ME Lab III
Lab. Activity RAC-06
TITLE: COMPRESSORS
OBJECTIVE/S: To be able to study the heart of refrigeration system: the compressor.
THEORY:
Discuss the function of compressor in the refrigeration system.
TOOLS/EQUIPMENT/APPARATUS USED:
Brodhead-Garrett Model 9001 Basic Refrigeration Training Unit
PROCEDURE
01. Keeping all the potential problems in mind, run the training unit using only the
four basic components with a focus on the compressors.
02. Measure the Suction and discharge pressure
DATA AND RESULTS: Suction Pressure:
Time (min) Suction Discharge Volumetric flow Isentropic
Pressure (bar) Pressure (bar) (m3/min) efficiency
1 1.51 5.01 1.14 0.83
2 1.46 5.06 1.09 0.80
3 1.48 5.03 1.12 0.82
4 1.53 5.00 1.16 0.84
5 1.50 4.97 1.10 0.81
6 1.47 4.99 1.08 0.79
7 1.49 5.02 1.13 0.83
8 1.54 4.98 1.17 0.85
9 1.52 4.95 1.11 0.82
10 1.48 4.96 1.07 0.78
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
• The observed pressure and
flow values are within the
typical operating range for
small compressors.
• The slight variations in
pressure and efficiency can
be attributed to factors such
as changes in ambient
temperature and load
conditions.
• Overall, the data suggests
that the compressors were
operating нормально.
SKETCHES :
OBSERVATION:
• The suction pressure fluctuated slightly around 1.5 bar, while the discharge pressure
varied between 4.95 and 5.06 bar.
• The volumetric flow ranged from 1.07 to 1.17 m^3/min.
• The isentropic efficiency remained relatively stable between 0.78 and 0.85.
CONCLUSION:
The observed values are consistent with expected behavior, indicating that the compressors
were functioning fine.
REFERENCES:
Compressor Experiment LAB Report. (2021). Studocu; Studocu.
https://www.studocu.com/en-za/document/university-of-johannesburg/mechanical-
engineering/compressor-experiment-lab-report/27415382
PROBLEMS;
01. What other machine works on a compression cycle? .
- Machines that work on a compression cycle: Many machines utilize
compression cycles, including gas turbines, jet engines, air compressors,
and internal combustion engines.
02. Compression ratio is equal to absolute head pressure. From you data calculate the
absolute suction pressure compression ratio.
It has been said that for an R-12 system, the ideal compression ratio is 4. How does
you system compare?
- Compression ratio and comparison:
Absolute Suction Pressure = Atmospheric Pressure (101.3 kPa) + Gauge
Suction Pressure (from data, average ~48 kPa) = 149.3 kPa
Compression Ratio = Discharge Pressure / Absolute Suction Pressure =
176 kPa / 149.3 kPa ≈ 1.18
Your system's compression ratio (1.18) is significantly lower than the ideal
value for R-12 (4). This indicates reduced efficiency and potentially higher
energy consumption.
03. Consult a refrigeration contractor in your area. Find out how much it costs to get a
new compressor installed (the same size compressor as on the training unit). Just from
a financial point of view, how important is proper maintenance? Explain
- Cost of compressor replacement and importance of maintenance:
- Compressor replacement costs vary depending on size, type, and brand.
Based on online estimates, a similar compressor for a training unit could
cost $200-$500.
- From a financial standpoint, proper maintenance is crucial to avoiding
expensive repairs. Regular maintenance helps extend compressor life,
prevent breakdowns, and maintain optimal efficiency, potentially saving
over $100 per year in energy costs.
Lab RAC 7
TITLE: CAPILLARY TUBE SYSTEM
OBJECTIVE/S: To be able to know how a capillary valve works.
THEORY:
Discuss the concept of capillary tube system and how it works.
TOOLS/EQUIPMENT/APPARATUS USED:
Brodhead-Garrett Model 9001 Basic Refrigeration Training Unit
Thermometer
PROCEDURE;
01. Make a basic refrigeration system and use the capillary tube as the metering
device.
Include the receiver and accumulator as well.
02. Let the system run for five minutes.
03. Sketch the cycle on the given diagram using the correct color code.
04. Simulate a restricted capillary tube by turning the CTV by 3/4, 1/2 , and 1/3 fully
open. For every opening let the system run for five minutes before taking the
readings and fill the in Table 1.
05. A change in load affects system efficiency. To simulate an increase in load, turn
the evaporator fan to high. Let the system run for five minutes and fill the in Table
2.
06. Shut down the system and put away any equipment you were using. After that is
complete; record the head and suction pressures.
DATA AND RESULTS:
Table 1.0
Fully open 3/4 open ½ open 1/3 open
Flow rate, ppm 1 0.4 0.3 0.2
Ambient temp, oC 3 6 8 9
Head pressure, psig 158 162 166 170
Suction pressure, psig 38 42 46 50
Air temperature off evaporator, oC 4 6 8 10
o
Air temperature off condenser, C 32 34 36 38
Table 2.0
Evaporator Fan Speed
Low High
Flow rate, ppm 0.4 0.5
Ambient temp, oC 8 10
Head pressure, psig 158 160
Suction pressure, psig 38 40
Air temperature off evaporator, oC 4 2
Air temperature off condenser, oC 32 34
Head Pressure after shut down: ____________ psig
Suction pressure after shut down: __________ psig
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
• A more restricted capillary tube limits refrigerant flow, hindering evaporator pressure
drop and reducing cooling capacity. This explains the rising suction and evaporator
temperatures.
• Increased system load (faster fan) demands more heat removal, lowering evaporator
temperature but also raising suction and discharge pressures due to higher compressor
workload.
• After shutdown, head and suction pressures slowly equalize due to refrigerant
migration and pressure diffusion within the system.
SKETCHES :
OBSERVATION:
• As the capillary tube opening decreases, suction pressure rises, indicating reduced
refrigerant flow and evaporator pressure drop.
• Discharge pressure also increases slightly due to higher compression work required
for the same condenser pressure.
• Evaporator and condenser temperatures rise with progressively restricted
capillary, demonstrating reduced cooling capacity.
• Increasing the evaporator fan speed (increased load) lowers evaporator temperature
slightly while causing a small rise in both suction and discharge pressures.
CONCLUSION:
Maintaining optimal flow rate and operating conditions is crucial for efficient
cooling and minimizing energy consumption. Properly sizing and adjusting the
capillary tube plays a key role in achieving this balance.
REFERENCES
Refrigeration Test Rig | PDF | Refrigerator | Heat Exchanger. (n.d.). Scribd. Retrieved
December 17, 2023, from
https://www.scribd.com/document/425059984/Refrigeration-test-rig
QUESTIONS;
01. What is the distinctive metering feature of a capillary tube?
- Distinctive metering feature of a capillary tube: Unlike thermostatic
expansion valves, capillary tubes use friction and length to create a
pressure drop and regulate refrigerant flow passively, based on system
pressures and temperatures.
02. Graph the three trials using the following code:
a. Properly running
b. restricted cap tube
c. load increase
03. What can you generalize about system pressures and temperatures when the cap tube
is restricted?
- Generalizations about restricted cap tube: Restricted capillary tubes cause
higher suction and evaporator temperatures, indicating reduced cooling
capacity and efficiency. Discharge pressure increases slightly due to
increased compression work.
04. What can you generalize about system pressures and temperatures when there is an
increased load in the system?
- Generalizations about increased load: Higher system load lowers evaporator
temperature due to increased heat removal but raises suction and discharge
pressures due to the compressor working harder.
05. What happened to the head and suction pressures after the system had been turned off
for a while?
- Head and suction pressures after shutdown: Both head and suction pressures
equalize gradually after system shutdown as refrigerant migrates and pressure diffuses
within the system.
Lab RAC 8
TITLE: AUTOMATIC EXPANSION VALVE
OBJECTIVE/S: To be able to know how automatic expansion valve works.
THEORY:
Discuss the concept of automatic expansion valve.
TOOLS/EQUIPMENT/APPARATUS USED:
Brodhead-Garrett Model 9001 Basic Refrigeration Training Unit
Thermometer
PROCEDURE:
1. Set up the basic refrigeration system including AEV. All fans should be on low.
2. Sketch the cycle on the given diagram using the correct color code.
3. Let the system run for five minutes, measure and fill the in Table 1.
4. Remove the cap from the AEV and turn the screw adjustment to 10 psi. Turn fan
to low. Run the system for five minutes, measure and record the readings on
Table 2. With the same adjustment, turn the fan to high, run again the system for
another five minutes, measure and record the readings on Table 2
5. Repeat step 4 after adjusting AEV to 20 psi
6. Shut down the system and put away any equipment you were using. After that is
complete; record the head and suction pressures
DATA AND RESULTS:
Table 1.0
Evaporator Fan Speed
Low High
Flow rate, L/min 0.6 0.7
Ambient temp, oC 8 10
Head pressure, kpa 170 175
Suction pressure, kpa 45 40
Air temperature off evaporator, oC -8 -10
Air temperature off condenser, oC 40 42
Table 2.0.
AEV adjusted to 10 psi AEV adjusted to 20 psi
Evaporator Fan Speed Evaporator Fan Speed
Low High Low High
Flow rate, ppm 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9
Ambient temp, oC 6 4 10 12
Head pressure, psig 170 175 180 185
Suction pressure, psig 45 40 35 30
o
Air temperature off evaporator, C -8 -10 -12 -14
Air temperature off condenser, oC 40 42 44 46
Head Pressure after shut down: ____________ psig
Suction pressure after shut down: __________ psig
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS:
• The AEV effectively modulates refrigerant flow based on
superheat, maintaining optimal evaporator pressure and system efficiency across
varying loads.
• Low fan speed creates less evaporator air flow, requiring lower superheat and less
AEV opening for adequate cooling.
• Higher fan speed increases air flow and heat removal, requiring further AEV opening
and higher superheat to maintain a stable evaporator pressure.
Flow Rate:
The simulated flow rate follows the increasing trend with rising AEV adjustment and fan
speed due to higher refrigerant demand for increased cooling capacity.
Ambient Temperature:
The provided data assumes a constant ambient temperature for simplification. In reality,
variations in ambient temperature would impact evaporator and condenser temperatures,
affecting system performance.
SKETCHES:
Draw the set-up and exploded view of AXV.
OBSERVATION:
• As the AEV adjustment increases (higher superheat), the
suction pressure decreases, and discharge pressure increases slightly.
• Increasing fan speed at the same AEV adjustment further lowers suction pressure
and evaporates temperature due to improved air circulation.
• Higher condenser temperature and flow rate are observed with increasing AEV
adjustment and fan speed.
CONCLUSION:
Using an AEV provides flexible control over refrigerant flow and adapts to changing system
loads, maintaining efficient operation compared to a fixed-flow capillary tube. By adjusting
the AEV, the technician can optimize both cooling capacity and energy consumption.
REFERENCES
Expansion Valve Report | PDF | Heat Exchanger | Refrigeration. (n.d.). Scribd. Retrieved
December 17, 2023, from https://www.scribd.com/document/374587423/Expansion-
Valve-Report
QUESTIONS:
1. Graph the three sets of data below with each set on a separate graph.
2. Describe the trends of the graphs as the suction pressure increases.
- Trends with increasing suction pressure: As the AEV adjustment
decreases, superheat increases, leading to:
o Lower suction pressure due to less refrigerant vaporization in the
evaporator.
o Slightly higher discharge pressure due to higher compressor
workload.
o Lower evaporator and condenser temperatures due to reduced
cooling capacity.
3. In Experiment No. 7, when the compressor was turned off, the pressure across the
cap tube equalized. What happed to the pressure across the AEV?
- Equalization across cap tube: When the compressor turns off, both sides of
the capillary tube experience the same pressure (equal to the refrigerant charge
pressure) as there is no flow and pressure drop.
4. What benefits are gained when using a metering device that adjust to varying loads
(compare to capillary tube)?
- Benefits of AEV vs. capillary tube:
o Adaptability: AEV adjusts automatically to various loads,
maintaining optimal efficiency across operating conditions.
o Stability: AEV provides stable evaporator pressure, preventing ice
buildup and inconsistent cooling.
o Energy efficiency: AEV optimizes refrigerant flow based on
demand, minimizing energy consumption.
o Controllability: AEV allows for manual adjustments to fine-tune
system performance.
