REFRIGERATION TEST RIG

AIM: To study the refrigeration system and its control where throttling of the refrigerant is accomplished in a capillary tube and a thermostatic expansion
valve.

APPARATUS REQUIRED: Stop watch

SPECIFICATIONS:

Compressor capacity : 0.33 HP

Condenser capacity : 0.50 HP (Air Cooled)
Fan Capacity : 0.012 HP
Refrigerant : R 134 A
Energy Meter Constant : 750 rev/Kwh
Height of vessel : 35 cm
Diameter of vessel : 33 cm

PRINCIPLE:
A basic refrigerating unit has 4 main components. The compressor, condenser, expansion device and the evaporator. The compressor is assumed to be an
isentropic device. The expansion device is a throttling device to create pressure drop of refrigerant is assumed to be operated at isenthalpic conditions. The
condenser and the evaporator are heat exchangers which operate at constant pressure. The four processes are as shown on the PH chart below:
VAPOUR COMPRESSION SYSTEM

VAPOUR COMPRESSION CYCLE

Process 1-2 : Isentropic Compression.
The vapour from the evaporator is compressed isentropically.
S1=S2 , Q=0
Work Done: W=-VdP = -dh
= -(h2-h1)

Process 2-3 : Desuperheating and Condensation

The compressed vapour from the compressor is cooled to saturated liquid state at constant pressure.
Q = (h2-h1)

Process 3-4 : Isentropic Expansion

The liquid refrigerant is expanded in the expansion device isentropically.
h3=h4

Process 4-1 : Evaporation

The liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the evaporator and vapourises at constant pressure.
Q = (h1-h4)
FORMULAS USED:

1. Heat equivalent of work done by compressor

= KJ/s or Kw

where t = time taken for 5 revolutions of energy meter disc

k=energy meter constant= 750 rev/KwH

2. Actual Refrigeration Effect

()
= KJ/s or Kw

where Mw = Mass of water in Kg

Cp = Specific heat of water =4.186 KJ/Kg K
T6 =Initial temperature of water in C
T5 =Final temperature of water in C

3. Coefficient of performance of the refrigerating system

()
=
()
PROCEDURE:

1. Fill the chilled water calorimeter with pure water so that the evaporator coils are completely immersed.
2. Select the thermostatic valve line by switching on the solenoid manual switch. Keep the shut off valve on the
capillary line closed.
3. Start the compressor and run for some time.
4. The chilled water temperature may vary slightly during measurement. It is important that the temperature is kept
within narrow temperature range.
5. Note the time taken for 5 revolutions of the energy meter disc.
6. Note the temperature and pressure readings at locations 1,2,3 & 4.
7. Switch off the solenoid switch.
8. Select the capillary tube line by opening the shut off valve on this line and closing the one of the thermostatic
expansion valve line. The solenoid manual switch is switched off.
9. Note the time taken for 5 revolutions of the energy meter disc. Note the temperature and pressure readings at
locations 1,2,3 & 4.
10. Switch off the mains.
Sample Calculations:

1) Capillary Tube

1. Heat equivalent of work done by compressor =
KJ/s or Kw =

()
2. Actual Refrigeration Effect = KJ/s or Kw =

3. Coefficient of performance of the refrigerating system

=
=

()
( = ) =

2) Solenoidal Valve

1. Heat equivalent of work done by compressor = KJ/s or Kw =

()
2. Actual Refrigeration Effect =
KJ/s or Kw =

3. Coefficient of performance of the refrigerating system

= =

()
( = ) =
OBSERVATIONS
Energy Meter constant = 750 rev/Kwh

SL No: CAPILLARY TUBE THERMOSTATIC EXPANSION

VALVE
1 Ambient
Temperature (C)

2 Chilled water
Temperature (C)
3 Time taken for 5
revolutions of
energy meter disc
4 Pressure Temp h Pressure Temp h

Psi Bar C K KJ/Kg Psi Bar C K KJ/Kg

Evaporator Outlet/
Compressor Suction
Compressor Outlet/
Condenser Inlet
Expansion Device Inlet/
Condenser Outlet
Expansion Device
Outlet/
Evaporator Inlet
5 Refrigerant Flow
Rate : m (LPH)
6 Actual COP
7 Theoretical COP