THE EFFECT OF REFRIGERANT CHARGE LEVEL

VARIATION TO REFRIGERANT VAPOR FRACTION

IN INLET EVAPORATOR ON REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

Name : Muh. Anis Mustaghfirin

NRP : 2105 202 009
Supervisor: Ir. Budi Utomo Kukuh Widodo, ME

ABSTRACT

The Challenge of Refrigeration system on future is maximizing Energy efficiency

and minimizing environment impact. The efforts for it i.e.: by proper charging refrigerant
in system and on-line charge level detection system. The system operates in the best
performance on proper charge of refrigerant. The reducing environment impact of
refrigeration system is conducted through reducing refrigerant leakage. By on-line charge
level detection system, refrigerant leakage could be minimized.
The proper charge complicates to calculated, because the refrigerant properties
complicatedly transform along refrigeration cycle. The less sensitivity of refrigerant
charge level indicator as complicates of its parameters. Based on the early research, the
refrigerant vapor fraction in inlet evaporator could be as more sensitive refrigerant charge
level indicator (≤ 5%) for R-22 and as accurate refrigerant charge metering as well as
more sensitive on-line leakage detection system up to 5%. By this research, the hypothesis
was devoted.
The experiment was conducted on Panasonic Split AC 1 Hp with capillary tube
expansion device and the refrigerant vapor fraction in inlet evaporator was measured by
sample hold quick acting valve as well as using variable fan speed for both evaporator and
condenser as load simulation. Ten variable charges; 50%, 75%, 85%, 90%,..,120%. The
initial charge is as specified by manufacture 620 qr. The results are The refrigerant vapor
fraction in inlet evaporator capable to indicate charge level refrigerant up to 3.34% and
capable to optimize Normal Charge more ease and accurate than others

Keywords: vapor fraction, refrigerant, evaporator, charge, capillary tube

Prof. Dr. Ir. Triyogi Yuwono, DEA: triyogi@me.its.ac.id

Prof. Ir. Sutardi, MEng.,PhD : sutardi@me.its.ac.id

Ir. Budi Utomo Kukuh Widodo, ME : buditem@me.its.ac.id