The Pressure - Enthalpy Chart: by Dave Demma, Senior Application Engineer - Supermarket Refrigeration

January 2005 / FORM 5-200
The Pressure - Enthalpy Chart

By Dave Demma, Senior Application Engineer - Supermarket Refrigeration
How often have you heard the statement it isnt cooling?
Well it may seem a bit picky, but it is not entirely accurate to
say the refrigeration system cools. If the system is operating
properly, the refrigerated space should be cooler than its surroundings, but it is the result of a heat transfer process. Heat is
transferred from the refrigerated space to the refrigerant, and
ultimately from the refrigerant to the ambient (at the condenser). A lower temperature in the refrigerated space is the
byproduct of this heat transfer process. Perhaps this is a minor
shift in thinking, but in viewing the refrigeration system for
what it isa heat transfer processa more fundamental
approach for diagnosis may be obtained.
In an effort to gain a better understanding of the various heat
transfer processes occurring in a refrigeration system, the pressure-enthalpy chart can be of great use. Additionally, once
understood, the chart can be a tremendous benefit in analyzing the relative health of a refrigeration system. Lets follow
the refrigerant on a quick journey through a refrigeration system to see what it experiences, and plot it on the chart as we
go. Before we start, a few technical definitions are in order:
Refrigeration - The achievement of a temperature below that
of the immediate surroundings.
Latent Heat of Fusion - The quantity of heat (Btu/lb) required
to change 1 lb. of material from the solid phase into the liquid
phase.
Latent Heat of Vaporization - The quantity of heat (Btu/lb)
required to change 1 lb. of material from the liquid phase into

the vapor phase.
Sensible Heat - Heat that is absorbed/rejected by a material,
resulting in a change of temperature.

Latent Heat - Heat that is absorbed/rejected by a material
resulting in a change of physical state (occurring at constant

temperature).
Saturation Temperature - That temperature at which a liquid
starts to boil (or vapor starts to condense). The saturation temperature (boiling temperature) is constant at a given pressure,*
and increases as the pressure increases. A liquid cannot be
raised above its saturation temperature. Whenever the refrigerant is present in two states (liquid and vapor) the refrigerant
mixture will be at the saturation temperature.
Superheat - At a given pressure, the difference between a
vapors temperature and its saturation temperature.

Subcooling - At a given pressure, the difference between a liquids temperature and its saturation temperature.
* Except for zeotrope refrigerants
Ton of Refrigeration - The amount of cooling required to
change (freeze) 1 ton of water at 32F into ice at 32F, in a 24

hour period.
Btu - British Thermal Unit: The amount of heat required to
raise 1 lb. of water 1F.

1 Ton - 12,000 Btu/hr
Fig. 1 illustrates some of these definitions, using water as the

medium experiencing a heat transfer process. This graph plots
the water temperature vs. the enthalpy of the water (heat content in Btu/lb). We all know that water boils at 212F (atmospheric pressure at sea level). By definition, water at atmospheric pressure, at a temperature lower than 212F, is subcooled.
So, we start with subcooled water at 42F, and begin transferring heat to it. Assuming we are working with 1 lb. of water,
for every Btu added, a corresponding temperature increase of
1F will be achieved (the definition for one Btu). It we continue to add heat, eventually the waters temperature will increase
to 212F (the saturation temperature at atmospheric pressure).
At this point, the water begins to change states from a liquid to
a vapor (boil). As noted on the graph, the water will experience
no further temperature increasefor a given pressure, the
saturation (boiling) temperature is the highest temperature
a liquid can ever achieve. Increasing the amount of heat transferred to the water simply increases the rate at which the water
boils. If the temperature of the vapor were to be measured,
wed find it to be 212F (saturated vapor). Once the vapor has
separated from the liquid, additional heat transferred to it will
result in a temperature increase. By definition, the vapor at
232F (20 above the saturation temperature), is superheated.
It is interesting to note that while it takes only 1 Btu to raise 1
lb. of water 1F, it takes almost 1000 times that amount (966.6
Btu) for the 1 lb. mass of water to change states from liquid to
vapor. A boiling liquid will always absorb more heat than a
vapor experiencing a temperature increase (per unit of mass).
Understanding this principle explains why the evaporator in a
refrigeration system should always be nearly filled with liquid
refrigerant. Otherwise, its full potential as a heat transfer
device will not be utilized.
The pressure-enthalpy chart, as shown in Fig. 2, displays all
the pertinent properties for a given refrigerant (in this example
R22). The bubble to the left is the portion of the diagram where
the refrigerant is in the saturated condition. The blue line on
the left of the bubble represents the 100% saturated liquid line,
the thin dashed line on the right represents the 100% saturated
vapor line, and anywhere inside the bubble represents the
refrigerant as a mixture of saturated liquid and saturated vapor.
To the left of the saturated liquid line is the area where the
refrigerant can exist at a temperature lower than the saturated
Page 2 / FORM 5-200
condition; subcooled liquid. To the right of the saturated vapor

line is the area where the refrigerant can exist at a temperature
higher than the saturated condition; superheated vapor. The
critical point is the highest temperature that the refrigerant can
experience, and remain in the liquid form. If the temperature
exceeds the critical point, regardless of pressure, the refrigerant can only exist in the vapor state.
Specific volume is expressed in cu.ft/lb. (see orange line).

Entropy - Entropy is the mathematical relationship between
heat and temperature, and relates to the availability of energy.

These lines extend at an angle from the saturated vapor line.
Their presence on the chart is relevant in that vapor compression (in the ideal cycle) occurs at constant entropy (see dark
blue line).
All of the relevant properties are shown in Fig. 2:

Quality - Lines of constant quality appear vertically, and only
Pressure - The vertical axis of the chart, in psia (see pink line).
To obtain gauge pressure, subtract atmospheric pressure.

Enthalpy - The horizontal axis of the chart shows the heat content of the refrigerant in Btu/lb.
Temperature - Constant temperature lines generally run in a
vertical direction in the superheated vapor & sub-cooled liquid

portion of the chart. In the saturated bubble, the constant temperature line is along the horizontal, illustrating that the saturation temperature is constant at a given pressure (see black line).
Specific Volume - Constant volume lines extend from the red
line saturated vapor line out into the superheated vapor-portion of the chart at a slight angle from the horizontal axis.
within the saturation bubble. The refrigerant within the bubble

is a mixture of liquid and vapor at saturation, and the quality is
the percentage of the mixture which is in the vapor state (see
green line).
The ultimate goal of the refrigeration system is to get the
refrigerant into a condition where it can be useful as a medium
to transfer heat from the refrigerated space. If the system
design requires a -10F space temperature, you would expect
the refrigerant temperature in the evaporator to be somewhat
lowersay -20F (a 10 temperature difference). This allows
the relatively warmer air (something above the design of -10F)
to be blown across the evaporator, flowing relatively cooler
refrigerant (-20F). The result is the transfer of heat from the
warmer air to the cooler refrigerant.
Refrigeration
Water at Atmospheric Pressure
(14.7 psia pressure)
Saturation
Temperature
232
Boiling at constant pressure and temperature

Superheated
20 Superheat (232 212= 20)
Vapor
Subcooled
Liquid
Temperature (F)
212
Latent Heat of Vaporization

966.6 Btu per lb
32
200
400
600
800
Enthalpy (Btu per lb)
1000
Fig. 1 Water undergoing a change of state.
1200
FORM 5-200 / Page 3
Enough heat must be transferred from the refrigerant to lower

its temperature from 180F to the saturation temperature of
100F (point #2A on the chart). At this point, condensation can
begin. As heat continues to be transferred from the refrigerant
vapor to the air (or water, if a water cooled condenser is used),
the quality of the refrigerant (% of the refrigerant in the vapor
state) will continue to decrease, until the refrigerant has been
completely condensed. In the ideal system, this occurs at the
outlet of the condenser (point #3 on the chart). In the real
world, some subcooling would be expected at the condenser
outlet. Subcooled liquid provides insurance against liquid
flashing as the refrigerant experiences pressure losses in the
tubing and components.
The purpose of the compressor is to take a low pressure vapor

and compress it into a high pressure vapor. This occurs
(in theory) at a constant entropy. In an ideal cycle, the refrigerant vapor would enter the compressor as a saturated vaporno
superheat.
The Ideal Cycle
If the operating temperatures and pressures are known, the

refrigeration system can be plotted on the P-H diagram. Lets
assume our system is operating at a -20F evaporator and 100F
condensing.
The saturated vapor entering the compressor suction would be
at -20F, illustrated by point #1 in Fig. 3. The vapor is compressed, following the constant entropy line to the pressure corresponding to 100F, or 210.7 psia (point #2). The refrigerant
vapor experiences a sensible heat gain during the mechanical
compression process, resulting in a superheated vapor. This is
illustrated by the location of point #2, to the right of the saturated vapor line. In the ideal system, which does not consider
pressure loss in the valves, refrigerant tubing, etc., point #2 represents the outlet of the compressor/inlet of the condenser.
The refrigerant is in the liquid state now, and at a high pressure

and temperature. It must undergo one more change before it
becomes a useful heat transfer medium; a reduction in temperature. This is accomplished by reducing the pressure. You can
count on the refrigerants pressure-temperature relationship to
be an infallible law. If the pressure of a saturated liquid is
reduced, the law governing its existence requires it to assume
the saturation temperature at the new pressure.
In the ideal cycle, the condenser serves as a two-fold component. Before any condensation occurs, the high pressure vapor
must first be brought to a saturated condition (de-superheated).
So, in order to reduce the temperature, the pressure has to be

reduced, and some sort of restriction is required for this to
occur. It would be preferable if the restriction could regulate
SCALE CHANGE
-10
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
4000
100
14
0. 6
0.01
0.
0.
5000
13
-20
12
-30
0.
110
15
0.
0.017
120
16
130
17
0.
0.018
0.
140
18
0.
19
0.020
150
0.
20
0.
REFRIGERANT 22
3000
160
170
21
22
0.
0.022
0.025
0.
180
23
0.2
190
4
0.2
0.2
0.04
200
0.05
Sat
ura
ted
Vap
or
Line
Lin
e
id
Sat
ura
ted
Liq
u
100%
100
%
ua l it y
-60
a nt Q
0.6
-30
Co
10
20
0.5
30
0.6
40
0.7
50
60
0.8
70
0.9
80
90
33
0.
100
0.3
0.4
0.2
-10
0.3
0.3
-20
0.2
0.3
-120
0.1
40
4.0
30
14
1.4
0.8
3.0
14
-100
-120
60
10.0
34
2.0
80
2.0
20
0.
-100
100
1.4
7.0
-80
3.0
5.0
-20
-80
C onst
Pressure (psia)
46
0
40
Constant Volum
-60
4.0
1.0
140
1.0
-40
-80
200
0.7
80
-60
6.0
300
0.5
10
8.0
400
0.4
20
14
-40
600
0.3
40
-40
1400
800
0.2
100
-20
1000
60
20
Constant Temperature
-20
180
30
120
40
20
0.10
140
20
160
60
40
260
60
40
80
220
60
3000
2000
0.2
Constant Pressure
200
100
80
240
80
140
100
36
100
30 0
120
280
200
140
120
320
140
300
4000
7
0.2
400
s
on
34
180
160
160
n
ta
54
0.14
180
38
600
n
tE
52
58
Critical Point
200
42
800
py
tro
44
160F
1000
50
0.07
56
60
48
180
1400
5000
0.03
2000
200
0.
35
t
ns
6
.3
an
3
0.
tE
py
ro
nt
0.
/
tu
(B
lb
F
-
20
0.
39
70
6.0
4.0
30
3.0
40
38
8.0
50 Specific Volume (ft3/lb)

.40
2.0
1.4
1.0
0.8
110
120
130
140
SCALE CHANGE
Enthalpy (Btu per lb above saturated liquid at -40F)
Fig. 2 R22 Pressure-Enthalpy Diagram
150
160
170
180
190
0.6
200
Page 4 / FORM 5-200
itself as the system load demands change. This is exactly what

the thermostatic expansion valve does; it is an adjustable
restriction which causes a reduction in liquid refrigerant pressure, yet will modulate in an effort to maintain constant superheat at the evaporator outlet. The TEV is a superheat control,
and will not maintain a constant evaporator pressure. It only
provides the restriction necessary to reduce the pressure to
some level, which will be determined by compressor size, TEV
size, load demand, and system conditions. If a constant evaporator temperature is required, it can be achieved very simply by
maintaining the pressure corresponding to the saturation temperature required. This is accomplished by adding an evaporator pressure regulating valve to the system.
Because the refrigerant must conform to its law of existence,

when the 210.7 psia (100F) liquid experiences the reduction in
pressure to 24.9 psia, it must drop to the new saturation temperature of -20F. Some of the liquid refrigerant is required to
boil as a means of removing the heat necessary to achieve this
lower temperature. Yet another heat transfer process, which
yields a lower liquid temperature. The liquid that is sacrificed
in the boiling process explains the increase in refrigerant quality. The greater the difference between the liquid temperature
and evaporator temperature, the more liquid will have to be
boiled to achieve the new saturation temperature. This results
in an even higher refrigerant quality.
The final portion of the refrigerants journey is as a mixture of
saturated liquid and vapor, traveling though the evaporator tubing. Warm air is blown across the evaporator, where its heat
content is transferred to the boiling refrigerant. This is a latent
heat gain to the refrigerant, causing no temperature increase,
while experiencing a change of state. In the ideal cycle, the last
molecule of saturated liquid boils off at the evaporator outlet,
which is connected to the compressor inlet. Hence, the vapor at
the inlet of the compressor is saturated.
Our ideal cycle has experienced a pressure drop in the TEV,

and for the purpose of discussion we are at a constant 24.9 psia
in the evaporator. This is a saturation temperature of -20F. You
will notice that the refrigerant quality at the TEV inlet was 0%,
and has increased to 35% at the evaporator inlet. Subcooling or
superheat cannot exist where there is a mixture of liquid and
vapor. Therefore, any place in the system where the refrigerant
exists in two states (the receiver, parts of the evaporator and
condenser, the accumulator at times), it will be at the saturation
temperature for its pressure. For example, R22 in a saturated
state at 24.9 psia (10.2 psig) will always be at -20F.
The cycle continues this way until the refrigerated space temperature is satisfied, and the equipment cycles off.

SCALE CHANGE
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
0.
5000
4000
90
100
14
0. 6
0.01
13
-10
12
-20
0.
-30
0.
110
15
0.
0.017
120
16
130
17
0.
0.018
0.
140
18
0.
19
0.020
150
0.
20
160
0.
REFRIGERANT 22
3000
170
21
22
0.
0.022
0.025
0.
180
23
0.2
190
4
0.2
0.2
0.04
0.05
200
180
48
ns
tan
t Te
F)
ature (
mp er
ted
Vap
or
Co
Sat
ura
Sat
ura
ted
Liq
uid
200
0.7
140
1.0
1.4
80
2.0
60
3.0
40
4.0
30
20
14
20
10.0
-20
-100
-100
2.0
0.3
10
0.4
20
0.5
30
0.6
40
0.7
50
60
0.8
70
0.9
80
90
0.
33
0.
1
100
0.3
0
0
0.2
0.3
0.1
-10
0.3
-120
-120
34
Co
1.4
0.2
Pressure (psia)
40
34
300
0.5
7.0
-80
3.0
-20
400
0.4
5.0
-60
4.0
0.6
-30
600
100
-40
-80
-80
0.8
1400
800
14
6.0
1.0
-40
-60
-60
8.0
1000
60
Evaporation Line
3000
10
0.2
0.3
40
14
0.2
80
-20
-40
.27
2000
0.14
100
-20
20
160
30
Compression Line
20
120
40
58
4000
140
Expansion20Line
60
180
40
40
36
100
80
56
200
60
60
220
140
240
80
80
280
200
260
100
30 0
2A
120
Condensation Line
320
140
140
3
120
300
Desuperheating Line
180
160
160
400
52
54
60
0.10
200
180
38
600
42
800
44
160F
1000
50
0.07
46
IDEAL CYCLE
1400
5000
0.03
2000
200
5
.3
0.
t
ns
36
an
0.
n
tE
37
y
op
tr
0.
/
tu
(B
lb
F
-
20
0.
39
70
6.0
4.0
30
3.0
40
38
8.0

.40
2.0
1.4
1.0
0.8
110
120
130
140
150
SCALE CHANGE
Fig.3 - Plotting the Ideal Cycle on the P-H Diagram
160
170
180
190
0.6
200
FORM 5-200 / Page 5
Once the system has been plotted, various data points can be
read and used for the system design calculations. Admittedly,
this information is not typically something the technician will
need for servicing the refrigeration equipment. However, an
understanding of how operating conditions affect system
design, efficiency, energy consumption, and particularly compressor performance, should be of great worth to the technician.
Heat of Compression (HOC): This is the amount of heat added
to the refrigerant from the compression process (represented

by H2 minus H1 on the chart).
Heat of Rejection (HOR): This is the amount of heat that has
to be rejected at the condenserthe heat transferred to the
refrigerant from the refrigerated space (RE), and the heat transferred to the refrigerant during compression (HOC). It is this
value, plus some safety factor, from which the condenser selection is made (represented by H2 minus H3 on the chart).
Data Points and System Design Calculations:

Refrigeration Effect (RE): This is the total heat transfer, in
Btu/lb, from the refrigerated space to the refrigerant. H1 minus
H4 (H1 is the enthalpy of the refrigerant at point #1 in Fig. 3,
and so forth).
Refrigerant Circulation Rate (RCR): The amount of refrigerant
in lbs/min which must circulate in the system to meet the

demands of the load.
(200 Btu/min ton)
RE (Btu/lb)
Note: For the purpose of this discussion, H1 will be considered the

point where the evaporation line intersects with the saturated vapor
line. In the real world, the location of H1 would be to the right of the
saturated vapor line, reflecting the superheated vapor at the evaporator outlet. With an expansion valve maintaining a typical amount of
superheat (in the 4 - 6 range for low temperature applications), the
heat transferred to the vapor is minimal (less than 1 Btu/lb). The heat
transferred to the vapor between the suction piping outside of the
refrigerated space and the compressor cylinder inlet is never considered as part of the refrigeration effect, as this heat was not transferred from the refrigerated space.
Compressor Horsepower Required: The horsepower/ton

requirement to meet the load demand. Contrary to popular
belief, 1 horsepower and 1 ton are not necessarily synonymous.
RCR (lb/min-ton) X HOC (Btu/lb) X 778 ft-lb/Btu
33,000 ft-lb/min-hp
SCALE CHANGE
10
20
40 4050
30
60
70
80
0.
5000
4000
102
100
90
14
0. 6
0.01
13
-10
12
-20
0.
-30
0.
108
110
15
0.
0.017
120
16
135
140
130
17
0.
0.018
0.
18
0.
19
0.020
150
0.
20
160
0.
REFRIGERANT 22
3000
170
21
22
0.
0.022
0.025
0.
180
23
0.2
190
4
0.2
0.03
0.05
200
TYPICAL CYCLE - 1
180
1400
300
0.4
ature (
m pe r
por
t Te
0.5
200
0.7
140
F)
rate
d Va
ta n
Sat
u
ns
Liq
uid
Co
400
0.3
1.0
100
1.4
80
2.0
60
3.0
40
4.0
30
5.0
20
7.0
14
20
10.0
-60
-60
14
-20
0.6
-30
-20
0.1
0.2
-10
0.3
10
0.4
20
0.5
30
0.6
40
0.7
50
60
0.8
70
80
90
100
34
0.
33
110
0.
1
0
0.9
0.3
-120
0.8
Btu
lb
NRE = 62
-120
Co
0.3
1.4
y
op
tr
120
35
3
0.
0.
37
0.
0
COMP
VOL Req =
130
140
SCALE CHANGE
Fig. 4 Typical Cycle #1
)
-F
3.23 lb
min - ton
2.05 HP
ton 9
8
an =
COMP HP Req
st
-100
0.2
2.0
Btu
lb
n
tE
0.3
HOC = 27
-100
-80
3.0
l
u/=
REF Circulation Rate
Bt
-60
4.0
Btu -80
lb
-40
HOR = 135 40 = 95
-80
1400
600
0.2
40
-40
6.0
800
60
-40
8.0
3000
1000
0.14
-20
20
10
2000
80
-20
14
0.2
0.2
0.10
Sa
tur
ate
d
44
Pressure (psia)
60
0
100
30
1.0
54
58
48
46
40
34
180
20
120
4000
140
40
20
160
60
40
220
60
40
80
52
56
200
60
100
260
80
240
80
140
280
200
30 0
120
120
100
140
320
140
300
36
180
160
160
400
38
600
42
160F
800
50
0.07
Open Drive Compressor

40F Suction S.H. @ Comp. Inlet
200
215F Discharge Temp.
180
1000
5000
6
0.2
0.04
2000
200
150
0.
70
20
3.0
50 Specific Volume
0
(ft3/lb)
2.0
1.4
7.39 CFM
ton
160
6.0
4.0
30
40
0.4
8.0
1.0
0.8
170
180
190
0.6
200
Page 6 / FORM 5-200
The suction superheat will insure that the compressor is protected from liquid flooding. The cost of this protection comes
in the form of a larger compressor volume requirement. This is
due to the warmer, thinner suction vapor; at +20F the specific
volume of the vapor (measured in cu.ft./lb) is greater than it
was at -20F. The compressors cylinders are a measured volume...they never change. The density of the refrigerant may
change, and this will affect the pounds per minute of refrigerant that the compressor will pump, however the volume
pumped remains constant. So, because the suction vapor is less
dense, we now require more compressor cylinder volume to
pump the same mass flow.
Compressor Volume Required: The compressor cylinder vol-
ume requirement needed to pump the RCR, in cu ft/ton. The

vapor specific volume is read on the lines of constant volume.
RCR (lb/min-ton) X vapor specific volume (cu ft/lb)
Lets look at a few typical system scenarios, plot them on the

P-H diagram, and then compare the performance measurements.
Typical Cycle #1 (Fig. 4): It is neither realistic nor safe to have
a saturated vapor at the compressor inlet. Because liquid cannot be present with superheated vapor, some amount of superheat at the compressor inlet becomes the margin necessary
to insure the safety of the compressor. Here we see the suction vapor superheated to +20F (40 superheat). This is the
result of an expansion valve set to maintain some amount of
superheat, plus the temperature increase the refrigerant vapor
experiences in the suction line. The suction line connected to
the compressor will have some accumulation of frost on it.
This is the result of the 20F pipe temperature and mositure in
the air, NOT the result of floodback. Floodback is not possible
when the vapors temperature is 40 above the saturation temperature (40 superheat). Do not confuse frost buildup with
floodback.
While all the various data points and system design calculations are listed, they will appear in a comparative chart later.
Typical Cycle #1A (Fig. 5): Using an open drive compressor,
with a 20F vapor temperature at the compressor inlet, we see
the benefit of subcooling the liquid to 50F. Note the change in
refrigerant quality at the TEV outlet. Instead of 65% liquid, we
now have 80% liquid. Because the difference between liquid
temperature and evaporator temperature has been reduced,
there is less refrigerant flashing during the expansion process.
As a result, the TEV and distributor nozzle (if used) can possibly be downsized.
SCALE CHANGE
10
22
20
30
40 4050
60
70
80
0.
5000
4000
102
100
90
14
0. 6
0.01
13
-10
12
-20
0.
-30
0.
108
110
15
0.017
0.
120
16
135
140
130
17
0.
0.018
0.
18
0.
19
0.020
150
0.
20
160
0.
REFRIGERANT 22
3000
170
21
22
0.
0.022
0.025
0.
180
23
0.2
190
4
0.2
0.03
200
0.05
180
TYPICAL CYCLE - 1A
1400
0.5
( F)
rature
id
Liq
u
300
0.4
m pe
t Te
Vap
o
ta n
400
0.3
200
0.7
140
1.0
80
Sat
ura
ted
600
ns
rate
d
Co
Sat
u
1.4
80
2.0
60
3.0
40
4.0
30
14
10.0
14
0.2
0.3
10
0.4
20
0.5
30
0.6
40
0.7
50
60
0.8
70
nt
py
ro
80
90
110
34
0.
33
0.
100
0.3
0
0.9
0.3
-120
Co
120
5
.3
0.
36
0.
37
0.
0
COMP
VOL Req =
130
140
SCALE CHANGE
Fig. 5 Typical Cycle #1A
2.5 lb
min - ton
1.59 HP
ton 9
8
COMP HP Req
ta =
ns
-100
0.1
-10
Btu
lb
Btu
lb
NRE = 80
-120
lb
)
-F
u/=
Bt
E
nt
0.3
1.4
-80
0.2
Pressure (psia)
44
800
0.2
40
2.0
-20
1000
20
-20
HOC = 27
-100
1400
100
-80
3.0
Btu
lb
7.0
-60
4.0
0.6
-30
0.2
5.0
-40
HOR = 95
-80
3000
-60
6.0
0.8
60
-40
-60
8.0
2000
0.14
20
10
100
-20
-40
14
-20
20
58
0.10
40
30
20
120
40
4000
.27
140
20
160
60
40
180
40
260
60
100
80
56
200
60
220
140
240
80
80
280
200
1.0
34
120
100
30 0
120
140
320
140
300
36
180
160
160
400
38
600
42
160F
800
52
54
60
48
46
1000
50
0.07

200
Liquid Subcooled to18050F
5000
6
0.2
0.04
2000
200
150
0.
70
20
3.0

.40
2.0
1.4
5.73 CFM
ton
160
6.0
4.0
30
40
8.0
1.0
0.8
170
180
190
0.6
200
FORM 5-200 / Page 7
The use of a liquid to suction heat exchanger will yield subcooled liquid, but at the expense of higher suction vapor temperatures. While this method of subcooling will insure vapor
free liquid refrigerant at the TEV inlet, it has little effect on
increasing system efficiency. The benefit realized resulting
from subcooling will be offset by the higher suction vapor temperatures, and the volume requirement penalty they impose. In
this supermarket example the liquid for the low temperature
rack is subcooled using the medium temperature rack. There is
no heat gain to the low temperature rack as a byproduct of the
subcooled liquid. The refrigerant is subcooled on a rack that is
operating between 2 to 2-1/2 horsepower per ton, and the benefit is being experienced on a rack that is operating near 5
horsepower per ton.
seals. The disadvantage is that there is now an electric motor in

the refrigerant circuit (at least on suction vapor cooled hermetic compressors). In addition to the guaranteed system contamination problem when a hermetic motor burns, you have the
heat from the motor being transferred to the refrigerant vapor.
An approximate 80F temperature increase can be expected
between the vapor entering the compressor service valve, and
the vapor entering the compressor cylinders. This brings the
suction vapor temperature up to 100F, with a corresponding
increase in discharge temperaturenow approaching 300F.
This is the upper limit at which most compressor manufacturers
agree shouldnt be exceeded. The refrigerant vapor at 100F
has a specific volume approximately 20% higher than at 20F.
This translates into a compressor volume requirement which
will be approximately 20% greater. The higher suction vapor
temperature also results in a higher HOC, which raises the
horsepower requirement.
The comparative chart will show the benefits: reduced refrigerant circulation rate, reduced horsepower requirement, and
reduced compressor volume requirement. If the subcooling can
be accomplished very inexpensively, such as ambient subcooling with a receiver bypass, the energy savings can be enormous. For more details on this see Sporlan Form 90-134.
Typical Cycle #3 (Fig. 7): Now, lets take a look at the real
world. It is now the dead of summer the most extreme condition for the equipment. When the system design and equipment
selection was made, it was this summer weather that was used
as the worst case condition of operation. Now, your company
was so busy in the winter that the yearly preventative maintenance was not done. Or perhaps its one of those customers
Typical Cycle #2 (Fig. 6): The advantage of using a hermetic

compressor is the elimination of either belts or drive motor
couplings which require precise alignment, and crankshaft
SCALE CHANGE
10
20
30
40 4050
60
70
80
0.
5000
4000
102
100
90
14
0. 6
0.01
13
-10
12
-20
0.
-30
0.
110
15
0.017
0.
120
16
121
17
0.
0.018
0.
130
140
18
0.
19
0.020
150
0.
20
0.
REFRIGERANT 22
3000
152 160
170
21
22
0.
0.022
0.025
0.
180
23
0.2
190
4
0.2
0.03
TYPICAL CYCLE - 2
200
0.05
180
1400
(
rature
400
300
200
0.7
140
F)
ted
Vap
or
m pe
Sat
ura
t Te
id
tan
tur
ate
dL
iq u
ns
Sa
Co
1.0
100
1.4
80
2.0
60
3.0
40
4.0
30
5.0
20
40
7.0
14
10.0
-20
u/
-80
3.0
0.2
-10
0.3
10
0.4
20
0.5
30
0.6
40
50
60
70
80
90
33
110
0.
100
0.3
0
0.9
0.3
0.1
-120
0.3
Btu
lb
0.7
0.8
NRE = 62
120
3
0.
0.
36
0.
COMP VOL Req =

130
140
SCALE CHANGE
20
2.36 HP
8 ton .39
.3
37
150
14
3.23 lb
min - ton
py
ro
1.4
-120
t
En
st =
COMP HP Req
on
34
2.0
an
-100
Btu
lb
HOC = 152 - 121 = 31
0.
-100
lb
-F
t
(B =
-60
4.0
-40
Btu-80
lb
HOR = 152 - 40 = 112
0.2
Pressure (psia)
600
0.5
80F-60Vapor
Temperature increase from hermetic motor windings
-80
-20
1400
800
0.4
120F Suction Superheat
6.0
0.6
-30
1000
60
-40
-60
0.8
3000
2000
0.2
0.3
20
10
8.0
0.2
80
-20
20
14
0.2
100
-20
-40
4000
48
44
40
30
1.0
0.14
34
20
120
40
60
0
140
20
260
40
160
60
40
220
60
180
80
54
58
200
60
100
280
80
240
80
140
30 0
120
100
200
140
120
320
140
300
36
180
160
160
400
52
56
0.10
42
180
38
600
46
160F
800
50
0.07
Hermetic Compressor
295F Discharge Temp. 200
1000
5000
0.2
0.04
2000
200
70
3.0

.40
2.0
1.4
8.77 CFM
ton
160
6.0
4.0
30
40
8.0
1.0
0.8
170
180
190
0.6
200
Page 8 / FORM 5-200
for the vapor trapped in the clearance volume. It too is at the

discharge pressure. Before any suction vapor can re-enter the
cylinders, the clearance volume vapor must experience a reduction in pressure to a level slightly below that of the suction pressure. Otherwise, there would be no flow into the cylinder. It is
piston travel, which increases the cylinder volume, that reduces
this clearance volume pressure. This portion of the piston travel, which is entirely dedicated to lowering the clearance volume
pressure, performs no useful work at all. In fact, it is advantageous to keep this to a minimum. The higher the clearance volume pressure is above the suction pressure, the more of this
wasted piston travel will be required. Simply put, this is the definition of a high compression ratio (substituting discharge pressure for clearance volume pressure, as they are one and the
same).
who never wants to spend money on preventionthe one you

tell you can either pay me a little now, or you can pay me a lot
more, later. In either case, the condenser is dirty, and the bottom line is that the condensing temperature has increased; from
100F to 120F.
With the higher discharge pressure, the compression ratio has
increased from 8.5:1 to 11:1. This higher pressure that the
compressor is pumping against has a twofold negative impact.
First, the motor amperage will be higher. Secondly, the volumetric efficiency of the compressor will be reduced.
There is a pocket of vapor between the bottom of the valve
plate, and the top of the piston, called the clearance volume. It
is there to insure that the piston does not run into the valve
plate during the operation of the compressor. The vapor in this
pocket requires re-expansion to a lower pressure before any
new suction vapor can enter the compressors cylinders.
Note the higher HOC. Referring to the system design calculations reveals that more horsepower will be required. In addition, the quality of the saturated liquid/vapor mixture at the
TEV outlet has further deteriorated, resulting in a lower RE.
Referring again to the system design calculations will reveal
that the lower the RE is, the higher the RCR has to be. This, in
turn, will require more cylinder volume to meet the demand of
an increased RCR. In a typical supermarket there are backup
compressors that only operate under high load conditions, so
Lets take a look at the compression cycle. It begins when suction vapor enters a cylinder as its piston is traveling down. As
the piston starts to travel back up, reducing the volume of the
cylinder, the vapor pressure increases. When the piston reaches
the top of its stroke, the entire volume of compressed vapor will
have exited the cylinder through the discharge valves EXCEPT
SCALE CHANGE
10
3040 40
20
45
50
60
70
80
0.
5000
4000
102
100
90
14
0. 6
0.01
13
-10
12
-20
0.
-30
0.
110
15
0.
0.017
120
16
121
17
0.
0.018
0.
130
152
150
140
18
0.
19
0.020
0.
20
155
160
0.
REFRIGERANT 22
3000
170
21
22
0.
0.022
25
0.0
0.
180
23
0.2
190
4
0.2
0.03
200
0.05
180
TYPICAL CYCLE - 3
1400
0
Co
ns
ta n
t Te
m pe
0.5
295F Discharge Temp.

(
rature
140
1.0
100
id
dL
iqu
80
Sat
ura
te
-20
REF Circulation
Rate =
F)
(
10
0.4
20
0.5
30
0.6
40
0.7
50
60
0.8
70
0.9
80
90
100
34
0.
33
0.
1
9
-10
0.3
0.3
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.3
-120
-120
NRE @ 120F Cond. = 57 Btu

lb
5
0.3
1.4
u/
Bt
lb
3.5 lb
min - ton
py
COMPtroHP
Req = 2.81 HP
n
ton 40
tE
-100
NRE @ 100F Cond. = 62 Btu

lb
200
1.4
80
2.0
60
3.0
40
4.0
30
14
-80
-100
2.0
300
0.7
F)
Sat
ura
ted
Vap
or
Pressure (psia)
44
400
0.3
320F Discharge
0.4 Temp.
10.0
HOC @ 120F = 34 Btu

lb
HOC @ 100F = 31 Btu

lb
3.0
-20
600
20
-60
-80
4.0
0.6
-30
800
0.2
7.0
-40
-80
0.8
1000
0.14
20
-60
6.0
1400
5.0
HOR @ 120F = 110 Btu

lb
HOR @ 100F = 112 Btu

lb
0.10
40
-40
-60
8.0
0.2
10
3000
2000
100
-20
-40
14
4000
7
0.2
60
20
-20
48
46
40
30
20
120
40
54
60
140
20
180
40
160
60
220
60
40
80
52
56
58
200
60
100
1.0
34
80
240
80
140
260
200
280
100
30 0
120
140
120
320
140
300
36
180
160
160
400
38
600
42
160F
800
50
0.07
Dirty Condenser - 120F Cond. Temp

Hermetic Compressor
200
120F S.H. @ Cylinder
Inlet
180
1000
5000
0.2
0.04
2000
200
0.
20
8.0
6.0
4.0
30
3.0
an
50 Specific Volume (ft /lb)

CFM
COMP
VOL
Req
= 9.54
0
39
38
0.4 ton
0.
37
0.
0.
70
n
Co
3
0.
st
14
2.0
1.4
1.0
0.8
110
120
130
140
SCALE CHANGE
150
160
170
180
190
0.6
200
FORM 5-200 / Page 9
So, this makes senseif a lower discharge air temperature is

required, what easier way is there to accomplish it? By reducing the refrigerant pressure in the evaporator, the saturation
temperature will be reduced. This allows for a higher temperature difference between the air entering the evaporator and the
heat transfer medium (the refrigerant), resulting in a higher rate
of heat transferor in simple terms a lower discharge air temperature. There is only one problem. The EPR is already wide
open. Heyhow about lowering the set point for the common
suction pressure on the racks energy management control system. Theres plenty of extra horsepower in the form of idle
compressors, so capacity isnt an issuejust bring another
compressor on.
extra capacity is not a problem. For the store owner, paying for
the additional electricity to operate the extra compressor(s)
might be a major problem.
Finally, the discharge temperature has increased to 320F. At
this elevated temperature the mineral oils lubrication qualities
will be diminished. Additionally, at 320F mineral oil will most
certainly start to decompose. Under certain circumstances, the
refrigerant (R22) may start to decompose as well. All of this
spells a short destructive life for the compressor.
Typical Cycle #4 (Fig. 8): Now for the double whammy. Not
only is the condenser filthy, but the TEVs were never adjusted. They are operating at abnormally high superheats, which in
effect have reduced the size of the evaporators. As a result, the
discharge air temperature in the glass door frozen food display
cases is too high, causing the frozen juice to melt.
With a simple adjustment, the fixture lineups discharge air

temperature can be brought in line. The pressure set point is
lowered to 20 psia (-29F). Simpleyesbut theres a doozy
of a problem with this approach.
Because it is the dead of summer, and the service call log is

overflowing, a quick solution to this problem would be great.
So, in order to compensate for the high discharge air temperatures in the fixture lineup mentioned above, the service technician decides to lower the EPR setting. It doesnt occur to him
that a -20F saturated suction temperature should be low
enough to achieve a -10F discharge air temperature.
Lowering the suction pressure will increase the compression

ratio: in this example from 11:1 to 13.6:1an approximate
20% increase over the compression ratio in Typical Cycle #3.
This further reduces the compressor volumetric efficiency, and
increases the horsepower requirement.
SCALE CHANGE
10
20
30
45
50
40
60
70
80
0.
5000
4000
102
100
90
14
0. 6
0.01
13
-10
12
-20
0.
-30
0.
110
15
0.
0.017
124
130
120
16
17
0.
0.018
0.
140
18
0.
19
0.020
150
0.
20
0.
REFRIGERANT 22
3000
165
170
160
21
22
0.
0.022
0.025
0.
180
23
0.2
190
4
0.2
0.03
TYPICAL CYCLE - 4
200
0.05
180
ns
ta n
t Te
ature (
m pe r
140
F )
Sat
ura
ted
Vap
or
Co
1.0
id
100
40
dL
iqu
Sat
ura
te
1.4
80
2.0
60
3.0
40
4.0
30
14
10.0
14
-10
0.3
10
0.4
20
0.5
30
0.6
40
0.7
50
60
0.8
70
90
110
34
33
0.
0.
100
0.3
80
0.3
-120
0.9
t
En
120
35
3
0.
on
0.
37
0.
130
140
3.51 lb
min - ton
3.4 HP
ton 9
8
0
COMP
VOL Req =
SCALE CHANGE
-F
py
ro
an =
COMP HP Req
st
0.2
l
u/=
Bt
-100
0.3
0.1
Btu
lb
Btu
lb
NRE = 57
-120
-80
0.2
Pressure (psia)
200
0.7
20
-20
1.4
-20
300
0.5
100
-80
HOC = 41
-100
2.0
0.6
-30
400
0.4
7.0
-60
3.0
0.8
600
5.0
-40
Btu
lb
HOR = 120
-80
4.0
1.0
800
60
-60
6.0
1400
-60
8.0
1000
0.3
20
10
-40
3000
2000
0.2
0.2
80
-20
-40
14
0.14
-20
20
30
36
20
120
40
4000
7
0.2
140
20
180
40
160
60
220
60
40
80
200
60
100
80
240
80
140
260
200
100
280
100
30 0
120
320
140
120
140
300
34
160
400
54
58
48
46
40
38
600
42
800
52
56
60
0.10
160F
44
1000
50
0.07

Hermetic Compressor
130F S.H. @ Cylinder Inlet
200
180
180
Suction Pressure 160
lowered
to 20 psia (-29F)
1400
5000
0.2
0.04
2000
200
150
0.
20
3.0

.40
2.0
1.4
70
12.42 CFM
ton
160
6.0
4.0
30
40
8.0
1.0
0.8
170
180
190
0.6
200
Page 10 / FORM 5-200
The lower the suction pressure is, the higher the refrigerants
specific volume will be, which translates into a greater compressor volume requirement. Simply reducing the suction pressure has resulted in a 30% increase in volume requirement over
Typical Cycle #3.
The final blow is a higher discharge temperature, which is now
approaching 370Fway beyond any margin of safety. Its
guaranteed that the mineral oil will vaporize off the cylinder
walls. This leaves the compressors metal to metal moving
parts vulnerable to accelerated wear, and certain failure. A look
in the crankcase will reveal a black sludge where oil used to be.
The crankshaft lubrication passages are now in danger of plugging up with the oil breakdown. Its quite possible that some of
this oil breakdown will end up in TEV ports, which will leave
them unable to control proper superheat. Unless preventative
measures are taken, this compressor is headed for the scrap
heap. In addition, the operation has become extremely inefficient, resulting in even higher energy costs.
Lets take a look at the chart comparing the system design calculations of the various cycles discussed. This can be seen in
Fig. 9. The important values to look at are:
Compression Ratio: The ratio of absolute discharge
pressure/absolute suction pressure. The compressor motor

amperage will increase as the compression ratio increases.
Also, the higher compression ratio results in reduced compressor volumetric efficiency. The net result is that it will take more
energy to run a less efficient compressor. So, additional compressors will have to operate to compensate for this.
Discharge Temperature: A good measure of the relative health
or sickness of the system. Most compressor manufacturers

highly suggest the discharge temperature be kept below 300F.
It is not realistic to put a temperature probe inside the cylinder
to monitor temperature. Experience has shown that the discharge temperature 6 from the discharge service valve will be
between 50 - 75 less than the actual discharge temperature. In
addition to cleaning condensers, discharge temperatures can be
reduced by proper expansion valve setting, compressor body
cooling fan motors, good suction line insulation, liquid injection andkeeping the suction pressure as high as possible. For
more details regarding discharge temperatures and liquid injection, refer to Sporlan Form 10-197.
Refrigerant Circulation Rate: The larger this number is, the
more compressors will be required in operation to achieve

capacity. It would be ideal to search out ways to reduce the
amount of refrigerant to be pumped. Anything that affects the
refrigerant quality at the TEV outlet will influence the RCR.
Its not how much refrigerant we are feeding to the TEV, but
how much of it remains after the expansion process, for the liquid refrigerant remaining is our only medium for transferring
heat from the refrigerated space. Higher condensing temperatures have a negative affect on this. Notice the great reduction
in the RCR where liquid subcooling is employed. Again, if the
subcooling can be accomplished inexpensively, the potential
for savings is great. It was the increase in discharge pressure
(temperature) in Typical Cycle #3 which increased the RCR.
Compressor Horsepower: We can all relate to horsepower.

The higher the horsepower requirement, the higher the electric
bill will be at the end of the month. The subcooled liquid
reduced the horsepower requirement. Because the refrigerant
quality was reduced at the outlet of the TEV (more liquid present), it was used more efficiently. Therefore less of it was
required to circulate, which caused a reduction in the horsepower required.
HOC and RCR are the two values which will determine the
horsepower requirement. We see a 20% increase in the horsepower requirement in Typical Cycle #3 (as compared to
Typical Cycle #2). This comes from the discharge pressure
being raised (from 210 psia to 274 psia, an increase in the
HOC). Such an easy thing to keep the condenser clean; yet how
huge the impact is, if not done.
In Typical Cycle #4 the suction pressure is lowered from 24
psia to 19 psia. This 5 psi reduction in suction pressure results
in a 20% increase in the system horsepower requirement as
well. The lower suction pressure yields a smaller refrigeration
effect, which results in a higher RCR. It also leads to a higher
HOC. Since lowering the suction pressure will increase the
HOC and RCR, it is important to keep the suction pressure as
high as possible.
Compressor Volume: The compressor horsepower and the
cylinder volume requirement are independent of one another.

We see that from Typical Cycle #1 where there is no suction
superheat, to Typical Cycle #2 where there is 40 of superheat,
there is an approximate 20% increase in the cylinder volume
requirement. The horsepower remains constant, however. It is
the warmer, thinner suction vapor which drives the volume
requirement up. One can see the tremendous penalty for using
a hermetic compressor. Perhaps the reduced maintenance offsets the higher power bills. While high suction superheat
increases the vapor specific volume (cu. ft./lb), it is the lower
suction pressure in Typical Cycle #4 which has the greatest
impact on increasing the specific volume.
There is a threefold negative affect from lower suction pressure:
First, it will cause an increase in compression ratio, and
the resulting decrease in volumetric efficiency. Lowering
the suction pressure by a few pounds will result in a
much greater increase to the compression ratio than by
raising the discharge pressure the same amount.
Secondly, the refrigerants specific volume increases
with a decrease in pressure. As the specific volume
increases (a decrease in density), more cylinder volume
is required to pump the same mass flow.
Thirdly, the compression process follows the constant
entropy lines. Therefore, the lower the suction pressue is,
while following a constant entropy line during compression to a given condensing pressure, the higher the resulting discharge temperature will be. This has destructive
consequences on the chemicals in the system, of which in
part the compressor relies on for a long life.
FORM 5-200 / Page 11
-20
-20
-20
20
40
-20
20
40
10
180
80
27
89
8.5
Comp
Vol Req
Btu/lb
Vapor
Spec Vol
Btu/lb
Comp
HP Reqd
Btu/lb
REF
Circulation
Rate
(F)
COP
(F)
Refrigeration
Effect
(F)
Heat of
Rejection
(F)
Heat of
Compression
Discharge
Temp
(F)
Compressor
Ratio
Condenser
Temp
(F)
While several realistic system scenarios have been plotted

and dissected, as stated earlier there are still some aspects of
each cycle that are represented in an ideal fashion. There are
pressure losses in the tubing, valves, accessories, etc. which are
not shown. The compression process occurs at a constant
entropy ONLY in the ideal cycle. In the real world, entropy
will increase during the compression process, resulting in even
higher discharge temperatures and HOC values. These factors
should not detract from the basic focus of this article: to give
one a solid foundation of the refrigeration cycle, based on what
happens to the refrigerant as it travels throughout the system,
and how the operating conditions can influence the relative
health and efficiency of the system.
Discharge
Superheat
Ideal Cycle
Suction
Superheat
Comparative Data
with Varying Conditions
Suction
Temp
REFRIGERANT 22
Evaporator
Temp
The simplest way to insure against abnormally low suction

pressure is to set the expansion valve for the proper superheat.
When the TEV is set properly, the evaporator is efficiently used
as a heat transfer device due to the boiling liquid present
through most of its tubing length. High superheat settings
reduce the amount of liquid available for heat transfer, in effect
reducing the evaporator capacity. This can be negated by lowering the suction pressure, which lowers the saturation temperature, and yields a higher temperature difference between the
entering air and the refrigerant. Evaporator capacities increase
as the TD increases, so this allows for proper product temperature. It is done at the expense of lower suction pressure, and
the negative impact it has on system health.
lb/min-ton
hp/ton
cu ft/lb
cfm/ton
62
2.30 3.23
2.05
2.07
62
2.30 3.23
2.05
2.29
1.59
2.29
2.36
2.72
6.8
Typ ical Cycle - 1

(40F Suction S.H.)
10
215
8.5
15
27
95
7.39
Typ ical Cycle - 1A

(40F Suction S.H.)
Liquid subcooled to 50F
10
215
8.5
15
27
95
80
2.96
2.50
5.73
Typical Cycle - 2
Hermetic Compressor (add 80F S.H.)
120F S.H. vapor entering cylinders
-20
10
120
10
295
8.5
195
31
12
62
2.0 3.23
8.7
-20
100
120
120
320
11.1
200
34
110
57
1.68
3.51
2.81
2.72
-30
100
130
120
365
13.9
245
41
120
57
1.39
3.51
3.39
3.54 12.42
Typical Cycle - 3
Dirty Condenser (120F Cond. Temp)
9.54
Typical Cycle - 4
Suction pressure lowered to
compensate for starving TEV's
Fig. 9 Comparison of System Design Calculations
Printed in the U. S. of A.
Copyright 2005 Parker Hannifin Corporation, Washington, Missouri
105

The Pressure - Enthalpy Chart: by Dave Demma, Senior Application Engineer - Supermarket Refrigeration

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The Pressure - Enthalpy Chart: by Dave Demma, Senior Application Engineer - Supermarket Refrigeration

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January 2005 / FORM 5-200

The Pressure - Enthalpy Chart

required to change 1 lb. of material from the liquid phase into

resulting in a change of temperature.

resulting in a change of physical state (occurring at constant

vapors temperature and its saturation temperature.

Ton of Refrigeration - The amount of cooling required to

change (freeze) 1 ton of water at 32F into ice at 32F, in a 24

raise 1 lb. of water 1F.

Fig. 1 illustrates some of these definitions, using water as the

Page 2 / FORM 5-200

condition; subcooled liquid. To the right of the saturated vapor

Specific volume is expressed in cu.ft/lb. (see orange line).

heat and temperature, and relates to the availability of energy.

All of the relevant properties are shown in Fig. 2:

To obtain gauge pressure, subtract atmospheric pressure.

vertical direction in the superheated vapor & sub-cooled liquid

within the saturation bubble. The refrigerant within the bubble

Boiling at constant pressure and temperature

Latent Heat of Vaporization

Fig. 1 Water undergoing a change of state.

FORM 5-200 / Page 3

Enough heat must be transferred from the refrigerant to lower

The purpose of the compressor is to take a low pressure vapor

If the operating temperatures and pressures are known, the

The refrigerant is in the liquid state now, and at a high pressure

So, in order to reduce the temperature, the pressure has to be

50 Specific Volume (ft3/lb)

Enthalpy (Btu per lb above saturated liquid at -40F)

Fig. 2 R22 Pressure-Enthalpy Diagram

Page 4 / FORM 5-200

itself as the system load demands change. This is exactly what

Because the refrigerant must conform to its law of existence,

Our ideal cycle has experienced a pressure drop in the TEV,

Enthalpy (Btu per lb above saturated liquid at -40F)

50 Specific Volume (ft3/lb)

Fig.3 - Plotting the Ideal Cycle on the P-H Diagram

FORM 5-200 / Page 5

Heat of Compression (HOC): This is the amount of heat added

to the refrigerant from the compression process (represented

Data Points and System Design Calculations:

Refrigerant Circulation Rate (RCR): The amount of refrigerant

in lbs/min which must circulate in the system to meet the

Note: For the purpose of this discussion, H1 will be considered the

Compressor Horsepower Required: The horsepower/ton

Enthalpy (Btu per lb above saturated liquid at -40F)

Fig. 4 Typical Cycle #1

Open Drive Compressor

Page 6 / FORM 5-200

Compressor Volume Required: The compressor cylinder vol-

ume requirement needed to pump the RCR, in cu ft/ton. The

Lets look at a few typical system scenarios, plot them on the

Enthalpy (Btu per lb above saturated liquid at -40F)

Fig. 5 Typical Cycle #1A

Open Drive Compressor

50 Specific Volume (ft3/lb)

FORM 5-200 / Page 7

seals. The disadvantage is that there is now an electric motor in

Typical Cycle #2 (Fig. 6): The advantage of using a hermetic

COMP VOL Req =

Enthalpy (Btu per lb above saturated liquid at -40F)

Fig. 6 Typical Cycle #2

HOC = 152 - 121 = 31