MAPÚA UNIVERSITY

Muralla St. Intramuros, Manila

School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

EXPERIMENT NO. 7
THERMAL SYSTEM (COP)

09 MAHMUD, Ali R. Date of Performance: January 18, 2019

2015151413 Date of Submission: January 23, 2019
ME152L – A1
Group No. 1

GRADE

Engr. Teodulo A. Valle

Instructor
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Objectives Page 1
Theory and Principle Page 1
List Of Apparatus Page 7
Procedure Page 7
Set-up of Apparatus Page 10
Final Data Sheet Page 11
Computations Page 12
Discussion of Result Page 13
Questions and Answers Page 14
Conclusion Page 17
Reference Page 18
Preliminary Data Sheet Page 19

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OBJECTIVES
At the end of this experiment, the student will be able:

1. To understand the underlying principles in an air-conditioning system.

2. To determine the COP of the system.

THEORY AND PRINCIPLE

Air conditioning is the removal of heat from indoor air for thermal comfort. In another
sense, the term can refer to any form of cooling, heating, ventilation, or disinfection that modifies
the condition of air. An air conditioner (often referred to as AC or air con.) is an appliance, system,
or machine designed to change the air temperature and humidity within an area (used for cooling
as well as heating depending on the air properties at a given time), typically using refrigeration but
sometimes using evaporation, commonly for comfort cooling in buildings and motor vehicles.

The first modern air conditioning system was developed in 1902 by a young electrical
engineer named Willis Haviland Carrier. It was designed to solve a humidity problem at the Sackett
Wilhelms Lithographing and Publishing Company in Brooklyn, N.Y. Paper stock at the plant
would sometimes absorb moisture from the warm summer air, making it difficult to apply the
layered inking techniques of the time. Carrier treated the air inside the building by blowing it
across chilled pipes. The air cooled as it passed across the cold pipes, and since cool air can't carry
as much moisture as warm air, the process reduced the humidity in the plant and stabilized the
moisture content of the paper. Reducing the humidity also had the side benefit of lowering the air
temperature and a new technology was born.

Carrier realized he'd developed something with far-reaching potential, and it wasn't long
before air-conditioning systems started popping up in theaters and stores, making the long, hot
summer months much more comfortable.

The actual process air conditioners use to reduce the ambient air temperature in a room is
based on a very simple scientific principle. The rest is achieved with the application of a few clever
mechanical techniques. Actually, an air conditioner is very similar to another appliance in your
home, the refrigerator. Air conditioners don't have the exterior housing a refrigerator relies on to
insulate its cold box. Instead, the walls in your home keep cold air in and hot air out.

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 Air conditioners are of two types. There are the window air conditioners and the split air
conditioners. Functionally speaking, there is no major difference between a window air conditioner
and a split air conditioner. Both are used to cool rooms. However, there are some differences
technically.

A window air conditioner is a single unit. All the parts of the air conditioner reside within
that one unit, including the compressor. In a split air conditioner, as the name suggests, the parts
of the air conditioner are split.

The condenser is usually fitted outside the house or the room in which the indoor unit is
installed. The condenser also contains the compressor. Refrigerator coils and PVC lines run from
the condenser to the indoor unit.

A window air conditioner is fitted on a window or a space made by cutting the wall. Once
the window air conditioner has been installed, the surrounding areas are sealed off properly so that
there is no leakage of cold air. The indoor unit of a split air conditioner is fitted on the wall, at a
height specified by the manufacturers.

There is no need to cut any window or any part of the wall, although some holes are made
for the refrigerator coils and the PVC line. Apart from these differences, the way these air
conditioners work is similar. Both have refrigerator coils that absorb heated and humid air from
the room and replace it with cooled and dehumidified air.

Among all electrical appliances, air conditioners consume the maximum amount of power.
With the general increase in global temperature, more and more consumers are now buying air
conditioners. Air conditioners have now moved from luxury items to essential items. However,
most users get a chock when they receive their first electricity bill after using the air conditioner.

An air conditioner is rated by the number of British Thermal Units (BTU). BTU is used to
gauge the energy efficiency ratio of an air conditioner. The energy efficiency ratio lists the number
of BTU the air conditioner removes for each unit of power it draws to function. For split air
conditioners, the energy efficiency ratio is called seasonal energy efficiency ratio.

It is common knowledge that more the energy efficiency ratio more is the amount of power
saved. Windows air conditioners consume less power than split air conditioners with the same

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BTU. However, it all depends on the positioning of the unit. A windows air conditioner that is not
positioned to work at its best may end up consuming more power than a properly positioned split
air conditioner with the same BTU. A refrigeration system is a combination of components and
equipment connected in a sequential order to produce the refrigeration effect. The refrigeration
systems commonly used for air conditioning can be classified by the type of input energy and the
refrigeration process as follows:

• Vapor compression systems. In vapor compression systems, compressors activate the

refrigerant by compressing it to a higher pressure and higher temperature level after it has
produced its refrigeration effect. The compressed refrigerant transfers its heat to the sink and
is condensed to liquid form. This liquid refrigerant is then throttled to a low-pressure, low
temperature vapor to produce refrigerating effect during evaporation. Vapor compression
systems are the most widely adopted refrigeration systems in both comfort and process air
conditioning.

Fig.1. Single-Stage Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle

• Absorption systems. In an absorption system, the refrigeration effect is produced by thermal

energy input. After absorbing heat from the cooling medium during evaporation, the vapor
refrigerant is absorbed by an absorbent medium. This solution is then heated by direct-fired
furnace, waste heat, hot water, or steam. The refrigerant is again vaporized and then condensed
to liquid to begin the refrigeration cycle again.
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 Fig.2. Absorption Cycle

• Air or gas expansion systems. In an air or gas expansion system, air or gas is compressed to a
high pressure by mechanical energy. It is then cooled and expanded to a low pressure. Because
the temperature of air or gas drops during expansion, a refrigeration effect is produced.

Fig.3. Gas Expansion System

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Refrigeration Processes

A refrigeration process indicates the change of thermodynamic properties of the refrigerant

and the energy transfer between the refrigerant and the surroundings. The following refrigeration
processes occur during the operation of a vapor compression refrigerating system:

• Evaporation. In this process, the refrigerant evaporates at a lower temperature than that of its
surroundings, absorbing its latent heat of vaporization.

• Superheating. Saturated refrigerant vapor is usually superheated to ensure that liquid refrigerant
does not flow into the compressor.

• Compression. Refrigerant is compressed to a higher pressure and temperature for condensation.

• Condensation. Gaseous refrigerant is condensed to liquid form by being de-superheated, then

condensed, and finally subcooled, transferring its latent heat of condensation to a coolant.

• Throttling and expansion. The higher-pressure liquid refrigerant is throttled to the lower
evaporating pressure and is ready for evaporation. The following refrigeration processes occur
during the operation of an air or gas expansion refrigeration system:

• Compression. Air or gas is compressed to a higher pressure and temperature.

• Heat release. Heat is released to the surroundings at constant pressure in order to reduce
the temperature of the air or gas.

• Throttling and expansion. Air or gas is throttled and expanded so that its temperature is
lowered.

• Heat absorption. Heat is absorbed from the surroundings because of the lower air or gas
temperature.

Effectiveness of Refrigeration Cycle

The effectiveness of refrigeration cycles, or coefficient of performance (COP), is one

parameter that affects the efficiency and energy consumption of the refrigeration system. It will be
clearly defined in a later section. The COP of a refrigeration cycle using a specific refrigerant

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depends mainly upon the isentropic work input to the compressor at a given condensing and
evaporating pressure differential, as well as the refrigeration effect produced.

Evaporating and Condensing Pressures

It is best to use a refrigerant whose evaporating pressure is higher than that of the
atmosphere so that air and other non-condensable gases will not leak into the system and increase
the condensing pressure. The condensing pressure should be low because high condensing pressure
necessitates heavier construction of the compressor, piping, condenser, and other components. In
addition, a high-speed centrifugal compressor may be required to produce a high condensing
pressure.

Refrigeration Capacity

The cubic feet per minute (cfm) suction vapor of refrigerant required to produce 1 ton of
refrigeration (liters per second to produce 1 kW of refrigeration) depends mainly on the latent heat
of vaporization of the refrigerant and the specific volume at the suction pressure. It directly affects
the size and compactness of the compressor and is one of the criteria for refrigerant selection.

Formulas:

• The heat added to the system:

𝑄𝐴 = (ℎ1 − ℎ4 )

Where:

QA = heat added

h1 = enthalpy leaving the evaporator

h4 = enthalpy entering evaporator

• The heat rejected by the system:

𝑄𝑅 = (ℎ2 − ℎ3 )

Where:

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QR = heat rejected

h3 = enthalpy leaving the condenser

h2 = enthalpy entering condenser

• Coefficient of Performance (Vapor Cycle)

𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝐴𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑑 ℎ1 − ℎ4
𝐶𝑂𝑃 = =
𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑆𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑟 ℎ2 − ℎ1

Where:

h1 = enthalpy leaving the evaporator or entering compressor

h4 = enthalpy entering evaporator

h2 = enthalpy leaving the compressor

• Coefficient of Performance (Reversed Carnot Cycle)

𝑅𝑜𝑜𝑚 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑇1
𝐶𝑂𝑃 = =
𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 − 𝑅𝑜𝑜𝑚 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑇2 − 𝑇1

LIST OF APPARATUS
1. AMATROL T7082-A
2. AMATROL T7083

PROCEDURES
CONDITION 1: DAMPER OPEN
1. Set-up the T7082 and T7083 assembly.

2. Make sure the power switch is in the OFF position

3. Make sure the mode switch is in the STAND-BY position

4. Make sure the dual pressure controller is properly set;

a. Set the cut-out scale setting to 5 psi

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 b. Set the cut-in scale setting to 45 psi

c. Set the high pressure cut-out setting to 200 psi

5. Verify the refrigerant valves are set to the following positions

a. V1 – open

b. V6 – open

6. Plug the electric cord into a standard wall outlet

7. Turn the power switch to ON position

(You should see the LCD on the electronic temperature controller display the room temperature)

8. Perform the following sub steps to ensure the controller is set properly

a. Press the button marked SET on the controller

b. Press the SET button once again to enter into the set temperature mode. Use the
arrow keys to select 55°F for the set point

c. Press the SET button again to enter the temperature differential mode. Use the
arrows to set this to 10°F. This tells the controller at what temperature above the
set point to engage the compressor (65°F)

d. Press the SET button once again to enter into the heating and cooling mode
selection. Use the arrows to select “C1” on the LCD (cooling mode)

e. Finally, press the SET button again and check the LCD to make sure the ambient
temperature is being displayed

9. Set the flow meter and make sure the knob is open fully counterclockwise

10. Remove any component stored inside the EAS (Environment Application System)

11. Verify the window is closed, all dampers are fully open, and both sheets of attic insulation
are in place

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 12. Turn the mode switch to COOLING position. The blowers should come on and the
compressor should engage as well

13. Allow the system to run for 20 minutes to cool and attain steady state

14. Record the pressure and temperature indicated on the system gauges in the data sheet

15. Calculate the actual Coefficient of Performance

16. Record the inside room temperature

17. Record the classroom temperature (surroundings)

18. Calculate the theoretical Coefficient of Performance

CONDITION 2: CONDENSER DAMPER ADJUSTED

1. Reduce the airflow from the blower to the condenser by adjusting the damper (on T7082).
2. Allow the system to run for 20 minutes to adapt to the new condition.
3. Repeat steps nos. 14 – 18 on the first condition.
CONDITION 3: EVAPORATOR DAMPER ADJUSTED
1. Fully open the damper from the condenser.
2. Reduce the airflow from the blower to the evaporator by adjusting the damper.
3. Allow the system to run for 20 minutes to adapt to the new condition.
4. Repeat steps nos. 14 – 18 on the first condition.
6. Turn the mode switch to the STAND-BY position.
7. Turn the power switch to the OFF position.

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SET-UP OF APPARATUS

Fig.4. Refrigeration System (AMATROL T7082)

Fig.5. Application System (AMATROL T7083)

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FINAL DATA SHEET

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SAMPLE COMPUTATION
Actual Coefficient of Performance
ℎ1 − ℎ4
𝛽𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 =
ℎ2 − ℎ1

Theoretical Coefficient of Performance

𝑇𝑐
𝐶𝑂𝑃𝑀𝐴𝑋 =
𝑇𝐻 − 𝑇𝑐

Condition 2:

19.5 + 273.15
𝐶𝑂𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = 𝟒𝟏. 𝟖𝟏
27 − 19.5

425.06 − 264
𝛽𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 = = 𝟔. 𝟐𝟓
425.06 − 402.86

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DISCUSSION OF RESULT

The experiment focused on teaching the students in determining the efficiency of a

refrigeration cycle or equipment. During the experiment, factors were identified to determine the
coefficient of performance of the refrigeration equipment, which are as follows: the temperature
of the low, middle and high part of the cooling space, the temperature of the surroundings that is
not included in the cooling space and the pressures and temperature at the 4 points of the system,
namely; after every major equipment, i.e., the evaporator, the compressor, the condenser and the
expansion valve.

The experiment was conducted using the T7082 and T7081 laboratory equipment. It has a
cooling space to which the system needs to control and regulate the temperature, and the main
equipment providing the cold air which comprises of a compressor, condenser, evaporator and an
expansion valve. The system also has some dampers on them to regulate the flow rate of the cold
air going through the cooling space, which can affect the temperature of the cooling space. The
factors taken here were the temperature of the cooling space at three different altitudes, since colder
air tends to go down due to the density difference between them and the hotter air, the temperature
of the lower part should be colder than the other parameters. Another temperature value taken was
from the surrounding space which can adversely affect the temperature of the cooling space
especially if their temperature difference is high. Next parameters taken were the pressure and
temperature values after the refrigerant passes through every major component. These are
important to determine the enthalpies of the refrigerant for every stage of the cycle which can be
used to determine the power consumption, refrigerant consumption as well as the coefficient of
performance. The experiment was conducted using the T7081 and T7082 equipment of the MME
laboratory. As the refrigeration equipment is running, all parameters can be taken from the gauges
connected throughout the system.

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QUESTION AND ANSWERS
1. List some safety precautions about refrigerants.

Refrigerant hazards stemming from leaks in the pipe joints, the rupture of system
components, and the burning of escaping refrigerant depend on the type of refrigerant, the
occupancy classification, and the refrigeration system. Refrigerants can be classified into six safety
groups that range from lower toxicity and no flame propagation to higher toxicity and higher
flammability. The type of occupancy may be one of the following five categories:

• Institutional or health care, such as hospitals and nursing homes

• Public assembly, such as auditoriums and department stores

• Residential, including hotels and apartments

• Commercial, such as offices, restaurants, and markets

• Industrial, such as factories and warehouses

2. Briefly discuss on how to store refrigerants properly.

Refrigerants are usually stored in cylinders during transport and while on site. During
storage, the pressure of the liquid refrigerant must be periodically checked and adjusted. Excessive
pressure may cause an explosion. According to Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC)
regulations, liquid refrigerants must not be stored above 130°F (54.4°C), although the containers
are designed to withstand up to 3 times the saturated pressure at 130°F (54.4 °C). If a container
bursts, liquid refrigerant flashes into vapor. Such a sudden expansion in volume could cause a
violent explosion inside a building, blasting out windows, walls, and roofs. Containers should
never be located near heat sources without sufficient ventilation. They must also not be put in a
car or truck in direct sunlight. The valve of the container is attached by thread only. If the threads
are damaged, the force of escaping vapor could propel the container like a rocket. According to
ASHRAE Standard 15-1994, in addition to the refrigerant charge in the system and receiver,
refrigerant stored in a machinery room shall not exceed 330 lb (150 kg). The receiver is a vessel
used to store refrigerant after the condenser when necessary.

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3. Briefly discuss on how the numbering of refrigerants can be understood.

Before the invention of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), refrigerants were called by their

chemical names. Because of the complexity of these names, especially the CFCs, the fully
halogenated CFCs, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), the not fully halogenated HCFCs, a
numbering system was developed for hydrocarbons and halocarbons, and is used widely in the
refrigeration industry. According to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-1997, the first digit from the
right is the number of fluorine atoms in the compound. The second digit from the right is one more
than the number of hydrogen atoms in the compound. The third digit from the right is one less than
the number of the carbon atoms in the compound. If the digit is zero, it is omitted from the number.
The fourth digit from the right is the number of unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds in the compound.
If the digit is zero it is also omitted from the number.

For example, the chemical formula of HCFC-123 is CHCl2CF3:

There are 3 fluorine atoms, first digit from the right is 3

There is 1 hydrogen atom, second digit from the right is 1 + 1 = 2

There are 2 carbon atoms, third digit from the right is 2 - 1 = 1

No unsaturated C9C bonds, the fourth digit from the right is 0

4. Briefly discuss the Carnot Refrigeration Cycle.

The Carnot refrigeration cycle is a reverse engine cycle. All processes in a Carnot
refrigeration cycle are reversible, so it is the most efficient refrigeration cycle. Carnot cycle is
composed of four reversible processes:

1. An isothermal process 4-1 in which heat is extracted at constant temperature TR1 per lb (kg) of
working substance

2. An isentropic compression process 1-2

3. An isothermal process 2-3 in which heat is rejected at constant temperature TR2 per lb (kg) of
working substance

4. An isentropic expansion process 3-4

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5. List some applications of refrigeration. The applications of refrigeration can be grouped into
following four major equally important areas:

• Food processing, preservation and distribution.

• Chemical and process industries

• Special applications

• Comfort air conditioning

6. Is it energy efficient to let the air conditioner to run for a short time at intervals or to let it run
for a long period? How about the wear and tear of the unit?

A heat pump’s job is divided into two, first is to control the temperature of the cooling
space by providing the required air inside, and the other is to remove the moisture from the cooling
space for comfortability. Usually, when a unit is first turned on, it’ll take several minutes before it
can achieve stability, thus attaining the peak efficiency of the system. By allowing the system to
run for a few minutes at a time, increases cost and decreases efficiency of the system, the starting
and stopping is also hard on the system.

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CONCLUSION

The researcher was able to understand the underlying principles in an air-conditioning

system. There are 8 processes involved in air conditioning namely: Sensible Heating, Sensible
Cooling, Humidification, Dehumidification, Heating and Humidification, Heating and
dehumidification, Cooling and Humidification, and Cooling and dehumidification. Air
conditioning is a process of maintaining a specific favorable environment within an isolated space
from the ambient or surrounding environment. It can be in the form of refrigeration or heating,
depending to the process that should be undertaken. Meanwhile, refrigeration refers to the process
of reducing and maintaining the temperature of a space or material below the temperature of the
surrounding. It is a process of lowering the temperature for the purpose of chilling foods,
preserving certain substances, or providing an atmosphere conducive to bodily comfort.

The researcher was also able to determine the efficiency of the thermal system. COP stands
for Coefficient of Performance and it is also called as energy ratio. COP refers to the performance
of the thermal system whereas it describes how much heat was taken into the system per
compressor work. Its concept is similar to heat engines, wherein performance is based on
efficiencies (Thermal efficiency, Brake power efficiency, etc.). The larger the COP, the more
energy is saved which is the desired output of the engineers. It is often used for describing the
performance of a refrigerating unit as well as for some of air-conditioning units. Refrigeration
Cycles are used for analyzation of a thermal system especially in refrigeration wherein the working
fluid is a refrigerant.

The experiment will provide the researcher knowledge and application of what he learned
from theories and principles. It will help the researcher to design a refrigerating component which
will be enhanced when introduced in the industry. It is a must for a Mechanical Engineering student
to familiarize the basics of thermal system so that it can be applied in large-scale industries.

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REFERENCES

• http://engineering.myindialist.com/2009/coefficient-of-performance-of-a-
refrigerator/#.WbN_Q8gjHIU
• Bahrami, M. (n.d.). Refrigeration Cycle. Retrieved 2018, from SFU:
http://www.sfu.ca/~mbahrami/ENSC%20461/Notes/Refrigeration%20Cycle.pdf
• SRP. (n.d.). Air conditioning and heat pumps. Retrieved 2018 from Save with SRP:
http://www.savewithsrp.com/advice/ask/air.aspx
• Thermodynamics-Engineer. (n.d.). Reversed Carnot Cycle. Retrieved 2018, from
Thermodynamics for Engineers: https://thermodynamics-engineer.com/429-2/
• Thermal Systems. 2018. Retrieved from
http://www.g9toengineering.com/resources/thermalsystems.htm

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