heat pump can be calculated. From the
second experiment, graph of power input against temperature, coefficient of performance against
temperature and heat output against temperature can be plotted. From experiment three, p-h
diagram can be constructed.

Example of p-h diagram of ideal cycle.

From the last experiment, the compression ration and volumetric efficiency can be calculated.

Introduction
A machine or device that moves heat from one location (the 'source') at a lower temperature to
another location (the 'sink' or 'heat sink') at a higher temperature using mechanical work or a
high-temperature heat source is called heat pump. Food refrigerators and freezers, reversiblecycle heat pumps for providing building space heating, and air conditioners are some of the
examples of heat pump. Due to the ability of heat pump that can move heat energy from one
environment to another, and in either direction, heat pump can both bring heat into an occupied
space, and take it out. A heat pump works the same as an ordinary air conditioner in the cooling
mode. A heat pump uses an intermediate fluid called a refrigerant to absorb heat as it vaporizes
and releases the heat when it condenses. Evaporator is needed to absorb heat from inside an
occupied space and rejects this heat to the outside through the condenser. The reversing valve is
the component that differentiates heat pump and air conditioner. The reversing valve allows for
the flow direction of the refrigerant to be changed. This allows the heat to be pumped in either
direction.

Example of heat pump cycle

Objective
Experiment 1: Determination of power input, heat output and coefficient of performance

To determine the power input, heat output and coefficient of performance of a vapor
compression heat pump system.

Experiment 2: Production of heat pump performance curves over a range of sources and delivery
temperatures

To produce the performance of heat pump over a range of sources and delivery
temperatures.

Experiment 3: Production of vapor compression cycle on p-h diagram and energy balance study

To plot the vapor compression cycle and the p-h diagram and compare with the ideal
cycle.
To perform energy balances for the condenser and compressor

Experiment 4: Estimation of the effect of compressor pressure ratio on volumetric efficiency

To determine the compression ratio and volumetric efficiency.

Theory
Generally there are three types of heat pump system:
a.

Mechanical vapor recompression heat pump operating at about 200

b. Closed cycle vapor compression heat pump (electric and engine driven)
c. Heat transformer ( a type of absorption heat pump)
Coefficient of performance (COP) is an expansion of the cycle efficiency and is stated as the
ratio of the heat removed in the heated space to the heat energy equivalent of the energy supplied
to the compressor.
he at produceinside theroom
COPH = power consumed by the compressor
Thus, for the theoretical simple cycle, this may be written as:
heating effect
COPH = heat of compression

heating effect
COPH = heat of compression
(h 2h3)
COPH = (h 2h1)
Cooling water and refrigerant flow rate display is in percentage (%). The formula to convert
cooling water and refrigerant flow rate to PM are:
1) Cooling water flow rate (LPM) =

2) Refrigerant flow rate (LPM) =

cooling water flow rate( )

100

refrigerant flow rate( )

100

x 5 LPM

x 1.26 LPM

Apparatus
Condenser, compressor, refrigeration unit machine and its instruments, water

Procedure
General start up procedure
1. The unit and all instruments were checked and make sure they were in proper condition.
2. Both water sources and drain were checked to be connected then water supply was
opened and the cooling water flow rate was set to be at 40%.
3. Drain hose at the condensate was checked to be connected.
4. Power supply was connected and main power was switched of follows by main switch at
the control panel.
5. Refrigerant compressor was switched on and the unit was ready for experiment as soon as
temperature and pressure are constant.
General shut down procedure
1. Compressor was switched off follow by main switch and power supply.
2. Water supply was closed and ensure that water was not lost running.

Experiment 1: Determination of power input, heat output and coefficient of performance

Procedures:
1.
2.
3.
4.

The general start up procedure was performed.

The cooling water flow rate was adjusted to 40%.
The system was allowed to run for 15 minutes.
The reading was recorded.

Experiment 2: Production of heat pump performance curves over a range of sources and delivery
temperatures
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The general start up procedure was performed.

Water flow rate was adjusted to 60%.
The system was allowed to run for 15 minutes.
The reading was recorded.
Experiment was repeated with reduced water flow rate so that the cooling water outlet
increases about 3 .

Experiment 3: Production of vapor compression cycle on p-h diagram and energy balance
study.
1.
2.
3.
4.

The general start up procedure was performed.

The cooling water flow rate was adjusted to 40%.
The system was allowed to run for 15 minutes.
The reading was recorded.

Experiment 4: Estimation of the effect of compressor pressure ratio on volumetric efficiency.

1.
2.
3.
4.

The general start up procedure was performed

The cooling water flow rate was adjusted to 40%.
The system was allowed to run for 15 minutes.
The reading was recorded.

Result and calculation

Experiment 1
cooling water flow rate, FT1
cooling water inlet
temperature, TT5
cooling water outlet
temperature,TT6
compressor power input

Cooling water flow rate, LPM =

%
C

39.9
27.8

30.3

159

cooling water flow rate( )

x 5 LPM
100
39.9 x 5
100

= 1.995 LPM 2 LPM

2L
1 min

1 m3
1000 L

1 min
60 s

= 3.333 x 10-5 m3/s

Find h1 and h2 from table saturated water-temperature using interpolation

T (C)
25
27.8
30

h (kJ/kg)
104.83
h1
125.74

T (C)
30
30.3
35

h (kJ/kg)
125.74
h2
146.64

h1 = 116.65 kJ/kg
h2 = 126.97 kJ/kg
water = 1000kg/m3

Mass flow rate =

3.333 x 105 m3
s

1000 kg
x m3

= 0.0333 kg/s

Ein

Eout

mh1

QH + mh2

QH

m(h1 h2)

0.0333 kg/s (116.65 126.97) kJ/kg

-0.344 kJ/s
QH
W

COPH =

0.344 kJ / s
159 kJ /s

=
=

0.00216

Experiment 2
cooling water
flow rate, FT1
cooling water
inlet
temperature,TT5
cooling water
outlet
temperature,TT6

reading 1
61.8

reading 2
40.2

reading 3
20.0

27.9

27.9

27.9

30.0

30.3

31.1

compressor
power input

158

159

Reading 1,
Cooling water flow rate, LPM =

=
3.09 L
1 min

1 m3
1000 L

1 min
60 s

cooling water flow rate( )

x 5 LPM
100
61.8 x 5
100

= 3.09 LPM

= 5.15 x 10-5 m3/s

Find h1 and h2 from table saturated water-temperature using interpolation.

T (C)
25
27.9
30

h (kJ/kg)
104.83
h1
125.74

T (C)
30

h (kJ/kg)
125.74

h1 = 116.95 kJ/kg
h2 = 125.74 kJ/kg
water = 1000kg/m3
Mass flow rate =

5.15 x 105 m 3
s

1000 kg
x m3

= 0.0515 kg/s

Ein

Eout

mh1

QH + mh2

QH

m(h1 h2)

0.0515 kg/s (116.95 125.74) kJ/kg

9

158

COPH =

=
=

-0.452 kJ/s
QH
W
0.452kJ /s
158 kJ / s
0.00286

Reading 2,
Cooling water flow rate, LPM =

=
2.01 L
1 min

1 m3
1000 L

1 min
60 s

cooling water flow rate( )

x 5 LPM
100
40.2 x 5
100

= 2.01 LPM

= 3.35 x 10-5 m3/s

Find h1 and h2 from table saturated water-temperature using interpolation.

T (C)
25
27.9
30

T (C)
30
30.3
35

h (kJ/kg)
104.83
h1
125.74

h (kJ/kg)
125.74
h2
146.64

h1 = 116.95 kJ/kg
hB2,2 = 126.97 kJ/kg
water = 1000kg/m3

10

1000 kg
x m3

Mass flow rate =

3.35 x 10 m 3
s

= 0.0335 kg/s

Ein

Eout

mh1

QH + mh2

QH

m(h1 h2)

0.0335 kg/s (116.95 127.97) kJ/kg

-0.369kJ/s

COPH =

QH
W
0.369 kJ / s
159 kJ / s

=
=

0.00232

Reading 3,
Cooling water flow rate, LPM =

=
1L
1 min

1 m3
x 1000 L

1 min
60 s

cooling water flow rate( )

x 5 LPM
100
20 x 5
100

= 1 LPM

= 1.67 x 10-5 m3/s

Find h1 and h2 from table saturated water-temperature using interpolation.

T (C)
25

h (kJ/kg)
104.83
11

27.9
30

h1
125.74

T (C)
30
31.1
35

h (kJ/kg)
125.74
h2
146.64

h1 = 116.95 kJ/kg
h2 = 130.55kJ/kg
water = 1000kg/m3
Mass flow rate =

Ein

1.67 x 105 m3
s

1000 kg
x m3

= 0.0167 kg/s

Eout

mh1

QH + mh2

QH

m(h1 h2)

0.0167 kg/s (116.95 130.55) kJ/kg

-0.227 kJ/s

COPH =

=
=

QH
W
0.227 kJ / s
158 kJ / s
0.00144

12

From the value that calculated, graph can be constructed

Qh
reading T
COPhp Power (kJ/s)
1
26.3 0.00214
158 -0.452
2
26.2
0.002
159 -0.369
3
26.1 0.00144
158 -0.227

Graph of COPhp against temperature

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
29.8

30

30.2

30.4

30.6

30.8

31

31.2

Graph of power against temperature

13

159.5
159
158.5
158
157.5
29.8

30

30.2 30.4 30.6 30.8

31

31.2

Graph of Qh against temperature

0
-0.0529.8 30 30.2 30.4 30.6 30.8 31 31.2
-0.1
-0.15
-0.2
-0.25
-0.3
-0.35
-0.4
-0.45
-0.5

Experiment 3
refrigerant flow rate,FT2
refrigerant pressure (low), P1
refrigerant pressure (high),P2
refrigerant temperature,TT1

%
bar (abs)
bar (abs)

60.8
1.9
6.8
26.9

refrigerant temperature,TT2

84.4

refrigerant temperature,TT3

28.5

refrigerant temperature,TT4

22.5

cooling water flow rate,FT1

cooling water inlet
temperature,TT5
cooling water inlet

%
C

40.4
27.8

30.2

14

temperature,TT6
compressor power input
1.01325
1.9 bar x 101.325 kpa

6.8 bar x

1.01325
101.325 kpa

W
= 190 kPa

= 680 kPa

interpolation from superheated R-134a table

p (kPa)
180
190
200

h (kJ/kg)
207.90
h1
206.03

p (kPa)
650
680
700

h (kJ/kg)
178.51
h2
176.21

Calculation 3 and 4,
Find hc3 and hc4 using interpolation from saturated R-134a table

T (C)
28
28.5
30

h (kJ/kg)
90.69
h3
93.58

T (C)
22
22.5
24

h (kJ/kg)
82.14
h4
84.98
15

160

h1 = 206.97 kJ/kg
h2 = 177.13 kJ/kg
h3 = 91.35 kJ/kg
h4 = 82.79 kJ/kg

From the value that calculated, p-h diagram can be constructed

Pressure
(kpa)
190
680
680
190
190

h (kJ/kg)
206.97
177.13
91.35
82.79
206.97

p-h diagram
800
600
pressure(kPa) 400
200
0
60 80 100120140160180200220
entalphy(kj/kg)

Experiment 4
refrigerant flow rate,FT2

60.8
16

refrigerant pressure (low),P1

refrigerant pressure (high), P2
refrigerant temperature, TT1

Compressor pressure ratio

bar (abs)
bar (abs)
C

19.0
6.8
27.0

suction pressure of refrigerant

discharge pressure of refrigerant

19 bars
6.8 bars

= 2.79

Volumetric efficiency =

Actual volumetric flow rate

Theoretical volume of compressor

Refrigerant flow rate, LPM

refrigerant flow rate( )

100

x 1.26 LPM

= 0.608 x 1.26 LPM X

= 0.766 LPM
Change LPM to the kg/s

Mass flow rate = 0.766 LPM x

= 5.43 x 10-5

1000 c m
1L

100 cm3

x 1 m3

kg
s

Density of refrigerant 134a = 4.25

kg
m3

17

1 min
60 s

x 4.25

kg
m3

Actual volume flow rate

mass flowrate
= density of refrigerant 134 a

= 5.43 x 10

-5

= 1.28 x 10

-5

kg
s

m3
4.25 kg

Volumetric efficiency =

m
s

Actual volumetric flow rate

Theoretical volume of compressor

= 1.28 x 10

-5

m3
s

x 1.61 x 1 05 m3

= 0.79

Discussion
From experiment one, coefficient of performance of the vapor compression heat pump system
can be calculated and the value is 0.00216. The reason for expressing the efficiency of a
refrigerator by another term that is coefficient of performance is the desire to avoid the oddity of
having efficiencies greater than unity. Most heat pumps in operation today have a seasonally
averaged COP of 2 to 3. COP of a refrigerator decreases with decreasing refrigeration
temperature. Therefore it is not economical to refrigerate to a lower temperature than needed.
The COPs of refrigerators are in the range of 2.6 to 3 for cutting and preparation rooms. It is a
good energy conservation practice to use separate refrigeration system to meet different
refrigeration needs. From experiment two, graph of power input against temperature, coefficient
of performance against temperature and heat output against temperature can be plotted. From
experiment three, p-h diagram can be constructed.

18

Critical Point

Subcooling
Pressure

Liquid 3

1
Superheating
Enthalpy

In ideal vapour compression cycle the refrigerant vapour is compressed isentropically to a

higher temperature and pressure (12). The compressed vapour is then condensed isobarically
which results in heat rejection to the surroundings (23). The next step is the adiabatic throttling
of the refrigerant to the low temperature and pressure (34). The final step is where the
refrigerant is evaporated isobarically at low temperature and pressure, which results in the
absorption of heat from its surroundings (41). From the last experiment, the compression ratio
is 2.79 and the volumetric efficiency is 0.79. There are some errors happen during experiment.
The refrigerant compressor had been switched on earlier before checking whether all instruments
were in good condition or not. Water supply also was slow and there were not enough water
while running the experiment.

Conclusion
From experiment one, coefficient of performance of the vapor compression heat pump system
can be calculated and the value is 0.00216. From experiment two, graph of power input against
temperature, coefficient of performance against temperature and heat output against temperature
can be plotted. From experiment three, p-h diagram can be constructed. From the last
experiment, the compression ratio is 2.79 and the volumetric efficiency is 0.79. COP of a
refrigerator decreases with decreasing refrigeration temperature.

Recommendation
19

1. We must make sure that all instruments are in good condition before starting the
experiment.
2. Make sure that there is enough water while doing the experiment.
3. Make sure that the water always continuously running while doing the experiment.
4. Make sure that the experiment follows the right time as stated in the procedure.

References

Thermodynamics 6th edition, Yunus A. Cengel. Michael A. Boles

Advance engineering thermodynamics, Adrian Bejan
Basic engineering thermodynamics, Rayner Joel, B.sc(eng) Lond.C.Eng,
F.I.Mech.E,F.I,Mar.E

Date of search: 26/2/2011

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refrigeration
http://www.master-bilt.com/products/refrigeration.htm

Date of search: 28/2/2011

http://www.heatpumps.org.uk/HowDoesAHeatPumpWork.htm
http://www.springerlink.com/content/0q288773655705u5/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vapor-compression_refrigeration

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